LEDEdit
LEDEdit is a free Windows-based software suite for programming pixel LED effects and exporting them to SD cards for standalone playback on dedicated hardware controllers. There are two distinct versions commonly available:
- Xianboled (led-bo.com) — Original version. Designed for T1000S, K1000C, T8000, K8000C and related T/K-series controllers.
- LEDEdit.com (lededit.com) — Newer version with support for T-1KS and newer controllers.
Both versions generate pixel-by-pixel animation data — text effects, gradient sweeps, bitmap sequences, music-reactive patterns — and export them as .led files that play autonomously from a microSD card. No PC or network connection is needed during show time. The workflow is simple: create effects in the software, write to SD card, insert into controller, power on.
Key features include:
- 32 to 65,536 gray levels with software gamma correction
- Timing functions — date intervals, weekly schedules, time-based triggers
- 2300+ built-in effects in downloadable packs
- Broad chip support — WS2811/12/13/15, SK6812, UCS1903/2903, TM1803/04/09/12, LPD6803/8806, APA102, SM16703, GS8205, DMX512, TLS3001, and dozens more
- AutoCAD DXF import for importing fixture layouts
- Layered timeline editing with batch export
Controller Ecosystem
LEDEdit effects play back on dedicated pixel controllers. The original T/K-series controllers are most commonly used with the Xianboled version. The newer lededit.com version adds support for additional models like the T-1KS.
T-1000S — Entry-Level Single-Port Controller
A compact, low-cost controller for small to medium installations.
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Outputs | 1 port (TTL SPI + RS485 + DMX) |
| Max pixels | 2,048 per unit |
| Voltage | DC 5–24V |
| Max programs | 16 |
| Storage | microSD (FAT32) |
| Frame rate | 30 fps ≤ 512 px, ~15 fps at 2,048 px |
| Cascade | Yes — chain via IN/OUT ports |
| Price | $16–$35 |
Best for: signs, small matrices, accent lighting, single-zone installations.
K-1000C — Single Port with DMX Addressing
An enhanced single-port controller with built-in DMX address writing, more program slots, and optical isolation for cascade runs.
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Outputs | 1 port (TTL + DMX + coding line) |
| Max pixels | 2,048 (SPI) / 512 (DMX) |
| Max programs | 32 |
| Voltage | DC 5–24V |
| DMX address | Built-in writer (UCS512, WS2821, SM512, etc.) |
| Cascade | Optical isolation, up to 150m between units |
| Price | $37–$55 |
Best for: installations needing DMX pixel support, larger single-zone projects, cascaded multi-controller setups.
T-8000 Series — 8-Port Controllers
The T-8000 family provides eight independent SPI outputs for large installations.
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Outputs | 8 ports (TTL SPI + RS485) |
| Max pixels | 8,192 total (1,024 per port) |
| Voltage | DC 7.5–24V + 5V (separate) or AC 110–230V |
| DMX mode | Up to 4,096 pixels (512 × 8) |
| Variants | T-8000 (base), T-8000AC (AC-powered, 7-segment display), T-8000C (RJ45 sync) |
| Price | $85–$140 |
Best for: building facades, large signage, multi-zone architectural lighting.
K-8000C — 8-Port with Networking
The K-8000C adds Ethernet connectivity with Art-Net and sACN support on top of eight SPI/DMX outputs.
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Outputs | 8 ports (TTL + RS485/DMX per port) |
| Max pixels | 8,192 total (1,024 per port) |
| Max DMX | 4,096 (512 × 8) |
| Network | Ethernet — Art-Net, sACN |
| Voltage | AC 100–240V or DC 5–24V |
| Cascade | Optical isolation, up to 150m |
| Price | $85–$95 |
Best for: projects needing Art-Net/sACN real-time control alongside SD-card playback.
Other Models
- T-300K — 8-port, online + offline, ~$80–$120
- T-2000 / T-3000 / T-5000 / T-9000 — legacy/discontinued models with varying port counts
- T-600K — 8-port, 6,144 max pixels, online only, ~$100
Software Versions
| Version | Notes |
|---|---|
| LEDEdit TM 2024 (v10.3) | Best for Windows 10/11, supports T1000S/K-series |
| LEDEdit 2026 V4.2 | Latest from lededit.com (Jan 2026), multi-language |
| LEDEdit-K (v3.34) | Lightweight, limited to 128×64 matrices |
LEDEdit vs Alternatives
| Feature | LEDEdit | xLights | MADRIX | WLED |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free | Paid licenses | Free (firmware) |
| Offline playback | ✅ SD card | ✅ FPP | ❌ | ❌ (WiFi) |
| Max pixels (single unit) | 8,192 (T-8000) | Unlimited (FPP) | Unlimited | ~2,500 |
| Real-time control | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Art-Net / sACN | K-8000C only | ✅ | ✅ | Via add-on |
| Platform | Windows only | Win/Mac/Linux | Win/Mac | ESP (web UI) |
When to Choose LEDEdit
LEDEdit + T-series/K-series controllers are ideal for:
- Permanent architectural installations — building facades, channel letter signs, retail branding
- Offline signage — no network dependency, just power + SD card
- Budget-constrained projects — controllers start at $16
- Chip-flexible designs — supports virtually any SPI pixel IC
- Multi-controller cascading — chain up to ~37 controllers via IN/OUT ports
Consider alternatives (xLights, MADRIX, WLED) if you need real-time VJ performance, live busking, cross-platform software, or high pixel counts on a single controller.