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QLC+

QLC+ — Free DMX Lighting Control

QLC+ (Q Light Controller Plus) is a free, open-source DMX lighting control application. It’s excellent for architectural lighting, small venues, and LED pixel mapping.

QLC+ Virtual Console DMX interface screenshot
FeatureDetails
PlatformWindows, macOS, Linux, Raspberry Pi
LicenseApache 2.0
Websiteqlcplus.org

Key Features

  • DMX output — USB DMX, Art-Net, sACN (E1.31)
  • RGB Matrix — Create pixel effects on LED strips
  • Fixture editor — Create custom fixture profiles
  • Chaser / Sequence — Timed lighting sequences
  • Audio trigger — Trigger scenes from audio input
  • Web UI — Control via smartphone browser
  • Show mode — Lock interface for production use

When to Use QLC+

  • Small to medium DMX installations
  • Architectural / museum lighting
  • Educational and community theater
  • When budget is tight (it’s free!)

Limitations

  • Pixel mapping is more limited than MADRIX or Resolume
  • No 3D visualizer built in
  • Less suited for large pixel LED shows (>5000 LEDs)