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Q Light Controller Plus (QLC+)

Q Light Controller Plus is powerful and user-friendly open-source software designed to control lighting equipment. Whether you’re an experienced lighting professional or just getting started, QLC+ empowers you to take control of your lighting fixtures with ease.

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What is QLC+?

QLC+ is comprehensive lighting control software designed for live shows, theatre, architectural installations, and venues. The primary goal of this project is to bring QLC+ to the level of available commercial software while maintaining its open-source nature and accessibility.
QLC+ is often abbreviated from its full name “Q Light Controller Plus” and is the evolution of the original Q Light Controller project.

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Key Features

Multi-Protocol Support

Control lighting fixtures using DMX512, Art-Net, E1.31 (sACN), OSC, MIDI, and HID protocols

Cross-Platform

Runs on Windows 10+, macOS 10.12+, Linux, and Raspberry Pi

Extensive Fixture Library

Supports a huge amount of hardware with hundreds of fixture definitions included

Virtual Console

Create custom control interfaces with buttons, sliders, XY pads, and more

Function Manager

Design complex lighting shows with scenes, chasers, EFX, RGB matrices, and sequences

3D Visualizer

Preview your lighting design in a 3D environment (QLC+ 5)

Web Interface

Control QLC+ remotely through a web browser

Show Manager

Create timeline-based shows with synchronized audio and lighting

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Supported Protocols

QLC+ provides comprehensive support for industry-standard lighting control protocols:
  • DMX512 - The foundation of lighting control via USB DMX interfaces
  • Art-Net - Network-based DMX over Ethernet
  • E1.31 (sACN) - Streaming ACN protocol for lighting networks
  • MIDI - Musical Instrument Digital Interface for external controller integration
  • OSC - Open Sound Control for advanced integration
  • HID - Human Interface Device support for USB controllers
  • OS2L - Open Stage Lighting to Light protocol
Check the official compatibility page for a complete list of supported hardware devices.

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Use Cases

QLC+ is designed to handle a wide variety of lighting control scenarios:

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Live Performances

Control stage lighting for concerts, bands, DJs, and live entertainment venues with real-time control and triggering.

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Theatre Production

Create sophisticated lighting cues and sequences for theatrical performances with precise timing and scene management.

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Architectural Lighting

Design and control permanent lighting installations for buildings, monuments, and architectural features.

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Mobile DJ & Events

Provide portable lighting control for weddings, parties, and corporate events with an easy-to-use interface.

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Clubs & Venues

Manage complex lighting systems in permanent installations with automation and audio-reactive features.

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Education & Learning

Teach lighting design and DMX control with professional-grade software that’s accessible to beginners.

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QLC+ Versions

QLC+ is available in two major versions:

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QLC+ 4 (Current Stable)

  • Version: 4.14.4
  • Built with Qt Widgets UI
  • Mature and stable for production use
  • Includes all core features and plugins
  • Available for Windows, macOS, Linux, and Raspberry Pi

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QLC+ 5 (Next Generation)

  • Version: 5.2.1
  • Built with QML/Qt Quick UI
  • Modern interface with enhanced 3D visualization
  • Optimized for touch screens and mobile devices
  • Available for desktop and mobile platforms (Android, iOS)
QLC+ 4 and QLC+ 5 have different user interfaces and some architectural differences. Choose the version that best fits your needs and hardware.

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Technology Stack

QLC+ is built with modern, cross-platform technologies:
  • C++ - Core application logic and performance-critical components
  • Qt Framework - User interface and cross-platform capabilities (Qt 5 & Qt 6)
  • CMake - Build system for compilation across platforms
  • JavaScript - RGB scripts and web interface functionality

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Open Source & Community

QLC+ is licensed under the Apache 2.0 License, making it free and open-source software. The project welcomes contributions from the community, including:
  • Software development and bug fixes
  • Fixture definition creation
  • Translation to new languages
  • Documentation improvements
  • Testing and feedback
The QLC+ source code is hosted on GitHub where you can report issues, contribute code, and access the latest development builds.

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Getting Help

QLC+ has an active community with multiple support channels:

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Next Steps

Ready to get started with QLC+?

Installation

Download and install QLC+ on your platform

Quick Start Guide

Create your first lighting scene in minutes

Build docs developers (and LLMs) love

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