Skip to main content
The Virtual Console is QLC+‘s powerful interface builder that allows you to create custom control panels for live lighting operation. It provides a visual workspace where you can add and arrange widgets like buttons, sliders, and cue lists to control your lighting fixtures and functions.

​
What is Virtual Console?

Virtual Console is one of the core modules in QLC+ that enables you to:
  • Design custom control interfaces tailored to your specific show or venue
  • Create intuitive layouts with buttons, sliders, frames, and other widgets
  • Control functions, fixtures, and DMX channels in real-time
  • Map external controllers (MIDI, OSC, etc.) to interface elements
  • Build professional lighting control surfaces without physical hardware
The Virtual Console is defined in the source code at ui/src/virtualconsole/virtualconsole.h and qmlui/virtualconsole/virtualconsole.cpp, serving as the central management system for all VC widgets.

​
Operating Modes

Virtual Console operates in two distinct modes:

​
Design Mode

In Design Mode, you can:
  • Add new widgets from the toolbar
  • Move and resize widgets
  • Edit widget properties and appearance
  • Configure external input sources
  • Set up keyboard shortcuts
  • Organize widgets into frames and pages
Design Mode is only available when QLC+ is in Design mode. The toolbar and editing features are automatically disabled in Operate mode to prevent accidental changes during live operation.

​
Operate Mode

In Operate Mode, the interface becomes active:
  • Widgets respond to mouse clicks and keyboard input
  • External controllers can trigger functions
  • You can control lights in real-time
  • The interface is locked to prevent modifications
  • Buttons trigger functions, sliders adjust values, and cue lists run sequences
The mode is managed through the Doc::Mode enumeration, with the Virtual Console responding to slotModeChanged() signals to enable or disable editing capabilities.

​
Layout Concepts

​
Widget Hierarchy

All Virtual Console elements are derived from the VCWidget base class, which provides:
  • Unique widget IDs for identification
  • Common appearance properties (colors, fonts, backgrounds)
  • External input handling
  • Keyboard shortcut support
  • Save/load functionality
The widget hierarchy includes: 
VCWidget (base class)
├── VCButton
├── VCSlider
├── VCFrame
│   └── VCSoloFrame
├── VCCueList
├── VCLabel
├── VCSpeedDial
├── VCXYPad
├── VCMatrix
├── VCAudioTriggers
├── VCClock
└── VCAnimation

​
Pages and Organization

Virtual Console supports multi-page layouts:
  • Pages: Organize widgets across multiple pages to reduce clutter
  • Frames: Container widgets that group related controls
  • Multipage Frames: Special frames that can display different widget sets on different pages
  • Solo Frames: Frames that ensure only one child widget’s function runs at a time

​
Properties System

The Virtual Console has global properties managed by the VCProperties class:
  • Default grid size for widget alignment
  • Keyboard grab settings
  • Grand Master configuration
  • Default fade times
  • External input configuration

​
Widget Positioning

Widgets in Virtual Console use absolute positioning:
  • Coordinates are stored in pixels (X, Y, Width, Height)
  • Grid snapping assists with alignment (default 5px resolution)
  • Widgets can be moved by dragging in Design Mode
  • Resize handles appear on selected widgets
  • Multiple widgets can be selected and moved together

Widgets

Explore all available widget types

Buttons

Learn about button widgets

Sliders

Control intensity with sliders

Frames

Organize with frame containers

​
External Input

Virtual Console widgets can be controlled by external devices:
  • MIDI Controllers: Map MIDI notes and control changes to widgets
  • OSC: Control via Open Sound Control protocol
  • ArtNet/sACN: Trigger widgets from lighting consoles
  • Keyboard: Assign keyboard shortcuts to any widget
Each widget stores input source information using the QLCInputSource class, which includes:
  • Universe and channel information
  • Value ranges (lower/upper thresholds)
  • Feedback support for controllers with LEDs
External input is handled through the slotInputValueChanged() method, which is implemented by each widget type according to its specific behavior.

​
Appearance Customization

All widgets support extensive appearance customization:
  • Background Color: Set custom colors or use system defaults
  • Background Image: Apply images to widget backgrounds
  • Foreground Color: Customize text and icon colors
  • Font: Set custom fonts for captions and labels
  • Frame Style: Choose between sunken, raised, or no frame
These properties are saved in the workspace XML file and can be applied to individual widgets or multiple selections.

​
Live Edit Mode

QLC+ supports a special Live Edit mode that allows limited editing during operation:
  • Toggle with the dedicated button in Operate mode
  • Adjust widget positions without stopping functions
  • Cannot add or delete widgets
  • Property editing is restricted
  • Useful for fine-tuning layouts during rehearsals
This mode is controlled by the m_liveEdit flag and the setLiveEdit() method in the Virtual Console class.

​
Next Steps

1

Explore Widget Types

Learn about the different widgets available in Virtual Console and their specific capabilities.
2

Create Your First Layout

Start designing a custom control interface for your lighting setup.
3

Configure External Control

Connect MIDI controllers or other input devices to your widgets.

Build docs developers (and LLMs) love

Get started for freeTalk to us