Frequently asked questions
What people ask most before trying it. Not here? Ask us.
Is it really free?
Yes. Every feature, with no licence, no subscription, no USB key, no account and no limit on universes or time. It is free software under the Apache License 2.0: you can use it for paid work too.
What do I need to control my lights?
A computer with 64-bit Windows 10 or 11 and a USB DMX interface or an Art-Net or sACN node connected to your lights. Without an interface you can still program the show and watch it in a visualiser. Step by step, in how to connect DMX lights to a computer.
Does it work with my USB DMX interface?
It works with the usual interfaces: Enttec Open DMX USB and DMX USB Pro, Eurolite, DMXKing, uDMX, Peperoni and compatible ones, plus Art-Net and sACN. See the compatible hardware list; if yours gives trouble, tell us. How to set it up is in Outputs.
Are my fixtures in the library?
It comes with thousands of definitions, can add the Open Fixture Library and imports GDTF and .qxf files. If one is missing, you build it with the fixture creator. All in Fixtures.
Can I open my QLC+ shows?
Yes. Shows are saved as .qxw, the QLC+ format, so you open yours as they are. QLC+ can also read the engine part of DMX Total Control shows. More details in Coming from QLC+?
Which MIDI controllers can I use?
The Akai APC mini, APC mini mk2 and APC40 mkII have templates with their LEDs. Any other MIDI or OSC controller, DMX input and the keyboard are assigned with Learn mode: click the control on screen and move it on your controller.
Can I use my phone or a tablet?
Yes: your SHOW opens in the browser of a phone or tablet over wifi, with nothing to install, and you can protect it with a PIN. See Remote control.
Does it run on Mac or Linux?
For now there is only a Windows installer. The code builds on Linux and macOS with Qt 6 (instructions in the README). If you need it, tell us: it helps us decide.
Why does Windows warn when installing it?
Because the installer is not signed with a code-signing certificate yet. Click “More info” and “Run anyway”. The download page explains how to check with its SHA-256 fingerprint that the file is the original.
Does it update itself?
Yes. It tells you about each new version and installs it after checking its SHA-256 fingerprint. You can turn this off in Options › Updates.
Which languages is it in?
Spanish, English, Portuguese, French, Italian and German, with the full manual in all six.
Can I use it at my school?
Yes, without asking anyone and with no per-classroom or per-student licences. Every student can install it at home too. More in DMX Total Control for schools.
Who makes it and how is it kept going?
It is an independent free-software project, with its code open on GitHub. Its engine comes from QLC+, another free-software project. You can help by reporting bugs, testing it with your gear or translating: see Contribute.
How do I report a bug or suggest an idea?
On GitHub, with the bug and idea templates. Tell us what gear you use and, if you can, attach the show.