Quick Start Guide

Get started with QLC+ by creating your first lighting scene in minutes

Quick Start Guide

This guide will walk you through creating your first lighting scene in QLC+. You’ll learn the basic workflow of adding fixtures, creating functions, and controlling them through the Virtual Console.

Before starting this tutorial, make sure you have installed QLC+ on your system and familiarized yourself with the main window interface.

Understanding the Workflow

The typical QLC+ workflow follows these steps:

1. Add Fixtures - Define your lighting equipment in the Fixture Manager
2. Create Functions - Program scenes, chasers, and effects in the Function Manager
3. Build Controls - Create buttons and controls in the Virtual Console
4. Operate - Switch to operate mode and run your light show

1. Open the Fixture Manager

   The Fixture Manager is the heart of QLC+‘s fixture-oriented architecture. This is where you define all the lighting equipment you want to control.

   Click the Fixture Manager icon on the main toolbar to open the Fixture Manager panel.

   You’ll see:

   • Left side: List of fixtures in your workspace (currently empty)
   • Right side: Information about the selected fixture
   • Toolbar: Buttons to add, remove, and configure fixtures

   The Fixture Manager toolbar contains buttons for adding fixtures, removing them, configuring properties, grouping fixtures, and importing/exporting fixture lists.

2. Add Your First Fixture

   Let’s add a fixture to your workspace.

   1. Click the Add Fixture button (plus icon) in the Fixture Manager toolbar
   2. You’ll see the Add Fixtures dialog with:
      • Left panel: List of fixture manufacturers and models
      • Right panel: Details about the selected fixture

   Select a Fixture

   For this tutorial, let’s use a simple scanner:

   1. Expand the “Futurelight” folder in the manufacturers list
   2. Select “DJScan250”
   3. Notice the Channels field shows this fixture uses 6 DMX channels

   If you have your own fixtures, search for your manufacturer and model. QLC+ includes hundreds of fixture definitions. If your fixture isn’t listed, you can create a custom definition using the Fixture Definition Editor.

   Configure Fixture Properties

   Before adding the fixture, configure these properties:

   • Name: Accept the default or enter a custom name (e.g., “Scanner 1”)
   • Mode: Select the operational mode if multiple are available (DJScan250 has only “Mode 1”)
   • Address: Set the DMX address to 1 (this should match your physical fixture’s address)
   • Universe: Keep it at 1 (each universe typically has its own DMX cable)
   • Amount: Set to 1 (we’re adding one fixture)
   • Address gap: Leave at 0 (no gaps between fixtures)

   DMX Addressing: A DMX address is the starting channel for a fixture. The DJScan250 uses 6 channels, so it occupies channels 1-6. The next fixture should start at address 7 to avoid overlap.

   Click OK to add the fixture to your workspace.

3. Verify the Fixture

   Back in the Fixture Manager, you should now see:

   • Left panel: Your newly added “DJScan250” fixture
   • Right panel: Fixture details including name, manufacturer, model, and channel assignments

   You can click the Configure button (gear icon) at any time to modify the fixture’s address or universe.

4. Open the Function Manager

   Functions are the programs that control your fixtures. The most basic function is a Scene, which sets specific channel values for your fixtures.

   Click the Function Manager icon on the main toolbar.

   The Function Manager allows you to create various types of functions:

   • Scene - Static lighting states
   • Chaser - Sequences of scenes or functions
   • EFX - Automated effects (circles, spirals, etc.)
   • Collection - Groups of functions triggered together
   • RGB Matrix - Pixel effects for LED matrices
   • Script - Programmatic control
5. Create Your First Scene

   Let’s create a scene that sets our fixture to a specific color and gobo.

   1. Click the Scene button (scene icon) in the Function Manager toolbar
   2. The Scene Editor opens with:
      • General tab: Scene properties and settings
      • Fixtures list: Currently empty
      • Channel groups list: For advanced grouping

   Add Fixture to Scene

   1. Click the Add Fixtures button (plus icon) in the Scene Editor
   2. Select “DJScan250” from the list
   3. Click OK

   You’ll notice a new tab appears labeled “DJScan250” next to the General tab.

   Configure Channel Values

   1. Click the “DJScan250” tab to see the fixture’s channels
   2. You’ll see 6 channels with sliders and buttons (initially disabled)
   3. Each channel has a checkbox above it to enable/disable it in the scene

   Let’s set up a scene with color, gobo, and shutter:

   Enable channels 3, 4, and 6 by clicking their checkboxes:

   • Channel 3: Color wheel
   • Channel 4: Gobo selection
   • Channel 6: Shutter/intensity

   Unchecked channels won’t be affected by this scene. This lets you create scenes that only control specific features (e.g., only color) without changing other settings.

   Set Color (Channel 3)

   1. Click the color wheel button on channel 3
   2. Navigate to “Orange”
   3. Select value “80” from the submenu
   4. Notice the slider moves to position 80

   Set Gobo (Channel 4)

   1. Click the gobo button on channel 4
   2. Select “Gobo 7”
   3. Choose value “126”

   Set Shutter (Channel 6)

   1. Click the intensity button on channel 6
   2. Select “Shutter open”
   3. Choose value “255” (fully open)

   If you have DMX output configured, you’ll see these changes in real-time on your fixtures as you edit values!

6. Name and Configure the Scene

   Give your scene a descriptive name and set timing options.

   Set Scene Name

   1. Click the “General” tab to return to the scene properties
   2. In the Scene name field, enter: “DJScan250 Orange Gobo 7”

   Configure Fade Time

   Let’s add a smooth fade to our scene:

   1. Click the Speed button (clock icon) in the Scene Editor toolbar
   2. The Speed Dial tool appears with fade time controls
   3. Set Fade In to 5 seconds using the dial or by typing “5” in the seconds field
   4. Leave Fade Out at the default
   5. Click the Speed button again to close the tool

   Fade times create smooth transitions between lighting states. A 5-second fade in means the fixture will gradually change from its current state to the scene’s values over 5 seconds.

   Close the Scene Editor (or click OK) to save your scene.

7. Create a Second Scene

   Let’s create another scene to switch between. This will demonstrate how to create contrast in your lighting.

   1. Click the Scene button again in the Function Manager
   2. Add the “DJScan250” fixture to the new scene
   3. Click the “DJScan250” tab
   4. Enable channels 3, 4, and 6 again
   5. This time, set all three channels to 0 (using the sliders or typing 0)
   6. Return to the General tab
   7. Name the scene: “DJScan250 Zero”
   8. Close the Scene Editor

   You now have two scenes in your Function Manager:

   • “DJScan250 Orange Gobo 7” (active lighting state)
   • “DJScan250 Zero” (blackout/reset state)
8. Open the Virtual Console

   The Virtual Console is your control interface. This is where you create buttons, sliders, and other widgets to trigger your functions during operation.

   Click the Virtual Console button on the main toolbar.

   You’ll see an empty panel with:

   • Menu bar: File, Edit, Add, Tools, and other options
   • Toolbar: Quick access to add widgets and edit properties
   • Empty workspace: Where you’ll build your control interface

   The Virtual Console supports many widget types including buttons, sliders, XY pads, frames, cue lists, and more.

9. Create Control Buttons

   Let’s create buttons to trigger our scenes.

   Add First Button

   1. Click the Button icon (button widget) in the Virtual Console toolbar
   2. An empty button appears in the virtual console
   3. Double-click the button (or click the Edit icon) to open the button configuration

   Configure First Button

   In the Button Configuration dialog:

   1. Click the Attach Function button (chain link icon)
   2. The Select Function dialog appears showing your scenes
   3. Double-click “DJScan250 Orange Gobo 7” to attach it
   4. Optionally, enter a Button label (e.g., “Orange Gobo”)
   5. Click OK to save

   Style the Button

   Let’s make the button visually distinctive:

   1. Click on the button to select it
   2. Click the Color icon (paint bucket) in the toolbar
   3. Choose an orange color from the color picker
   4. Click OK
   5. Resize the button by dragging the corner handle if needed
   6. Move the button by dragging it to a convenient position

   Add Second Button

   1. Click the Button icon again to add another button
   2. Double-click the new button to configure it
   3. Attach the “DJScan250 Zero” function
   4. Set a button label (e.g., “Reset” or “Blackout”)
   5. Click OK
   6. Select the button and click the Color icon
   7. Set the background color to black and foreground (text) color to white
   8. Position the button next to the first one

   You can create complex control layouts with multiple buttons, sliders, and frames. Organize related controls into frames and use multiple pages for large shows.

10. Test Your Light Show

    Now for the exciting part - let’s see your lighting control in action!

    Open the DMX Monitor

    Before operating, let’s watch the DMX output:

    Click the Monitor button on the main toolbar.

    The DMX Monitor shows:

    • Universe tabs: Select which universe to view
    • Channel numbers: 1-512 for each universe
    • Channel values: Current value (0-255) for each channel
    • Fixture labels: Your fixtures shown as bars over their channel ranges

    You should see “DJScan250” labeled over channels 001-006.

    Switch to Operate Mode

    Click the Operate mode button (play icon) in the top-right corner of the main toolbar.

    The interface changes:

    • Edit controls become locked
    • Virtual Console buttons become active
    • You can now trigger your functions

    In operate mode, you cannot edit fixtures, functions, or widgets. Switch back to Design mode (edit icon) to make changes.

    Run Your Scenes

    1. Watch the DMX Monitor while you click buttons
    2. Click the “Orange Gobo” button on the Virtual Console
    3. You should see:
       • The button lights up (indicates the function is running)
       • Channel 3 gradually fades to 80
       • Channel 4 fades to 126
       • Channel 6 fades to 255
       • The fade takes 5 seconds (as we configured)
    4. Click the “Reset” button
    5. You should see all three channels fade to 0

    If you have physical DMX fixtures connected, they should respond to these changes! If you only have the Dummy output plugin configured, the DMX Monitor is the best way to verify your programming.

    Stopping Functions

    • Click a running button again to stop the function
    • The button stops flashing and the function releases its channels
    • Be careful not to run conflicting functions simultaneously

Congratulations!

You’ve successfully created your first QLC+ lighting scene! You now understand the basic workflow:

Fixture Manager

Define your lighting equipment and DMX addressing

Function Manager

Create scenes, chasers, and effects to control fixtures

Virtual Console

Build custom control interfaces with buttons and widgets

Operate Mode

Run your light show in real-time

Next Steps

Now that you understand the basics, explore these more advanced features:

Configure DMX Output

If you haven’t already, set up your DMX interface:

1. Go to the Inputs/Outputs tab
2. Select your DMX interface plugin (Art-Net, E1.31, DMX USB, etc.)
3. Configure universe mappings
4. Test output using the DMX Monitor

Refer to the Input/Output mapping guide for detailed instructions on configuring various DMX interfaces.

Create More Complex Functions

Chasers - Sequential Effects

Create a Chaser to run multiple scenes in sequence:

1. Click the Chaser button in Function Manager
2. Add multiple scenes to the chaser steps
3. Configure step timing (fade in, hold, fade out)
4. Set the chaser to loop infinitely or run once
5. Attach the chaser to a Virtual Console button

Chasers are perfect for automated sequences like color changes or movement patterns.

EFX - Automated Movement

Use EFX functions for automated pan/tilt movement:

1. Click the EFX button in Function Manager
2. Add moving head fixtures
3. Choose a pattern (circle, square, spiral, etc.)
4. Adjust size, rotation, and speed
5. Preview the movement path

EFX functions create professional-looking movement effects with minimal programming.

RGB Matrix - LED Pixel Effects

Control LED pixel strips and matrices with RGB Matrix functions:

1. Create a Fixture Group for your LED pixels
2. Click the RGB Matrix button in Function Manager
3. Select a script (text, plasma, strobe, etc.)
4. Configure colors and animation speed
5. Preview the effect in the editor

RGB Matrices turn LED strips into dynamic displays with text, animations, and patterns.

Show Manager - Timeline-Based Control

Create synchronized shows with audio and lighting:

1. Open the Show Manager
2. Import an audio track
3. Place scenes, chasers, and EFX on the timeline
4. Synchronize lighting cues with the music
5. Play back the entire show automatically

Perfect for theatrical productions and performances with consistent timing.

Enhance Your Virtual Console

Sliders

Add slider widgets to control intensity, speed, or individual channels in real-time

XY Pads

Control pan and tilt of moving heads with touchscreen-friendly XY pad widgets

Cue Lists

Create theater-style cue lists for step-by-step show control

Frames

Organize controls into frames and create multi-page layouts for complex shows

Input Control

Take control to the next level with external input devices:

• MIDI Controllers: Connect MIDI devices to trigger functions and control faders
• OSC Devices: Use tablets and smartphones as wireless controllers
• HID Devices: Support USB game controllers and custom hardware
• Keyboard Shortcuts: Assign hotkeys to buttons for quick triggering

Web Interface

Control QLC+ remotely:

1. Enable the web interface: qlcplus -w (or -web option)
2. Access from any browser: http://localhost:9999
3. Control your show from tablets, phones, or remote computers
4. Perfect for Raspberry Pi headless installations

Tips for Success

Save frequently! Save your workspace regularly using File > Save Workspace or Ctrl+S (Cmd+S on macOS).

Test before the show: Always test your programming with the actual fixtures before a live event. DMX timing and fixture response can vary.

Use descriptive names: Give fixtures, functions, and buttons clear, descriptive names. “Scanner 1 Red” is better than “Scene 1”.

Organize with groups: Use fixture groups and virtual console frames to keep complex setups organized.

Learn keyboard shortcuts: Speed up your workflow by learning common shortcuts like F11 (fullscreen), F12 (operate mode), and Tab (switch panels).

Getting Help

Need more assistance?

Documentation

Comprehensive guides for all QLC+ features

Forum

Community support and discussions

Video Tutorials

Watch step-by-step video guides

GitHub Issues

Report bugs and request features

Example Workspace

Want to explore more? QLC+ includes sample workspaces to learn from:

• Check the Sample files in your QLC+ installation
• Load examples from File > Open Workspace
• Study how different functions and widgets are configured
• Experiment by modifying the examples

Happy lighting! 🎭✨