Turbo-charging RGB Matrix functions!

More colours, more real-time control

We’re excited to announce a powerful upgrade to RGB Matrix functionality within QLC+. The go-to effects generator in QLC+ now supports five simultaneous colours with real-time editing! Whether you're live busking a club show or designing rich architectural effects, this new version brings speed, control, and flexibility like never before.

Thanks to this PR by hjtappe, QLC+ now enables lighting designers to break free from the traditional "start colour → end colour" paradigm.

Give it a try!

Download this showfile to follow along while you read: stageColors.qxw.zip

  1. Open the 2D View in the Fixture Monitor
  2. Switch to Operate mode (play button in the top right corner)
  3. Notice the colour of the matrix function changes when you select different colours
  4. Select different effects for the panels
  5. Notice they too are controlled with the colours in the solo frames

Pretty cooooool.

What’s New in 4.14.1

Note, we're about to talk about some pretty cutting-edge stuff. Since a lot has changed under the hood, we appreciate your feedback and patience as we work to ensure the stability of the new features. Please let us know if you find any issues with the latest QLC+ version via bug reports with as much detail as possible.

Five Colour Slots (Start → End + 3 custom steps)

You can now define up to 5 colours for any RGB Matrix Function:

  • Start
  • End
  • Midpoint 1
  • Midpoint 2
  • Midpoint 3

This opens up smoother gradients, complex rainbow effects, and purposeful storytelling through colour transitions.

Instant Colour Changes During Playback

All five colour slots are now editable live, and changes apply immediately — without needing to restart the function. That means you can:

  • Control an RGB matrix colour with loopback sliders
  • Adapt your light show on the fly
  • Match the artist’s vibe instantly
  • Build dynamic colour transitions in real-time
  • Automate RGB Matrix colours with scenes, chasers or even other RGB Matrix functions :O

Pro Tips

To take full advantage of this new system:

  • Try using gradient-based algorithms like Gradient or Plasma
  • Experiment with live MIDI or OSC controllers to update colour slots mid-scene
  • Take colour information from other tools like Resolume and shove it into your RGB Matrix

Developers

The API version check ensures older scripts keep working while new ones take advantage of the expanded features. The separate JavaScript context isolates script execution from the main application, offering a cleaner, safer environment for custom code. Overall, these improvements modernize QLC+’s RGB scripting capabilities and encourage the creation of richer lighting effects without compromising stability.

This update is part of a broader vision to make RGB Matrices more expressive and performative. We’re taking inspiration from real-world lighting needs and are building a framework that supports creativity.

Special thanks to hjtappe and the QLC+ community for pushing innovation forward. We can’t wait to see how you use the new RGB Matrix paradigm in your shows. Share your creations on socials with @qlcplus or drop by the QLC+ Forum to discuss tips and tricks!

Yours faithfully,

Lachlan Hicks

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