Club or bar
RelackoutWorkspaces make recurring venue setups easier to organize; QLC+ remains a capable free option.
Relackout vs QLC+
QLC+ is a free, open-source lighting controller with a programmable Virtual Console, audio functions and timeline shows. This comparison covers the released QLC+ 5 generation, including its built-in 3D view.
Feature comparison
Free and open source: no desktop software licence fee. Donations are optional; lighting interfaces are purchased separately. [1]
| Feature | Relackout | QLC+ |
|---|---|---|
| DMX output & fixtures | ||
| Art-Net output | Supported Choose which universes are broadcast | |
| sACN (E1.31) output | Supported Built in | |
| USB DMX interfaces | Supported ENTTEC Open DMX USB and compatibles, several at once, one universe each | |
| Fixture library & custom fixtures | Supported Open Fixture Library import plus your own fixtures | |
| Smart Wi-Fi lights as fixtures | Coming soon Tuya smart lights | Unverified |
| Programming | ||
| Scenes / looks | Supported Fade in/out per scene, layered playback | |
| Cue lists / chases | Supported Loop, one-shot and manual GO modes with per-step fade and delay | |
| Effects engine | Supported Effect wizard with beat-locked timing | |
| Show timeline with audio | Supported Scenes and cues programmed on the song's waveform | |
| 3D stage preview | Supported Live 3D stage view in a separate window | |
| Show & production notes | Supported Multi-page notes per show | |
| Audio & music | ||
| Music playback & playlists | Supported Music library, playlists and master audio in the same app | |
| Sound-reactive lighting | Supported From the music playing or a mic/line-in, with presets | |
| BPM, tap tempo & MIDI clock | Supported Tap, presets, manual entry and MIDI clock | |
| Cues & fades follow live tempo | Supported BPM Mode scales cue timing and scene fades | |
| Live control | ||
| Custom touch mixer designer | Supported Design your own faders and buttons | |
| Phone/tablet remote | Supported Any browser on the local network, PIN protected, no app to install | |
| MIDI control & feedback | Supported Learnable mappings plus LED feedback | |
| OSC control | Supported Built-in OSC server | |
| Guided first-show setup | Supported Step-by-step from patch to live | Unverified |
| Venues & workspaces | ||
| Separate setups per venue | Supported Workspaces: own patch, scenes, cues, mixers per venue | |
| Copy between setups | Supported Copy wizard with patch mapping | |
| Output settings per venue | Supported Art-Net, sACN, USB DMX, OSC, MIDI feedback and remote per workspace | |
| Export & move a setup | Supported Single-file workspace export/import | |
| Platform & licensing | ||
| macOS | Supported Apple Silicon and Intel | |
| Windows | Supported Windows 10/11 | |
| Linux | Supported x64 and ARM64 (AppImage, .deb) | |
| Monthly, yearly or lifetime licence | Supported All three, you choose | |
| Full free trial | Supported 14 days, Standard features, real DMX output | |
Where Relackout leads
- Keep venue setups together in Workspaces instead of opening a separate QLC+ project file for each rig.
- Keep multi-page production notes inside a show, beyond QLC+ chaser step comments and printed lists.
- Choose monthly, yearly or lifetime licensing with a 14-day free trial. QLC+ instead offers ongoing free use, which is the better choice when avoiding licence cost is paramount.
Where QLC+ is strong
- Free and open source, with a broad interface ecosystem and Linux/Raspberry Pi workflows.
- A highly configurable Virtual Console and scriptable lighting functions suit custom operator workflows.
Which fits your show?
DJ set
BothBoth support sound-reactive operation, tempo control and custom live controls; compare the workflows on your rig.
Theatre
BothQLC+ cue lists and timelines suit scripted shows; Relackout adds multi-page production notes.
House of worship
BothBoth offer customizable operator controls; QLC+ is attractive for a budget-led installation.
Events venue
RelackoutWorkspaces organize repeated setups without a collection of separate project files.
Touring / large rig
BothNeither is an automatic large-tour choice; assess console redundancy, operator workflow and production integration separately.
Switching guide
| In QLC+ | In Relackout |
|---|---|
| Fixture Browser and QXF definitions | Rebuild the patch in Patch & Fixture Setup; import OFL-format definitions into Fixture Library. |
| Scenes and Chasers | Recreate looks in Scene Designer and sequences in Cue lists. |
| EFX and RGB Matrix functions | Recreate supported movement, color and intensity patterns with Effect Wizard. |
| Show Manager and Audio functions | Add original audio to Music Library and recreate synchronization in Show Timeline. |
| Virtual Console and web interface | Rebuild buttons and faders in Mixer Designer; test Live Control and Remote (browser). |
| QXW project files | Create a Workspace per venue, then set its output and controller connections. |
What carries over
Your fixture addresses, channel-mode documentation, original music files and cue intentions remain useful references. OFL-format fixture definitions can be imported.
What to rebuild
Relackout does not import QXW show files or QXF fixture definitions directly. Rebuild looks, chasers, scripts, matrix effects, timelines and Virtual Console layouts; verify each output mapping.
Frequently asked questions
Is Relackout cheaper than QLC+?
QLC+ has no desktop software licence fee. Relackout offers monthly, yearly or lifetime licensing and a 14-day free trial; compare workflow benefits rather than claiming a price advantage over free software.
Does QLC+ have a 3D visualizer and browser remote?
Yes. QLC+ 5 documents a built-in 3D view and a web interface for its Virtual Console. These are shared capabilities, not reasons to switch.
Can I move my QXW project into Relackout?
There is no QLC+ show-file import. Use the existing patch and cue list as references, recreate the controls, and import fixture definitions only when available in Open Fixture Library format.
Sources
Checked on September 25, 2026
- QLC+ — official product overview and free/open-source model Checked on September 25, 2026
- QLC+ 5 — Main Window Checked on September 25, 2026
- QLC+ 5 — Fixture Browser Checked on September 25, 2026
- QLC+ 5 — Chaser Editor Checked on September 25, 2026
- QLC+ 5 — Show Manager Checked on September 25, 2026
- QLC+ 5 — 3D View Checked on September 25, 2026
- QLC+ 5 — Glossary and Concepts Checked on September 25, 2026
- QLC+ 5 — Audio Triggers Checked on September 25, 2026
- QLC+ 5 — Virtual Console Checked on September 25, 2026
- QLC+ 5 — Input/Output Checked on September 25, 2026
- QLC+ 5 — Web Interface Checked on September 25, 2026
- QLC+ — DMX USB plugin Checked on September 25, 2026
- QLC+ — MIDI plugin and beat clock Checked on September 25, 2026
- QLC+ 5 — Command Line Parameters Checked on September 25, 2026
- QLC+ — official releases Checked on September 25, 2026