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Open Lighting Console vs Q Light Controller+: catalog facts
Open Lighting Console	Q Light Controller+
Best for: Linux users programming and operating theater lighting shows	Best for: Small venues, bands and theatre groups running stage lighting from a computer
Free Free software under GPL-3.0-or-later.	Free Free and open source, supported by sponsorship and a shop.
Linux	Windows, macOS, Linux
Supports Art-Net, sACN, and DMX USB interfaces Includes playback, chasers, groups, and submaster faders All 4 strengths for Open Lighting Console Supports Art-Net, sACN, and DMX USB interfaces Includes playback, chasers, groups, and submaster faders MIDI and OSC control options Can save native and standard ASCII show files	Supports DMX, Art-Net, sACN, OSC and MIDI through plugins Customisable virtual console All 4 strengths for Q Light Controller+ Supports DMX, Art-Net, sACN, OSC and MIDI through plugins Customisable virtual console Audio-triggered cues and scripting Runs on Windows, macOS, Linux and Raspberry Pi
Linux package is the only platform evidence provided Uses reverse Polish notation for console commands	Needs a compatible DMX interface to drive real fixtures Lighting concepts take time to learn for newcomers
Downloadable app	Downloadable app
Open source	Open source
License: GPL-3.0-or-later	License not stated
Not stated if an account is needed	No account needed
Not stated if it works offline	Offline features available
Official website Full listing and sources Sources for Open Lighting Console flathub.org/apps/com.github.mikacousin.olc Catalog checked October 8, 2026	Official website Full listing and sources Sources for Q Light Controller+ qlcplus.org Catalog checked October 2, 2026

“Not stated” means we have not confirmed it. Features can vary by device and plan.