Features
Professional DMX512 lighting control software with everything you need to create stunning lightshows
Core Lighting Control
DMXDesktop is a professional DMX512 lighting control software designed for live shows, clubs, DJs and stage productions. It combines powerful programming tools with intuitive real-time control so you can create stunning lightshows that scale from small venues to arenas.
Multi-Universe Support
Control multiple DMX universes simultaneously (license-dependent), ideal for large-scale stage and club installations.
Real-Time DMX Output
High-performance output with Art-Net, sACN (E1.31), and USB DMX interfaces for seamless hardware integration.
Global Controls
Master dimmer, blackout, blinder, and freeze functions give instant access to critical live performance features.
Live Console Mode
A responsive, music-synced interface for running shows in real time without interruption.
Fixture Library & Management
DMXDesktop makes fixture setup fast and reliable with an extensive library of 27,000+ profiles and advanced patching tools. Whether you're managing a small rig or a complex stage, everything stays organized.
Fixture Profiling System
Create or edit your own fixture definitions for maximum compatibility.
Intelligent Fixture Patching
Prevent errors with built-in conflict detection.
Multi-Mode Fixture Support
Switch between DMX channel modes effortlessly.
Fixture & Channel Grouping
Group fixtures or heads logically for quick programming.
Pixel Mapping Tools
Arrange LED bars, strips, and matrices with reusable templates.
Ready-Made Profiles
Fixture profiles ship with embedded channel groups and pixel maps, so complex fixtures patch with ready mappings out of the box.
Ghost Fixtures
Fixtures with channel group remapping display individual control dots on the floorplan. Control sub-groups like ring lights independently from the main beam.
Position Finder
Place and visualize fixtures on a stage map to streamline programming.
DJ & Audio Integration
Built for DJs and performers, DMXDesktop syncs lights directly with music to create immersive audio-reactive shows.
VirtualDJ Plugin & OS2L Support
Direct integration with VirtualDJ for precise control.
Traktor Pro 3 & 4 Plugin
Dedicated integration with Traktor Pro 3 and Traktor Pro 4 for seamless control from DJ Mode. Earlier Traktor versions are not supported.
Works with All Major DJ Software
Compatible with Serato, Rekordbox, and more via audio analysis.
AI-Powered Show Generation
Automatically create lightshows from tracks to save programming time.
BPM Synchronization
Lights lock to tempo for perfectly timed effects.
Ableton Link Support
Sync with Ableton Live and other Link-enabled apps.
Video & MP4 Playback
Load MP4s and video formats directly into DMXDesktop, perfectly timecode-synced to audio.
Built-in CD+G Player
Classic karaoke tracks decoded and displayed in sync with audio.
Pop-Out Video Screen
Open video in a floating window, drag to a second monitor, or full-screen on a projector.
Track Overrides
Assign per-track show settings - colors, themes, drop triggers, gobo settings, and more. Stored permanently and applied every time the track loads.
Cue Points
Set custom lighting triggers on tracks with a visual waveform editor. Tap to add, drag to reposition, assign colors, and trigger actions at precise moments.
Audio Analysis
Advanced real-time audio analysis powered by a high-performance streaming engine drives lighting effects in perfect sync with your music.
Beat Detection
Tracks beats automatically for rhythm-driven lighting.
Frequency Spectrum Analysis
Detects kicks, snares, vocals, and melodies with high-resolution FFT.
Fast BPM & Key Analysis
High-speed BPM detection and musical key analysis for fast track preparation.
Multiple Input Modes
Line-in, loopback, and system audio capture options.
Multi-Format Compatibility
Works with MP3, WAV, FLAC, AIFF, OGG, M4A, WMA, and more.
Effects & Automation
One of the most advanced automation engines in any lighting control software, with over 30 beam effects and 13+ movement effects built in. Effects run automatically, sync to BPM, or can be modified in real time.
Beam Effects (30+)
Sequencers, twinkles, waves, chases, pulses, washes, phased pulses, carousels, alternating colors, strobing, flashes, and more.
Movement Effects (13+)
Animate moving heads with circles, figure-8s, arcs, bursts, boxes, diamonds, crosses, vertical patterns, and random paths. Full direction and reversal controls on every pattern.
Color & Gobo Effects
Dynamic color rotation, rainbow sweeps, gobo rotation, prism effects, and layered automation.
Programmer Effects Engine
30+ beat-synced effects available directly in the Programmer. Color cycling (2/3/4-color, RGB, CMY, custom pairs) and beam effects with beat division speed control from 8/1 to 1/8.
Special Effects
Add drama with paparazzi flashes, thunder effects, sparkles, and random strobes.
Flexible Timing
Run effects manually or sync them to BPM for perfect musical alignment.
Fog & Haze Control
Integrate DMX-controlled foggers, hazers, and smoke machines.
Programming & Show Control
A professional programmer interface inspired by theater consoles, with a full cue stack playback system, reusable palettes, and live stage visualization.
Attribute Control
Adjust intensity, colors, pan/tilt, and beam attributes with precision.
Color Picker & Gel Library
Access professional gel palettes for consistent colors.
Cue System
Save cues and cue stacks with flexible timing.
Effect Cues & Live Editing
Trigger pre-programmed effects or modify shows on the fly - perfect for live performances.
Cue Stack Playback
Tracking mode, auto-follow cue chains, halt mid-fade, cue merge and remove, cue inspector, and next-cue preview.
Go/Back Theatre Playback
Console-style Go, Back, and Stop buttons with keyboard shortcuts. Space fires Go, Shift+Space fires Back.
Multi-Stack Playback
Run multiple cue stacks simultaneously with per-stack Go/Stop controls and Ctrl+1-9 focus shortcuts.
Palette System
Reusable color, position, and beam palettes referenced by cues. Update a palette and every referencing cue follows.
Live Floorplan Visualization
Real-time fixture output color and intensity displayed on the stage layout. Full color wheel fixture support.
MIDI, OSC & Remote Control
Hands-on control with MIDI controllers, OSC devices, and mobile access, making DMXDesktop flexible for any workflow.
Custom MIDI Mapping
Map any controller, with LED feedback support.
Pre-Configured Maps
Out-of-the-box support for APC Mini, APC40 MK2, Launchpad, and more with automatic detection and LED feedback.
MCU (Mackie Control) Support
Professional-grade control surface compatibility.
RTP-MIDI
Wireless MIDI over WiFi or Ethernet.
MIDI Button Customization
Custom button colors on supported controllers. Right-click any button in the MIDI visualiser to assign a color that matches your workflow.
MIDI Control Panel
Quick-access MIDI control panel via Ctrl+M. Manage your MIDI devices and mappings without leaving your workflow.
Programmer Fader MIDI
Bind MIDI faders and encoders to Programmer Faders for hands-on hardware control of cues and cue stacks.
OSC Server
Comprehensive OSC support with customizable command mapping. Stack control (go, back, halt, stop, level), execute grid triggering, and output event callbacks.
Mobile Web Interface
Control lighting from smartphones or tablets.
Stage Management & Visualization
Keep shows organized and easy to run with multi-stage management tools and visualization features.
Multi-Stage Configurations
Save setups for different venues and recall instantly.
Stage Templates
Reuse layouts across shows to reduce setup time.
Visualizer Tools
Floorplan view, channel monitor, and universe viewer for real-time feedback.
Bulk Fixture Operations
Edit, clone, or remove multiple fixtures in one step.
Built-In 3D Visualizer
See your show before you rig it. DMXDesktop's built-in 3D visualizer lets you patch fixtures, build your stage with drag-and-drop objects, and watch your cues, effects, and fader moves rendered in real time — all without leaving the application.
- Fixtures appear automatically from your patch — no setup required
- Over 15 fixture archetypes detected and rendered automatically
- Build stages with truss, platforms, screens, DJ tables, and more
- Real-time beam, color, gobo, and pixel rendering with configurable haze
Data, Backup & Cloud
Your work is always safe with local and cloud storage options.
Local Project Database
Store shows and configurations securely.
Cloud Backup
Automatic syncing and backup to the cloud.
Import/Export Tools
Transfer settings easily between computers.
Playlist & Metadata Management
Organize music tracks and edit details to keep everything consistent.
And Much More...
Diagnostics & Reliability
- • Network & Device Monitoring
- • Performance Metrics
- • Error Logging & Crash Reporting
User Interface & Accessibility
- • Multi-Language Support (6 languages)
- • Customizable Workspaces
- • Dark Theme Optimized
- • Built-In Help & Tooltips
Performance & Optimization
- • High-Performance Streaming Engine
- • Multi-Threaded DMX Processing
- • GPU-Accelerated Visualization
- • Consolidated Effect Processing
Why Choose Software Over Hardware?
Undoubtedly, the biggest advantage is upfront cost.
A lifetime license for DMXDesktop can be a fraction of the price of even an entry-level hardware console – and dramatically cheaper than advanced consoles offering comparable capabilities. And unlike hardware, which typically carries only a 1-2 year warranty and can require full replacement when it reaches end-of-life, software doesn't deteriorate.
With continuous updates, long-term compatibility with modern Mac/PC hardware, and no expensive physical components to replace, DMXDesktop delivers significant long-term savings for individuals, venues, and production teams.
Ready to Get Started?
Download DMXDesktop today and experience professional lighting control.