# wled/WLED

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17,555 stars · 4,026 forks · C++ · eupl-1.2

## Links

- GitHub: https://github.com/wled/WLED
- Homepage: https://kno.wled.ge
- awesome-repositories: https://awesome-repositories.com/repository/wled-wled.md

## Topics

`esp32` `esp8266` `hacktoberfest` `led` `light`

## Description

WLED is a web-based firmware designed for ESP8266 and ESP32 microcontrollers to manage addressable LED strips and matrices. It functions as a comprehensive IoT lighting automation system, providing the tools to control individual pixels, define logical segments, and execute dynamic lighting effects. The platform supports a wide range of hardware configurations, including matrix panels and non-addressable LED arrays, while offering granular control over brightness, color palettes, and animation speed.

The project distinguishes itself through its extensive support for networked orchestration and real-time synchronization. It enables multiple controllers to align their states over a local network, allowing for complex, multi-device lighting displays. Beyond standard control, it integrates with external media and audio sources to stream high-frequency data for reactive visual effects, and it supports DMX interfacing to bridge addressable LED hardware with professional lighting environments.

The system includes a robust automation engine that triggers lighting changes based on time, solar events, physical sensors, or voice commands. Users can manage these configurations through a browser-based interface, which also facilitates remote firmware updates, filesystem management, and the creation of custom lighting effects. Security is addressed through configurable access controls, including password-protected settings and secure remote connectivity options.

The software is distributed as firmware binaries that can be flashed directly to compatible hardware, with support for custom build configurations to accommodate specific pin assignments and connectivity requirements.

## Tags

### Development Tools & Productivity

- [IoT Lighting Automation Systems](https://awesome-repositories.com/f/development-tools-productivity/visual-automation-tools/iot-automation/iot-lighting-automation-systems.md) — Provides a network-connected lighting controller that supports scheduled presets, sensor-based triggers, and remote management.
- [Lighting Data Streams](https://awesome-repositories.com/f/development-tools-productivity/real-time-data-streams/lighting-data-streams.md) — Receives high-frequency lighting instructions from external sequencers, visualizers, or ambient lighting software to synchronize effects with audio or screen content. ([source](https://kno.wled.ge/basics/compatible-software/))
- [Lighting Sequence Automators](https://awesome-repositories.com/f/development-tools-productivity/display-automation-tools/display-sequence-automators/lighting-sequence-automators.md) — Enables saving, recalling, and cycling through predefined light configurations with customizable transition times and playlist progression. ([source](https://kno.wled.ge/interfaces/http-api/))
- [Firmware Build Variants](https://awesome-repositories.com/f/development-tools-productivity/build-tooling/build-orchestration-logic/build-orchestration-configuration/build-configuration-systems/build-configurations/firmware-build-variants.md) — Overrides hardware pin assignments and build configurations during compilation. ([source](https://kno.wled.ge/advanced/compiling-wled/))

### Graphics & Multimedia

- [Lighting Control Systems](https://awesome-repositories.com/f/graphics-multimedia/graphics-engines-rendering/lighting-systems/lighting-control-systems.md) — Provides HTTP and JSON APIs for programmatic control of LED lighting states, effects, and system parameters. ([source](https://kno.wled.ge/features/subpages/))
- [Network Lighting Controllers](https://awesome-repositories.com/f/graphics-multimedia/graphics-engines-rendering/lighting-systems/network-lighting-controllers.md) — Maps DMX signals to addressable LED segments for professional stage and ambient lighting synchronization.
- [DMX Interfaces](https://awesome-repositories.com/f/graphics-multimedia/graphics-engines-rendering/lighting-systems/lighting-control-systems/dmx-interfaces.md) — Maps LED patterns to DMX channels to synchronize external lighting hardware with internal effects. ([source](https://kno.wled.ge/interfaces/dmx-output/))
- [Networked Lighting Orchestrators](https://awesome-repositories.com/f/graphics-multimedia/graphics-engines-rendering/lighting-systems/network-lighting-controllers/networked-lighting-orchestrators.md) — Synchronizes multiple lighting controllers across a local network for consistent effects and coordinated execution.
- [Audio-Reactive Lighting Controllers](https://awesome-repositories.com/f/graphics-multimedia/audio-music/audio-processing/audio-reactive-lighting-controllers.md) — Processes incoming audio data streams to synchronize light patterns and colors with sound sources. ([source](https://kno.wled.ge/interfaces/udp-realtime))
- [DMX Lighting Bridges](https://awesome-repositories.com/f/graphics-multimedia/graphics-engines-rendering/lighting-systems/lighting-control-systems/dmx-lighting-bridges.md) — Maps addressable LED arrays to DMX channels for professional stage and architectural lighting integration.
- [Segmented Rendering Engines](https://awesome-repositories.com/f/graphics-multimedia/graphics-engines-rendering/rendering/graphics-pipeline-configurations/effect-based-rendering/segmented-rendering-engines.md) — Divides LED arrays into logical segments that independently process and render animation frames.
- [Layering Engines](https://awesome-repositories.com/f/graphics-multimedia/media-production-suites/visual-effects/layering-engines.md) — Overlays one light effect on top of another by stacking segments with overlapping pixels to create complex visual combinations. ([source](https://kno.wled.ge/features/segments/))

### Hardware & IoT

- [Firmware Management](https://awesome-repositories.com/f/hardware-iot/firmware-management.md) — Provides web-based firmware for microcontrollers to manage addressable LED strips with dynamic effects and network synchronization.
- [Automation Integrations](https://awesome-repositories.com/f/hardware-iot/connectivity-iot/home-automation/smart-home-bridges/automation-integrations.md) — Connects lighting hardware to external platforms including home automation hubs, voice assistants, and real-time media synchronization protocols. ([source](https://kno.wled.ge))
- [Home Automation](https://awesome-repositories.com/f/hardware-iot/connectivity-iot/home-automation.md) — Integrates with home automation hubs and voice assistants for unified management of LED arrays.
- [LED Matrix Controllers](https://awesome-repositories.com/f/hardware-iot/integration-performance/hardware-interfacing-integration/hardware-integration/led-matrix-controllers.md) — Drives addressable LED matrix panels by configuring panel dimensions and chaining multiple units together for larger display surfaces. ([source](https://kno.wled.ge/advanced/HUB75/))
- [Remote Firmware Updaters](https://awesome-repositories.com/f/hardware-iot/firmware-management/remote-firmware-updaters.md) — Uploads new firmware binaries directly through the web interface to maintain device software. ([source](https://kno.wled.ge/basics/getting-started))
- [Sensor Integrations](https://awesome-repositories.com/f/hardware-iot/integration-performance/hardware-interfacing-integration/hardware-integration/device-sensors/external-integrations/sensor-integrations.md) — Connects motion, temperature, and infrared sensors to trigger lighting effects or provide environmental data through specialized software modules. ([source](https://kno.wled.ge/basics/compatible-hardware))
- [Layout Configurations](https://awesome-repositories.com/f/hardware-iot/integration-performance/hardware-interfacing-integration/hardware-integration/led-matrix-controllers/layout-configurations.md) — Defines the physical arrangement and wiring pattern of LED panels to ensure images and effects render correctly across the grid. ([source](https://kno.wled.ge/features/pixel-art-converter/))
- [Relay Power Controllers](https://awesome-repositories.com/f/hardware-iot/input-relay-decouplers/relay-power-controllers.md) — Utilizes relay boards and switches to safely control power delivery to LED arrays and protect against electrical faults. ([source](https://kno.wled.ge/basics/compatible-hardware))

### Operating Systems & Systems Programming

- [Addressable](https://awesome-repositories.com/f/operating-systems-systems-programming/kernel-core-internals/system-programming-primitives/system-programming/hardware-interfaces/led-controllers/addressable.md) — Manages and animates addressable LED strips and matrices with dynamic effects and segment-based configurations.
- [LED Segment Managers](https://awesome-repositories.com/f/operating-systems-systems-programming/kernel-core-internals/system-programming-primitives/system-programming/hardware-interfaces/led-controllers/led-segment-managers.md) — Defines specific ranges of an LED array to apply unique brightness, grouping, spacing, and direction settings to different sections. ([source](https://kno.wled.ge/interfaces/http-api))
- [Firmware Update Protections](https://awesome-repositories.com/f/operating-systems-systems-programming/os-development-distributions/firmware-management/firmware-update-protections.md) — Requires a password before allowing users to perform over-the-air firmware updates to prevent unauthorized modifications to the software. ([source](https://kno.wled.ge/advanced/ota-lock/))
- [LED Controllers](https://awesome-repositories.com/f/operating-systems-systems-programming/kernel-core-internals/system-programming-primitives/system-programming/hardware-interfaces/led-controllers.md) — Allows users to modify brightness, color, effects, speed, and intensity for connected light arrays by sending direct parameter commands. ([source](https://kno.wled.ge/interfaces/http-api/))
- [Addressable LED Drivers](https://awesome-repositories.com/f/operating-systems-systems-programming/kernel-core-internals/system-programming-primitives/system-programming/hardware-interfaces/led-controllers/addressable-led-drivers.md) — Sets specific colors for individual LEDs or ranges within a segment by bypassing active effects for direct pixel manipulation. ([source](https://kno.wled.ge/interfaces/json-api))
- [DMX Signal Receivers](https://awesome-repositories.com/f/operating-systems-systems-programming/kernel-core-internals/system-programming-primitives/system-programming/hardware-interfaces/led-controllers/addressable-led-drivers/dmx-signal-receivers.md) — Processes incoming DMX data via hardware interfaces to control addressable LED arrays. ([source](https://kno.wled.ge/interfaces/dmx-input/))

### Data & Databases

- [Real-Time Lighting Visualizers](https://awesome-repositories.com/f/data-databases/real-time-data-streaming/real-time-lighting-visualizers.md) — Synchronizes addressable LED patterns with audio streams, media playback, and external network data protocols.
- [Device State Interfaces](https://awesome-repositories.com/f/data-databases/sql-query-interfaces/system-state-querying/device-state-interfaces.md) — Retrieves current configuration, active effects, available color palettes, and hardware information via structured data requests. ([source](https://kno.wled.ge/interfaces/json-api))

### Networking & Communication

- [Lighting State Broadcasters](https://awesome-repositories.com/f/networking-communication/distributed-systems-p2p/peer-to-peer-networking/sync-device-configurations/device-state-synchronizers/lighting-state-broadcasters.md) — Broadcasts state updates across multiple devices via UDP to coordinate lighting effects. ([source](https://kno.wled.ge/interfaces/http-api))
- [Real-Time Lighting Streamers](https://awesome-repositories.com/f/networking-communication/real-time-synchronization/real-time-lighting-streamers.md) — Streams high-frequency data from media or audio sources to synchronize light arrays with external environments.
- [MQTT Messaging Integrations](https://awesome-repositories.com/f/networking-communication/api-integration-frameworks/communication-apis/mqtt-messaging-integrations.md) — Exchanges lighting state and effect commands with external messaging brokers for system interoperability. ([source](https://kno.wled.ge/advanced/home-automation/))
- [Wireless Connectivity Tools](https://awesome-repositories.com/f/networking-communication/wireless-connectivity-tools.md) — Supports Ethernet or wireless communication modules to allow remote control and integration of lighting controllers into local networks. ([source](https://kno.wled.ge/basics/compatible-hardware))
- [JSON-RPC Interfaces](https://awesome-repositories.com/f/networking-communication/distributed-systems-p2p/distributed-computing/remote-procedure-call-frameworks/json-rpc-interfaces.md) — Exposes a structured API for remote control and configuration using JSON-RPC over HTTP and serial.
- [Remote Management Access](https://awesome-repositories.com/f/networking-communication/remote-access-control/remote-management-access.md) — Connects lighting hardware to cloud services for remote management outside the local network. ([source](https://kno.wled.ge/interfaces/blynk))
- [Remote Hardware Configurators](https://awesome-repositories.com/f/networking-communication/remote-hardware-interfaces/remote-hardware-configurators.md) — Manages device settings and network connectivity through a web-based interface. ([source](https://kno.wled.ge))

### Software Engineering & Architecture

- [State Change Broadcasting](https://awesome-repositories.com/f/software-engineering-architecture/architectural-design-patterns/state-management/reactive-subscription-systems/state-change-subscriptions/state-change-broadcasting.md) — Broadcasts lighting state changes and pixel data across local networks to synchronize multiple controllers.
- [Hardware Abstraction Layers](https://awesome-repositories.com/f/software-engineering-architecture/hardware-abstraction-layers.md) — Maps logical pixel indices to physical output pins and timing protocols for diverse LED hardware.
- [Lighting Preset Managers](https://awesome-repositories.com/f/software-engineering-architecture/project-management-governance/project-management/project-lifecycle-management/project-configuration-presets/lighting-preset-managers.md) — Saves, applies, and cycles through predefined lighting configurations or automated sequences to quickly switch between different light states. ([source](https://kno.wled.ge/interfaces/http-api))
- [Modularization Patterns](https://awesome-repositories.com/f/software-engineering-architecture/software-architecture/architectural-patterns/modular-decoupled-design/modularization-patterns.md) — Registers and executes dynamic lighting patterns as pluggable, modular components.
- [Event-Driven Action Bindings](https://awesome-repositories.com/f/software-engineering-architecture/software-architecture/architectural-patterns/reactive-messaging/reactive-event-driven-systems/event-driven-action-bindings.md) — Triggers lighting sequences and system actions in response to timers, network events, or physical sensors.
- [Custom Effect Engines](https://awesome-repositories.com/f/software-engineering-architecture/reactive-effects/custom-effect-engines.md) — Registers new light patterns and animations as modular components that integrate into the effect engine. ([source](https://kno.wled.ge/advanced/custom-features/))

### Security & Cryptography

- [Secure Remote Access](https://awesome-repositories.com/f/security-cryptography/secure-remote-access.md) — Exposes local light control interfaces to the public internet by routing traffic through a secure gateway that enforces encryption and authentication. ([source](https://kno.wled.ge/advanced/access-over-internet/))
- [Interface Locks](https://awesome-repositories.com/f/security-cryptography/secret-management/configuration-access-controls/interface-locks.md) — Requires a personal identification number to access and modify device settings, automatically locking the interface after inactivity. ([source](https://kno.wled.ge/advanced/ota-lock/))
- [Secure Tunneling](https://awesome-repositories.com/f/security-cryptography/secure-remote-connectivity-tools/secure-tunneling.md) — Connects remote devices to the local network via a secure tunnel to manage light arrays without exposing them to the public internet. ([source](https://kno.wled.ge/advanced/access-over-internet/))
- [Access Point Credentials](https://awesome-repositories.com/f/security-cryptography/identity-based-access-control/credential-based-access-controls/access-point-credentials.md) — Customizes the network name and password for the device's local access point to secure or identify individual units. ([source](https://kno.wled.ge/advanced/custom-ap/))

### System Administration & Monitoring

- [Lighting Preset Schedulers](https://awesome-repositories.com/f/system-administration-monitoring/task-schedulers/lighting-preset-schedulers.md) — Triggers specific light configurations at designated times of day or on specific weekdays. ([source](https://kno.wled.ge/features/presets/))
- [System Usage Monitors](https://awesome-repositories.com/f/system-administration-monitoring/monitoring-and-observability/observability-platforms/metric-performance-monitors/system-usage-monitoring/system-usage-monitors.md) — Reports real-time device metrics including uptime, memory usage, and current light state to assist in troubleshooting and performance tracking. ([source](https://kno.wled.ge/features/subpages/))
- [Solar Event Triggers](https://awesome-repositories.com/f/system-administration-monitoring/time-synchronization/solar-event-triggers.md) — Activates saved presets automatically based on local sunrise and sunset times. ([source](https://kno.wled.ge/features/presets/))

### User Interface & Experience

- [White Balance Adjusters](https://awesome-repositories.com/f/user-interface-experience/color-management-systems/color-temperature-managers/white-balance-adjusters.md) — Modifies the warmth or coolness of light output by balancing white channels either manually or automatically based on color input. ([source](https://kno.wled.ge/features/cct/))
- [Lighting Color Palette Managers](https://awesome-repositories.com/f/user-interface-experience/ui-architecture/design-utilities/design-systems/color-system-utilities/color-palette-management/lighting-color-palette-managers.md) — Applies predefined color gradients and patterns to addressable LED arrays to determine the color scheme of active lighting effects. ([source](https://kno.wled.ge/features/palettes/))
- [Motion-Triggered Automation](https://awesome-repositories.com/f/user-interface-experience/input-device-detection/motion-sensor-readers/motion-triggered-automation.md) — Activates light presets based on input from motion sensors to automate illumination. ([source](https://kno.wled.ge/advanced/pir-sensors/))

### DevOps & Infrastructure

- [Automation Triggers](https://awesome-repositories.com/f/devops-infrastructure/automation-orchestration/task-execution-frameworks/automation-frameworks/triggers-events/automation-triggers.md) — Triggers custom sequences and actions based on time, physical inputs, or external events. ([source](https://kno.wled.ge/features/settings/))
- [Lighting Priority Controllers](https://awesome-repositories.com/f/devops-infrastructure/job-priority-management/lighting-priority-controllers.md) — Assigns priority levels to incoming network data streams to ensure higher-priority controllers override lower-priority signals. ([source](https://kno.wled.ge/interfaces/e1.31-dmx))
- [Current Consumption Limiters](https://awesome-repositories.com/f/devops-infrastructure/power-management-utilities/current-consumption-limiters.md) — Restricts current consumption to prevent hardware damage or power supply overload when operating small arrays of light-emitting diodes. ([source](https://kno.wled.ge/advanced/wiring/))

### Scientific & Mathematical Computing

- [Particle Simulators](https://awesome-repositories.com/f/scientific-mathematical-computing/high-performance-execution-environments/scientific-computing-platforms/physics-simulations/particle-simulators.md) — Executes advanced particle-based simulations such as fire or gravity-driven motion to generate organic and reactive light animations. ([source](https://kno.wled.ge/features/effects/))

### Web Development

- [Lighting Transitions](https://awesome-repositories.com/f/web-development/frontend-development-tools/state-data-management/state-logic-patterns/state-transition-controllers/lighting-transitions.md) — Provides smooth transitions for lighting changes by fading brightness or color over a set duration. ([source](https://kno.wled.ge/interfaces/http-api))
