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wled/WLED

Open-source ESP32 firmware for controlling addressable RGB LED strips, 2D matrices and HUB75 panels over WiFi.

Open-source alternative to:Philips Hue

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What is it?

WLED is firmware for ESP32 microcontrollers that drives addressable LEDs such as WS2812B and many other digital RGB chip types. It runs on the microcontroller itself and is controlled from a web interface, a mobile app, or external systems over WiFi.

The firmware includes more than 200 built-in effects, many of them audio-reactive, along with 50-plus color palettes and a palette editor. Segments let different parts of one LED setup run separate effects at the same time, and presets and playlists store and cycle configurations. It supports 2D matrices with panel mapping, HUB75 RGB matrix panels on ESP32, and RGBW, RGB+CCT and white-only strips.

WLED integrates with MQTT and Home Assistant, Alexa, Philips Hue sync, and DMX-style protocols such as E1.31, Art-Net and DDP. It also offers a JSON and HTTP API, UDP sync between devices, ESP-NOW wireless sync, and a usermod system for adding custom modules.

Key features

  • 01Over 200 built-in effects, including audio-reactive and 2D matrix effects
  • 02Segments for running different effects and palettes on separate parts of one setup
  • 03Support for WS2812B, SK6812, APA102 and many other addressable LED chips
  • 042D matrix and HUB75 RGB panel support with flexible mapping
  • 05MQTT with Home Assistant discovery, plus E1.31, Art-Net and DDP for DMX control
  • 06JSON and HTTP APIs with a usermod system for custom extensions

Use cases

  • Building ambient lighting for a room, TV or desk controlled from a phone or Home Assistant
  • Making audio-reactive LED displays or music-synced lighting
  • Driving large LED matrix signs or HUB75 panels from an ESP32
  • Integrating addressable lighting into stage or professional DMX setups

Quick start

  1. 1

    Read the quick start guide and documentation at kno.wled.ge

  2. 2

    Flash the firmware to an ESP32 board following the wiki tutorials

  3. 3

    Connect to the device with the WLED app for Android or iOS

Things to know

  • Targets ESP32 microcontrollers, so it needs compatible hardware to run.
  • Licensed under EUPL v1.2, a copyleft license that requires derivative works to remain open source.
  • The README warns it is not recommended for people prone to photosensitive epilepsy.

In collections

Embedded systems & microcontroller projects

Topics

#esp32#led#wifi#iot#home-automation#firmware#microcontroller#home-assistant#esp8266#hacktoberfest

FAQ

What is WLED?
Open-source ESP32 firmware for controlling addressable RGB LED strips, 2D matrices and HUB75 panels over WiFi. WLED is firmware for ESP32 microcontrollers that drives addressable LEDs such as WS2812B and many other digital RGB chip types. It runs on the microcontroller itself and is controlled from a web interface, a mobile app, or external systems over WiFi.
Is WLED free to use? What license does it have?
WLED is open source under the EUPL-1.2 license. Check the license terms before using it in commercial products.
Is WLED still maintained?
Actively maintained. The last commit to WLED was on Oct 23, 2026.
What can I use WLED for?
Building ambient lighting for a room, TV or desk controlled from a phone or Home Assistant Making audio-reactive LED displays or music-synced lighting Driving large LED matrix signs or HUB75 panels from an ESP32 Integrating addressable lighting into stage or professional DMX setups
How do I install WLED?
Read the quick start guide and documentation at kno.wled.ge Flash the firmware to an ESP32 board following the wiki tutorials Connect to the device with the WLED app for Android or iOS
Where can I get WLED?
The source code and installation instructions are on GitHub: https://github.com/wled/WLED

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