QLab Free is a limited version of the full QLab software, designed to give users a taste of what the platform has to offer. While it's not as feature-rich as the paid version, QLab Free still packs a punch, providing a robust set of tools for controlling audio, lighting, and other aspects of live performances.
. It is not a "demo"; it is a functional, stripped-down version of the professional software. Educational Theatre Association +1 Pros: What's Free Forever Audio Power: You get 2 channels of audio output, which is plenty for stereo backing tracks, sound effects, and preshow music. Video Capabilities: You can play back videos and images in full-screen on one output. Workflow: You can create unlimited cue lists, use simple fade cues (audio only), and arrange your entire show, even with free features. Reliability: The underlying engine is the same as the Pro version, making it incredibly stable. Easy Interface: Drag-and-drop workflow makes it very intuitive. QLab +4 Cons: Free Version Limitations No Multi-Channel Audio: You are restricted to 2 channels (stereo). If you need to send a click track to the drummer and audio to front-of-house separately, you need a Pro license. Limited Video: No multi-screen support, no fade cues for video, and no advanced mapping (like edge blending). No MIDI/OSC: The free version cannot listen to or send MIDI/OSC messages to control lighting desks or other audio software. No Pro Audio Effects: You cannot use complex audio effects or matrix routing. Reddit +3 Workarounds for Free Users Users often find creative ways to maximize the free version: Stereo Split: Use one side of a stereo file for the sound effect and the other for a click track if necessary (panned hard left/right). Pre-rendered Video: If you need a video to fade, create the fade in a video editing app like Final Cut or Premiere before importing it into QLab, since QLab Free cannot fade video. Rentals: If you need Pro features for just a few days, QLab offers daily licenses that are very affordable. Any money spent on renting goes toward purchasing a permanent license, which is a popular "rent-to-own" option. Reddit +2 11 sites Free software for basic projections? - Facebook Feb 25, 2025 — qlab free version
| Feature | Free Limit | Pro Feature You’re Missing | | --- | --- | --- | | | 2 (stereo) | Multi-channel, surround, device routing | | Video outputs | 1 surface | Multiple projectors, NDI, syphon, blending | | Audio effects | None | Built-in reverb, EQ, delay, pitch | | Video effects | None | Chroma key, masks, geometry correction | | Devices cues | None | External audio interface routing | | Lighting cues | None | DMX, Art-Net, OSC lighting control | | Timecode | Read-only (can follow, not generate) | Generate LTC/MTC timecode | | Network OSC | Send-only | Full bidirectional OSC control | QLab Free is a limited version of the
QLab is the industry standard for playback on macOS. The free version is —it’s a permanently usable version with clear limitations. Knowing how to work within those limits is the key. It is not a "demo"; it is a
Whether you are a student, a community theater designer, or an aspiring sound engineer, the free version offers a robust toolkit to run a professional-sounding show without spending a dime. What is Included in the QLab Free Version?
The free QLab is exceptionally powerful for stereo + single video playback. Treat its limitations as creative constraints, not bugs. For anything requiring discrete outputs or multiple displays, budget for a Pro rental.