Music-synchronous lighting controlExactly matching the music light show
ArtNet
Candles light simulation
High DPI support
Layering
Show Editor
LipSync
LED Pixel bars
OpenGL Preview
Expandable with plugins
Vixen is software for lighting automation. Very popular for computer-controlled lighting control via DMX at Christmas. With a PC and a JMS USB2DMX, anyone can create professional looking Christmas lights in sync with the music.
Vixen is primarily aimed at the DIY enthusiast. For those who prefer an all-in-one solution. Vixen Lights is a cheaper DIY solution. There is a broad base of software plug-ins to support different hardware designs. You can also create your own plug-ins to support your hardware.
Vixen is right for you. Feel free to search the wiki. If not, we thank you for taking the time to test Vixen. If so, you can join the support forum. Most of what you do in Vixen is the result of user input. Our users are part of what makes Vixen what it is.
Vixen comes in three forms: the current version 3.13.3 of 8 October 2026, the development build that is rebuilt almost daily, and the old line 2 from before 2014. For nearly everyone the first one is right.
Version
Who it is for
What sets it apart
Requirements (minimum)
Vixen 3.13.38 October 2026Recommended
Everyone who wants to program a light show to music — Christmas lights on the house, Halloween, the stage at the local club.
The current version, for 64-bit Windows only. Effects sit on a timeline above the music track; the preview shows the show on screen before a single fixture is connected.
Windows 11 or later, 64 bit only, Dual core from 2.0 GHz (Intel Core 2 Duo or newer), 4 GB of RAM or more, Screen from 1024 × 768 pixels
Development buildnew almost daily
Anyone waiting for a fix that came after 3.13.3, or wanting to try new features early.
Built automatically and, according to the manufacturer, not tested before release. Back up your entire data folder before installing — the manufacturer insists on it.
Same as 3.13.3; the manufacturer points to the same list for both.
Vixen 2.1.1.0old line, replaced in 2014
Anyone who needs to open or play an old Vixen 2 show once more.
The old line, replaced by Vixen 3 in 2014. In the manufacturer’s own words it is kept only “for historical purposes” — as a ZIP archive, not as an installer.
The manufacturer no longer states system requirements for line 2.
The short answer
Computer with 64-bit Windows 10 or 11: Vixen 3.13.3.
The manufacturer has already fixed a bug you hit in 3.13.3: the development build — back up your data folder first.
An old show from Vixen 2: Vixen 2.1.1.0.
Is there still a 32-bit Vixen?
No. The manufacturer discontinued the 32-bit version in 2023; since then Vixen exists only as a 64-bit program. Until 12 October 2026 the download button on this page still pointed to the 32-bit version 3.7.4 — the manufacturer no longer serves that file. Whether your Windows is 64 bit is shown under Settings › System › About › System type.
Download
Download Vixen
Every button loads the file straight from the manufacturer’s server (GitHub or vixenlights.com) — no sign-up. Size, date and file name were verified on 12 October 2026.
Manufacturer’s system requirements (up to 2000 channels)
Windows 11 or later, 64 bit only
Dual core from 2.0 GHz (Intel Core 2 Duo or newer)
4 GB of RAM or more
Screen from 1024 × 768 pixels
From 2000 channels on, the manufacturer asks for a current Windows 11, several cores from 2.8 GHz (Core i5 or better) and 8 GB of RAM. On the same page it recommends Windows 10 or 11; Windows 7 and 8 have been unsupported since 2020, 8.1 has limited support.
Vixen is a free Windows program for programming a light show beat by beat to music. It became known for Christmas lights that flash across house and garden in time with a song, but it suits any show that is planned in advance.
Vixen is developed by the Vixen Team as an open project; the source code is public on GitHub. Unlike at a lighting desk, you do not push faders during the show — you place the effects on a timeline above the music beforehand. Playback then runs at the push of a button or from the built-in scheduler.
What you need for it
A computer with 64-bit Windows, a DMX interface and a DMX cable to the first fixture. For laptops the manufacturer advises switching off power saving and plugging in the charger — Vixen runs noticeably worse in power-saving mode. Using the scheduler for a whole season takes a lot of RAM; for mid-sized shows the manufacturer names 16 GB or more.
Together with our interfaces
Vixen 3 brings an “Open DMX Output”: for interfaces of the Enttec Open DMX type, one universe with a fixed 512 channels, no further settings. Our USB2DMX PRO and USB2DMX OPTO work this way.
The AIR2DMX PRO receives Art-Net over Wi-Fi. According to its source code (as of 12 October 2026), Vixen 3 has no Art-Net output of its own; it sends to the network via sACN (E1.31) and DDP. For Vixen, a USB2DMX is therefore the interface whose output the manufacturer describes.
