QLab earns a place on the shortlist when one operator needs to run a carefully programmed sequence across several technical departments. A free workspace can establish the cue structure, then licences add the required audio, video or lighting scope. Its flexibility rewards preparation: a dependable show file includes tested routing, clear cue logic and a rehearsed backup computer.
QLab’s official distribution is for macOS. Include suitable Macs and audio/video interfaces in the budget; software capacity does not establish how many simultaneous high-resolution outputs a particular machine can sustain.
Any paid licence unlocks general show-control features, but advanced audio, video and lighting functions still follow their corresponding licence. Check the complete cue file against the feature matrix before the show.
A one-day rental ends at midnight on its chosen date, not 24 hours after purchase. Include preparation, overnight operation and the full event window; the official store uses the computer’s time zone.
Gordon F., a non-incentivized Capterra reviewer in August 2017, liked live audio cues but found the cost and breadth excessive for lower-budget uses. Treat that as historical fit feedback; current prices and free features must come from the official store.
| Plan | Price | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Free features | US$0 | Core Audio, Video and Lighting cues, workflow tools and unlimited cue lists; the free lighting patch is limited to 16 DMX addresses. |
| Standard feature licences | Current numeric prices not verified | Choose Audio, Video, Lighting, a pair or all three in the official store. Standard QLab 5 licences are perpetual and permit two activations. |
| Daily rent-to-own | Current daily rates not verified | One-time purchase for selected calendar dates, with two activations; spending becomes store credit toward a standard licence. |
| Site and educational licensing | Request applicable terms | Site licences have a ten-activation minimum; education has separate policies. |
Use the trial or free workspace to build an actual sequence: a walk-in loop, a video, a microphone cue and a transition into the next segment. Test the physical outputs and a backup Mac. A cue that works in preview has not yet proved the whole signal path.
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We research each tool by reviewing official documentation, pricing pages, and user feedback from Trustpilot, G2, and Capterra. If something's out of date or inaccurate, use the link below to flag it.
