Skip to content

shneckle28/Launchpad-Idle

Repository files navigation

Launchpad Pro Idle Controller

Turn your Novation Launchpad Pro into a live animated LED display.

Launchpad Pro Idle Controller is a Windows-only desktop app that runs smooth full-grid idle animations directly on your Launchpad Pro. It is distributed as a prebuilt .exe, so you can download it, launch it, and use it without installing Python or setting up the source code.

If you want your Launchpad to stay visually active on your desk when you are not using it, this app is built for exactly that.


Download

Download the latest Windows .exe from the Releases section of this repository.


Quick Start

  1. Download the latest .exe
  2. Plug in your Novation Launchpad Pro
  3. Run the app
  4. Sellect your Midi
  5. Enjoy the animations

Windows Only

This application currently supports Windows only.

No macOS or Linux build is included at this time.


What It Does

This app sends animated RGB lighting effects across the full 10x10 Launchpad Pro grid, turning the controller into a generative LED display.

It includes multiple built-in animations and color presets, ranging from soft ambient effects to more energetic and hypnotic patterns.

The goal is simple: make your Launchpad Pro look alive even when it is idle.


Features

  • Windows-only prebuilt .exe
  • No Python installation required for normal users
  • Full 10x10 Launchpad Pro animation support
  • Multiple built-in animation modes
  • Multiple built-in color palettes
  • Smooth real-time LED rendering
  • Great for idle display, desk lighting, and MIDI hardware setups

Included Animations

Vortex

A rotating spiral that creates a hypnotic tunnel-like motion across the full grid.

Snake

A moving snake animation with shifting colors and fading tail effects.

Ripple

Circular wave patterns that expand outward from the center.

Rainbow Flow

A smooth flowing rainbow gradient that moves across the Launchpad.

Sparkle

Random twinkling lights that fade in and out for a subtle ambient look.

Aurora

Soft drifting color bands inspired by northern lights.

Matrix Rain

Falling vertical trails inspired by digital rain effects.

Plasma

A classic demoscene-style plasma effect built from overlapping sine waves, creating smooth morphing color blobs across the grid.


Included Color Presets

The app includes a variety of built-in palette options:

  • Ocean
  • Fire
  • Forest
  • Neon
  • Sunset
  • Ice
  • Candy
  • Monochrome
  • Lava
  • Deep Space
  • Rose Gold
  • Toxic
  • Arctic
  • Ultraviolet
  • Ember
  • Cyber

Each palette gives the animations a completely different look and feel.


Requirements

  • Windows
  • Novation Launchpad Pro
  • USB connection to your computer

Troubleshooting

The app opens but the Launchpad does not light up

Make sure the Launchpad Pro is connected and not already being used by another MIDI application.

Nothing happens when I start the app

Close any DAWs, MIDI routing tools, or background software that may already be using the Launchpad.

Windows shows a warning before opening the app

Because this is an independently distributed executable, Windows SmartScreen or antivirus software may sometimes show a warning. Only continue if you downloaded the file from the official repository or release page.


Why This Exists

Most MIDI controllers sit dark when they are not being played.

This app gives the Launchpad Pro a second life as an ambient LED display, desk centerpiece, and programmable visual toy. It is meant for people who like MIDI gear, generative visuals, and creative hardware projects.


For Developers

Although the app is distributed as a bundled Windows executable, the underlying project is built around modular animation classes and palette presets, making it easy to extend with new visual modes later.

Each animation generates a 10x10 RGB frame, which keeps the system straightforward to customize and expand.


Future Ideas

Possible future improvements:

  • animation switching UI
  • automatic palette cycling
  • random mode shuffle
  • audio-reactive effects
  • MIDI-reactive visuals
  • brightness controls
  • tray/background mode
  • support for more Launchpad models

Credits

Built for people who like MIDI controllers, LED visuals, desk setups, and creative hardware projects.

About

This is a project I made that controls the novation Launchpad pro and acts as an always on idle lightshow for your Launchpad (No Ableton or midi programs required).

Resources

License

Stars

Watchers

Forks

Packages

 
 
 

Contributors