PC software is at the heart of a computer-based lighting controller. It comes with numerous features and functions that are installed into the hardware-based console. The benefit of a computer-based approach to lighting control is that the system can be built to fit or meet the specific demands of the operator or lighting designer, simply by adding more DMX outputs or additional console style panels.

To use a DMX lighting software or PC software, for example, DMX-512 ports and fader or sub-master panels can be added to be able to control dimmers, automated fixtures and other standard lighting devices which do not usually have current standard computer interfaces. The panels are connected to the computer via a USB port.

Manufacturers or vendors of lighting control consoles often provide a PC software version of their consoles, but the software is programmed to work specifically with their own control panels or hardware DMX interface. Another option is downloading open source lighting designer software and buying a less expensive DMX PC interface.

PC software for highly specialized applications is also available. Aside from stage lighting software or show control software which is designed to control or manage stage or show lighting, stage virtualization software is also available for simulating and approximating lighting on stage for better programming and control of theatrical lighting.