How to control RGB WS2812B LED 32x8 matrix with an Arduino - Tutorial

In this tutorial, you'll see how to display text on a 32x8 RGB #LED Matrix (built with #WS2812B) with an #Arduino within few minutes.
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If you need more details on the wiring or the code, have a look here :
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MATERIAL
32x8 RGB LED MATRIX
➡️Amazon : amzn.to/38p2UXd
➡️AliExpress : s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_dUo...
ARDUINO UNO
➡️Amazon : amzn.to/2SkQf1U
➡️AliExpress : s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_dXA...
5V POWER SUPPLY (might requires up to 15amp)
➡️Amazon : amzn.to/38mCEMV
➡️AliExpress : s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_d7A...
However, you can use any matrix, including one built with LED strips.
If you built something with a similar setup, please comment and share your projects !
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[@ywsfuj]

It's not hard but took me two days to find a useful tutorial. Thank you for your clear explanation. This project adds a little more flavor to this Christmas.

[@charlesw.61]

Thanks for the tutorial! This got me up and running with an Arduino Mega2560 and a WESIRI 8x32 LED Matrix 256 Pixels WS2812B. I had to configure my matrix flags a bit differently than what was shown -- just kept NEO_MATRIX_COLUMNS in place -- but that was it.

[@colossos1071]

Many thanks to you for this very clear explained tutorial! Now it works and I can put any text to scroll via Arduino on the LED matrix. 😊👍

[@ReidProjects]

Thanks ! Glad that it helped 😀

[@Mulready101]

this is exactly what i needed help with, thanks so much!

[@ReidProjects]

Glad it helped! Thanks a lot :)

[@janjanowski2891]

Many thanks for this tutorial! Thanks to it, I started my LED board - and I had a problem with libraries and finding good code.

[@ReidProjects]

Awesome thanks !

[@michellemurray8065]

@@ReidProjects How can it read output data from a sensor? This is great!

[@stevenhyde7277]

Great tutorial, very helpful, a joy to watch, please keep it up, many many thanks...Steve H (UK)

[@kevinjayne1872]

Really helped me get started THANK YOU!

[@ReidProjects]

Glad that it helped, thanks !

[@carlthaysen5779]

You solved our problem. Excellent tutorial. thanks.

[@ReidProjects]

Thanks!

[@sushantakumar7794]

Thanks sir now i understand this problem with ardiuno

[@karimbelhaouari3594]

Thank you very much !! It's good !!

[@ReidProjects]

Thanks ! That's really appreciated!

[@sreerao6563]

Perfect very nice job

[@Heydude1304]

Thanks!

[@frankcvanris9508]

Thanks so much I'm trying to create a scoreboard with one of these led matrixes. and this really helps me a lot in how to get this thing working on an arduino. I believe as well that this can also work with an esp32 correct?

[@americopereira3489]

excellent video already built this project and works 5 stars will it be possible to put accented characters ? Thank you

[@ionutbiris9743]

Thanks

[@mikes3801]

Great video. How can I put a longer text? any example? please let me know. Thanks

[@engineer2you]

also nice video, go ahead!

[@ReidProjects]

Thanks !

[@EnergeticWaves]

nice!

[@uttamdutta3664]

Great thing done sir, can you please provide the link for code you made for your project

[@cadeathtv]

Hi! I am new on this and a little help would be good. I heard you said that 15A is needed for all the led to display but 2A is okay for a Text display? What Adapter are you recommending? thanks

[@GooeyDoggy]

Do I need a resistor to stop it from shorting? I see you connected 5v to something other than the one on the Arduino, is it possible to use the 5v on the Arduino with the resistor? Or will I need a battery pack or something.

[@StoneTL]

How to use it as a LCD? I want to display "temperature and humidity" variables on it as on usual LCD1602. Can you recommend any libraries for doing it easy?

[@fingerprint8479]

Hi, great, just what i was looking for. I would like the scrolling to stop when thr letter H reach the left led collum, erase the entire text and star a new scrool from the right, do you think it is possible

[@antonottosson4924]

Great Video! Is it possible to flip the matrix so the text is scrolling in the other direction? (Up to down instead of right to left) How in that case?

[@jorgegaona7593]

Change NEO_MATRIX_RIGTH for NEO_MATRIX_LEFT

[@onesiobernardo4899]

deu certo muito obrigado

[@ReidProjects]

Awesome thanks !

[@tikav2411]

Cool video! I'm just wondering: can you connect the ground straight from the matrix board to the arduino without using the breadboard?

[@ReidProjects]

Thanks ! Yes no problem, as long as the 3 grounds are connected together ( the ground from the 5v power supply, the Arduino and the matrix). The breadboard isn't important :)

[@tikav2411]

@@ReidProjects Thanks alot! I learned a lot from this video. I'm a new subscriber!:)

[@itsahm3640]

Can u make a video how to make arduino clock using this 32x8 rgb matrix? I didnt find any video like this in youtube

[@richliow5081]

Hi If I have an array of 16 x 192. How do I physically connect the WS2812 8 x 32 boards? =) i mean the line diagram....

[@martinmunerman2111]

Hi please the arduino neo matrix library could support 3 of 32x8 matrix on serial ?

[@paolo_serrano]

Excuse me, does this code and library work with a 16x16 matrix? or does it have a limit?

[@davidj.c.cortvrient3861]

Nice video, sorry that the text is not very clear, would be easier to read, but it will work, thanks in advance

[@ReidProjects]

Hi, thanks for the feedback, let me know if there is anything I could improve :) Here's the link of the written post : reid-projects.com/how-to-control-rgb-led-matrix-with-an-arduino/

[@lindsay5985]

Do you know how to get other fonts working with this code? Thanks

[@lutherblisset372]

it's possible to stop the scrolling and print variable values?

[@sushantakumar7794]

Plz reply How many voltage and amp Led bored

[@csocsika1700]

cool video. I have my one as well but I want to connect esp32 or 8266 is thee any code for my idea? thanks again.

[@DBartel2000]

Hi! I want the same ... did you find a solution?

[@manuelmarrero7353]

Hola . Gracias por tu contribución para los demás . Puedes hacer que las letras se vean en vertical. Te agradecería tú ayuda. Un saludo

[@honestrob6993]

Hi thanks for the video, I’m wondering for some reason the PROGRESSIVE & ZIGZAG are in reverse. So when I try to run progressive projects using jinx my display jumps around also like it’s permanently in zigzag. Is there a reason for this my led running the opposite? Thanks

[@jorgegaona7593]

Change NEO_MATRIX_RIGTH for NEO_MATRIX_LEFT

[@fafazafmmrfixitthelandlord3981]

what is the budget for this project sir..price of each materials used?

[@3dledcube-lawrence460]

😎😎

[@hi-techprofilesinc9747]

Does anyone know how can I set the text to be static not scrolling?

[@AdrianBeRapping]

Just curious, would you be able to cut it up to a smaller size and it would still work?

[@ReidProjects]

Unfortunately not. That said, there is smaller matrixes (8x8, 8x16) and if you need a different format, you can always take a ws2812b LED strip and wire your own matrix. Hope it helps !

[@DaDom07]

How do I make Rainbow letters? Please tell me!

[@juliengagliano6005]

Hello, thank's for this topic, it works great for me. But i have one question, i don't set more than 12 caracters....; How can i increase the maximum caracters please?

[@ReidProjects]

Hi, sorry for the Delay ! Do you have an error on the compiler or there is missing chars when it's running ? It's not wired on my side at the moment but I'll try it within the next days.

[@Yazinmusic]

hello please what version of library u used

[@MrBlackVinyl]

Hi there, this is pretty cool. But I was looking for a way to have the letters static instead of scrolling. I want to learn how to scroll writing left to right, right to left, as well as top and bottom. But more importantly, how to get letters and numbers to fade in/out of each other. For example, a countdown from 10 to 1 fade out and in over each other. Is there a way to do this? Thanks.

[@jorgegaona7593]

Change NEO_MATRIX_RIGTH for NEO_MATRIX_LEFT

[@MrBlackVinyl]

@Jorge Gaona So that will change direction of the scrolling but what about if I don't want scrolling? A letter appears then disappear after a few seconds and another letter appears. How can I do this? Thank you

[@Fine_i_set_the_handle]

change matrix.setCursor(X, 0); to matrix.setCursor(0, 0); and it will just display the word with no scrolling

[@skyamaz5913]

did you need an additional power supply? I thought I just needed my desktop at least + an arduino (esp12e in my case) gnd, vin, and din to d6, no other wiring. Is this correct?

[@ReidProjects]

Yes you'll need an additionnal power supply, that kind of matrix requires a lot of power and, unfortunately, an USB port won't be enough. Hope that helps !

[@ernestbouroig6343]

How flexible is it? Could you wrap a cylinder?. Thank you!

[@ReidProjects]

Yes, that would be flexible enough to be wrapped around something without problems :)

[@TheAgentOfMak]

Can I import the matrix library and use it for a 32x8 neopixel setup?

[@ReidProjects]

Yes it should work with that too, you might only have to play with the different settings. (And sorry for the delay ! Hope you were able to make it work !)

[@tikav2411]

How many volts is 15m? 1:40

[@cosmicbullet5643]

Why does only one of my led lights light up I have a 16 by 16 flexible matrix board I tested it has power everywhere but only the first one lights up

[@emanueldrobila4206]

Hy. Great Job. Can you Tell me how to make it with Bluetooth, and can i make this Project with a NANO? Send me please the Sketch for IT with Bluetooth! Thank you so much.

[@ReidProjects]

Thanks for your interest ! Unfortunately, using bluetooth with a LED matrix is not a project on my ToDo list right now. That said, stay tuned if you

[@gojunior12]

Do you think it can handle 1,200leds? I want a 120x10 led matrix

[@ReidProjects]

1200 LEDs might be too much, you might have issues with the RAM (and power supply would also be to keep in mind) For more details, you can check this thread : forum.arduino.cc/index.php?topic=644898.0

[@gojunior12]

Could you do it using arduino esp8266 to change the text or the color, please?

[@ReidProjects]

Hi, got a lot of questions and propositions regarding that matrix, I might revisit this soon, stay tuned !

[@mrbulp]

@@ReidProjects i want to learn built with pico + esp01s too :)

[@sushantakumar7794]

Hello... I want control on Bluetooth so how...to creat code application...

[@EnergeticWaves]

if(--x < -86) { x = matrix.width(); if(++pass >= 3) pass = 0; matrix.setTextColor(colors[pass]); } when I changed the number in the first line I was able to get a longer line to print, but I don't know why. anybody know why?

[@protogaming8323]

is it wireless

[@matiasgoinheix366]

Can this be done with a bunch of WS2812 LED strips?

[@ReidProjects]

Yes absolutely ! The matrix is the same thing than few strips connected together :)

[@ecua60videos]

I like your project and I would like to make a similar one to use it for our Senior Center Dances. To display "LET"S KEEP DANCING" or any other similar message. The LED matrix you used is not available and I wonder if I could one for sale at Amazon made by BTF-LIGHTNING> "BTF-LIGHTING WS2812B RGB 5050SMD Individually Addressable Digital 8x32 256 Pixels LED Matrix Panel Flexible FPCB Full Color Works with K-1000C,SP107E,etc Controllers Image Video Text Display DC5V" Do you think it will work? I have an Arduino Duemilanove. It is like an Arduino UNO. I hope it works. I might like to attach two matrices later. But I think I will need to buy a power supply with more watts. Thank you.

[@ReidProjects]

Hi, thanks ! Yes any matrix using WS2812B should work without trouble. You might only have to play with some of the settings if they're not wired the same (i.e. not in zigzag). Let me know if you need any help ! (And I also updated the links in the description with some matrix that should works, thanks !)

[@Mr.Tim.s_Tutoring]

how about changing to work with the Raspberry Pi Pico

[@ReidProjects]

Might give it a try someday, but WLED adding native support to LED Matrix, I just had this matrix working on an ESP32 within few minutes ! You might want to have a look : kno.wled.ge/ Matrix are still at the beggining in WLED and documentation isn't really clear yet, but I guess it'll improve :) Thanks for watching !

[@SebasSBM]

I am so frustrated because I bought one of these, no instructions manual whatsoever... I don't know why do I have a main 2-wire pair for power at the center, and 2 more + and ground cables near the data in and the data out wires... your video is the only thing I could find as a reliable reference... *But the way you connect the wires... there's something weird about it...* you use the "3-wire data in wire group"... 5V to the outer power source... it makes sense... but why the GND to the arduino then? Can the Arduino's GND PIN actually handle up to 15A?? I have literally wasted an entire hour trying to figure out all the technical details I need about the wires available in this matrix

[@sirgen001]

This font is rubbish. Is there a way to change it?

[@Matt-il4hj]

I tried to do this but I can't load the sketch on arduino. The ide gives me an error, but It's not about the sketch. Can you help me please?

[@ReidProjects]

Yes no problem, do you have any details like the error, a screenshot or something ?

[@Matt-il4hj]

@@ReidProjects thank you, I solved the problem. I tried to download an older version of the libraries. Now the sketch works perfectly! Thanks😉

[@ReidProjects]

@@Matt-il4hj Awesome ! Good to know, I'll try to update the example on my side too :)

[@Yazinmusic]

@@Matt-il4hj hi what version u used please

[@tikav2411]

My matrix is only lighting up the top two lines, not the whole matrix.

[@bosstronix4970]

Code please

[@ReidProjects]

Here it is ! gitlab.com/snippets/1896985 Let me know if you have any issue with it

[@pierrethetraveler2600]

Wanna show the full code next time

[@ReidProjects]

Hi ! Normally everything is in the description, for the code you can check here : reid-projects.com/how-to-control-rgb-led-matrix-with-an-arduino/ Let me know if something is missing :)

[@pierrethetraveler2600]

@@ReidProjects okay sweet thank you! Btw your videos are top notch thanks for posting them!! I’m new to arduino and you’ve definitely helped me out with figuring out how the arduino platform works. Keep it up!

[@rsactivescience2647]

I can't understand wiring...plz inform me direct connection of led with Arduino...

[@ReidProjects]

Do you have the same matrix or a different setup ?

[@rsactivescience2647]

@@ReidProjects same matrix

[@ReidProjects]

I added few details about the wiring here : reid-projects.com/how-to-control-rgb-led-matrix-with-an-arduino/ Let me know if you need more info !

[@mx2004mx]

The code does not work, it displays something, but not text

[@sushantakumar7794]

Hello sir. Ek problem hai @ this program is runing low long Ward..... I went running longWard like. "ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ AAAAA BBBBB CCCC " this type

[@sushantakumar7794]

Plz give cood .edit. a screenshot

[@wvijay]

@@sushantakumar7794 You just need to change this line in your code: if(--x < -98) { // increase -98 as desired for longer text scroll x = matrix.width(); if(++pass >= 3) pass = 0; matrix.setTextColor(colors[pass]); } Did a few modification to have multiple text scrolling and changes color for every text display. Wondering how to get data from a sensor and display as scrolling text. Unfortunately arduino ID does not support "(matrix.print(F("Have a Nice Day"));" to a variable I guess. Anyone got that working let me know. Have a great day. My Code : drive.google.com/file/d/1cUPOmI0rTWho3FaaoTQNy6mXgPxdbAUv/view?usp=share_link

[@kingruinous81]

Where is the code

[@wvijay]

Its in the examples section. However I am using ESP8266 - Node Mcu and you catch my code here. It will work with any arduino .. just change the PIN details on the code. My Code : drive.google.com/file/d/1cUPOmI0rTWho3FaaoTQNy6mXgPxdbAUv/view?usp=share_link