OpenDisplay

Open-source firmware and protocol standard for e-paper displays

What is OpenDisplay?

OpenDisplay is both a firmware solution and a protocol standard for e-paper displays. It provides a complete ecosystem for creating smart, low-power e-paper displays that can be easily integrated with Home Assistant and other automation platforms.

Get started with firmware

Open the Toolbox to flash OpenDisplay to your device, pick a preset configuration, and adjust settings. Supports ESP32-S3, ESP32-C3, ESP32-C6, and nRF52840.

Protocol documentation

BLE-based communication protocol with YAML-defined configuration schema. Enables interoperability between different clients and devices using a standardized interface.

Firmware

Low Power

Deep sleep support with microamp-level current consumption

BLE Communication

Bluetooth Low Energy for wireless updates and configuration

Multiple Color Schemes

B/W, B/W+Red, B/W+Yellow, 6-color, and grayscale support

Flexible Configuration

YAML-based config system with preset support

Direct Write Mode

Bufferless image transfer for efficient memory usage

Supported Platforms

ESP32-S3 ESP32-C3 ESP32-C6 nRF52840 nRF52811

Get Started

Install firmware through the browser, apply premade configs, and customize display size, color mode, and device options.

Upload and preview images over Bluetooth, draw on a canvas, and send buffers to your e-paper display.

Battery life calculator

Estimate runtime from capacity, standby current, update energy, and interval. Load values from BLE or presets and view breakdown charts.

Adding new displays

Guide for adding panel support: finding hardware, firmware changes, presets, testing, and power measurement.

Seeed display compatibility

Compatibility matrix for Seeed Studio ePaper panels: resolution, partial refresh, and setup notes.

Protocol standard

BLE flow, OpenDisplay Language schema, display data formats, and protocol documentation.

Layout designer

Visual layout editor with live preview; export OpenDisplay Language for Home Assistant drawcustom.

Home Assistant integration

Entities, services, tags, and installation. Works with BLE proxies—no Wi-Fi access point required on the display.

Firmware and client repos, issues, and contributions on GitHub.

Community

Join the OpenDisplay community to get help, share your projects, discuss implementations, and connect with other users and developers.

Join Discord