# Source: https://learn.adafruit.com/adafruit-led-backpack/1-2-inch-7-segment-backpack-arduino-wiring-and-setup.md

# Adafruit LED Backpacks

## Arduino Wiring and Setup

Primary: 

Now you are ready to wire it to your microcontroller. The required connections are:

- **"D"** - I2C Data Pin (SDA)  
- **"C"** - I2C Clock Pin (SCL)  
- **"+"** - 5v. (Will not run on 3.3v!)  
- **"-"** - GND  
- **"IO"** - I2C bus voltage.   

Due to the size of this display, there are 2 LEDs in series for each segment. Because of this, the display requires 5v to run. It will not run on 3.3v.  
  
For use with 3.3v processors, connect the IO pin to 3.3v. This will keep the I2C bus signals at a safe level for your processor.   
  
With 5v processors like the Arduino UNO, this pin can be connected to either 5v or 3.3v. (use 3.3v if there will be other 3.3v devices on the bus) ## Arduino Wiring - R3 and later

**Connect:**

- D **→** SDA
- C **→** SCL
- + **→** 5v
- - **→** GND
- IO **→** jumper to + for 5v.

![led_matrix_2013_04_12_IMG_1639-1024.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/007/391/medium640/led_matrix_2013_04_12_IMG_1639-1024.jpg?1396850786)

## Arduino Due and Other 3.3v Processors

**Connect:**

- D **→** SDA
- C **→** SCL
- + **→** 5v
- - **→** GND
- IO **→** 3.3v

![led_matrix_2013_04_12_IMG_1642-1024.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/007/392/medium640/led_matrix_2013_04_12_IMG_1642-1024.jpg?1396850798)

## Arduino "Classic" Wiring

**Connect:**

- D **→** Analog-4 or Digital 20 for the Mega
- C **→** Analog-5 or Digital 21 for the Mega
- + **→** 5v
- - **→** GND
- IO **→** jumper to + for 5v.

![led_matrix_2013_04_12_IMG_1634-1024.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/007/393/medium640/led_matrix_2013_04_12_IMG_1634-1024.jpg?1396850810)

OK, now on to the firmware!

## Seven-Segment Backpack Firmware

Our 7-segment backpack library makes it easy to program these displays. The library is written for the Arduino and will work with any Arduino as it just uses the I2C pins. The code is very portable and can be easily adapted to any I2C-capable micro.

Download the **Adafruit LED Backpack&nbsp;** library and the&nbsp; **Adafruit GFX&nbsp;** library from the Arduino library manager.

Open up the Arduino library manager:

![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/084/474/medium800/led_matrices_1library_manager_menu.png?1574047883)

Search for the&nbsp; **Adafruit LED Backpack&nbsp;** library and install it

![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/084/475/medium800/led_matrices_led_backpack.png?1574047919)

Search for the&nbsp; **Adafruit GFX&nbsp;** library and install it

![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/084/476/medium800/led_matrices_gfx.png?1574048036)

If using an earlier version of the Arduino IDE (prior to 1.8.10), also locate and install **Adafruit\_BusIO** (newer versions will install this dependency automatically).

We also have a great tutorial on Arduino library installation at:  
[http://learn.adafruit.com/adafruit-all-about-arduino-libraries-install-use](http://learn.adafruit.com/adafruit-all-about-arduino-libraries-install-use "Link: http://learn.adafruit.com/adafruit-all-about-arduino-libraries-install-use")

You should now be able to select the **File→Examples→Adafruit\_LEDBackpack→sevenseg** example sketch. Upload it to your Arduino as usual. You should see a "sevenseg" example sketch that will demonstrate various capabilities of the library and the display.

![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/007/398/medium800/led_matrix_2013_04_12_IMG_1645-1024.jpg?1396850954)

Once you're happy that the matrix works, you can write your own sketches.

There's a few ways you can draw to the display. The easiest is to just call **print -** just like you do with **Serial**

- **print(_variable_**_,_**HEX) -** this will print a hexadecimal number, from 0000 up to FFFF
- **print(_variable_**_,_**DEC)** or **print(_variable_) -** this will print a decimal integer, from 0000 up to 9999

If you need more control, you can call **writeDigitNum(_location_, _number_)** - this will write the _number_ (0-9) to a single location. Location #0 is all the way to the left, location #2 is the colon dots so you probably want to skip it, location #4 is all the way to the right.

To control the colon and decimal points, use the writeDigitRaw(location, bitmap) function. &nbsp;(Note that both dots of the center colon are wired together internal to the display, so it is not possible to address them separately.) &nbsp;Specify 2 for the location and the bits are mapped as follows:

- 0x02 - center colon (both dots)
- 0x04 - left colon - lower dot
- 0x08 - left colon - upper dot
- 0x10 - decimal point (upper right)

If you want a decimal point, call **writeDigitNum(_location_, _number_, true)** which will paint the decimal point. To draw the colon, use **drawColon(_true_** _or_ **_false_)**

If you want full control of the segments in all digits, you can call **writeDigitRaw(_location_, _bitmask_)** to draw a raw 8-bit mask (as stored in a uint8\_t) to any location.

All the drawing routines only change the display memory kept by the Arduino. Don't forget to call **writeDisplay()** after drawing to 'save' the memory out to the matrix via I2C.

There are also a few small routines that are special to the backpack:

- **setBrightness(_brightness_)**- will let you change the overall brightness of the entire display. 0 is least bright, 15 is brightest and is what is initialized by the display when you start
- **blinkRate(_rate_)** - You can blink the entire display. 0 is no blinking. 1, 2 or 3 is for display blinking.

- [Previous Page](https://learn.adafruit.com/adafruit-led-backpack/1-2-inch-7-segment-backpack-assembly.md)
- [Next Page](https://learn.adafruit.com/adafruit-led-backpack/circuitpython-wiring-and-setup-2666a265-2d8e-4cde-bcb8-dadc29b6b8fa.md)

## Primary Products

### Adafruit Mini 8x8 LED Matrix w/I2C Backpack - Red

[Adafruit Mini 8x8 LED Matrix w/I2C Backpack - Red](https://www.adafruit.com/product/870)
What's better than a single LED? Lots of LEDs! A fun way to make a small display is to use an [8x8 matrix](https://www.adafruit.com/category/37_88) or a [4-digit 7-segment display](https://www.adafruit.com/category/37_103). Matrices like these are...

In Stock
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[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/870/guides)
### Adafruit Mini 8x8 LED Matrix w/I2C Backpack - Yellow

[Adafruit Mini 8x8 LED Matrix w/I2C Backpack - Yellow](https://www.adafruit.com/product/871)
What's better than a single LED? Lots of LEDs! A fun way to make a small display is to use an [8x8 matrix](https://www.adafruit.com/category/37_88) or a [4-digit 7-segment display](https://www.adafruit.com/category/37_103). Matrices like these are...

In Stock
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[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/871/guides)
### Adafruit Mini 0.8" 8x8 LED Matrix w/I2C Backpack - Yellow-Green

[Adafruit Mini 0.8" 8x8 LED Matrix w/I2C Backpack - Yellow-Green](https://www.adafruit.com/product/872)
What's better than a single LED? Lots of LEDs! A fun way to make a small display is to use an [8x8 matrix](https://www.adafruit.com/category/37_88) or a [4-digit 7-segment display](https://www.adafruit.com/category/37_103). Matrices like these are...

In Stock
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[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/872/guides)
### Adafruit 0.56" 4-Digit 7-Segment Display with I2C Backpack - Red

[Adafruit 0.56" 4-Digit 7-Segment Display with I2C Backpack - Red](https://www.adafruit.com/product/878)
What's better than a single LED? Lots of LEDs! A fun way to make a small display is to use an [8x8 matrix](https://www.adafruit.com/category/37_88) or a [4-digit 7-segment display](https://www.adafruit.com/category/37_103). Matrices like these are...

In Stock
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[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/878/guides)
### Adafruit 0.56" 4-Digit 7-Segment Display w/I2C Backpack - Yellow

[Adafruit 0.56" 4-Digit 7-Segment Display w/I2C Backpack - Yellow](https://www.adafruit.com/product/879)
What's better than a single LED? Lots of LEDs! A fun way to make a small display is to use an [8x8 matrix](https://www.adafruit.com/category/37_88) or a [4-digit 7-segment display](https://www.adafruit.com/category/37_103). Matrices like these are...

In Stock
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[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/879/guides)
### Adafruit 0.56" 4-Digit 7-Segment Display w/ I2C Backpack - Green

[Adafruit 0.56" 4-Digit 7-Segment Display w/ I2C Backpack - Green](https://www.adafruit.com/product/880)
What's better than a single LED? Lots of LEDs! A fun way to make a small display is to use an [8x8 matrix](https://www.adafruit.com/category/37_88) or a [4-digit 7-segment display](https://www.adafruit.com/category/37_103). Matrices like these are...

No Longer Stocked
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/880)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/880/guides)
### Adafruit 0.56" 4-Digit 7-Segment Display w/ I2C Backpack - Blue

[Adafruit 0.56" 4-Digit 7-Segment Display w/ I2C Backpack - Blue](https://www.adafruit.com/product/881)
What's better than a single LED? Lots of LEDs! A fun way to make a small display is to use an [8x8 matrix](https://www.adafruit.com/category/37_88) or a [4-digit 7-segment display](https://www.adafruit.com/category/37_103). Matrices like these are...

In Stock
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[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/881/guides)
### Adafruit Bicolor LED Square Pixel Matrix with I2C Backpack

[Adafruit Bicolor LED Square Pixel Matrix with I2C Backpack](https://www.adafruit.com/product/902)
What's better than a single LED? Lots of LEDs! A fun way to make a small colorful display is to use a [1.2" Bi-color 8x8 LED Matrix](http://www.adafruit.com/products/458). Matrices like these are 'multiplexed' - so to control all the 128 LEDs you need 24 pins....

In Stock
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[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/902/guides)
### Adafruit Mini 8x8 LED Matrix w/I2C Backpack - Blue

[Adafruit Mini 8x8 LED Matrix w/I2C Backpack - Blue](https://www.adafruit.com/product/959)
What's better than a single LED? Lots of LEDs! A fun way to make a small display is to use an [8x8 matrix](https://www.adafruit.com/category/37_88) or a [4-digit 7-segment display](https://www.adafruit.com/category/37_103). Matrices like these are...

In Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/959)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/959/guides)
### Adafruit 0.56" 4-Digit 7-Segment Display w/I2C Backpack - White

[Adafruit 0.56" 4-Digit 7-Segment Display w/I2C Backpack - White](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1002)
What's better than a single LED? Lots of LEDs! A fun way to make a small display is to use an [8x8 matrix](https://www.adafruit.com/category/37_88) or a [4-digit 7-segment display](https://www.adafruit.com/category/37_103). Matrices like these are...

In Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1002)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/1002/guides)
### Adafruit 1.2" 8x8 LED Matrix Backpack

[Adafruit 1.2" 8x8 LED Matrix Backpack](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1048)
By popular request, you can now get our 8x8 LED backpacks without the LEDs! These backpacks feature an HT16K33 I2C LED driver, they're simple and easy to use - you can use&nbsp;[our very nice library for the backpacks to...](https://github.com/adafruit/Adafruit-LED-Backpack-Library)

In Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1048)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/1048/guides)
### Adafruit Small 1.2" 8x8 LED Matrix w/I2C Backpack - Red

[Adafruit Small 1.2" 8x8 LED Matrix w/I2C Backpack - Red](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1049)
What's better than a single LED? Lots of LEDs! A fun way to make a small display is to use an [8x8 matrix](https://www.adafruit.com/category/37_88) or a [4-digit 7-segment display](https://www.adafruit.com/category/37_103). Matrices like these are...

In Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1049)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/1049/guides)
### Adafruit Small 1.2" 8x8 LED Matrix w/I2C Backpack - Yellow

[Adafruit Small 1.2" 8x8 LED Matrix w/I2C Backpack - Yellow](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1050)
What's better than a single LED? Lots of LEDs! A fun way to make a small display is to use an [8x8 matrix](https://www.adafruit.com/category/37_88) or a [4-digit 7-segment display](https://www.adafruit.com/category/37_103). Matrices like these are...

In Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1050)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/1050/guides)
### Adafruit Small 1.2" 8x8 LED Matrix w/I2C Backpack - Blue

[Adafruit Small 1.2" 8x8 LED Matrix w/I2C Backpack - Blue](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1052)
What's better than a single LED? Lots of LEDs! A fun way to make a small display is to use an [8x8 matrix](https://www.adafruit.com/category/37_88) or a [4-digit 7-segment display](https://www.adafruit.com/category/37_103). Matrices like these are...

In Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1052)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/1052/guides)
### Adafruit Mini 8x8 LED Matrix w/I2C Backpack - Ultra Bright White

[Adafruit Mini 8x8 LED Matrix w/I2C Backpack - Ultra Bright White](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1080)
What's better than a single LED? Lots of LEDs! A fun way to make a small display is to use an [8x8 matrix](https://www.adafruit.com/category/37_88) or a [4-digit 7-segment display](https://www.adafruit.com/category/37_103). Matrices like these are...

In Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1080)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/1080/guides)
### Adafruit 1.2" 4-Digit 7-Segment Display w/I2C Backpack - Green

[Adafruit 1.2" 4-Digit 7-Segment Display w/I2C Backpack - Green](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1268)
What's better than a single LED? Lots of LEDs! A fun way to make a numeric display is to use a [4-digit 7-segment display](https://www.adafruit.com/category/37_103). LED matrices like these are 'multiplexed' - so to control all the seven-segment LEDs you need 14 pins....

No Longer Stocked
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1268)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/1268/guides)
### Adafruit 1.2" 4-Digit 7-Segment Display w/I2C Backpack - Yellow

[Adafruit 1.2" 4-Digit 7-Segment Display w/I2C Backpack - Yellow](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1269)
What's better than a single LED? Lots of LEDs! A fun way to make a numeric display is to use a [4-digit 7-segment display](https://www.adafruit.com/category/37_103). LED matrices like these are 'multiplexed' - so to control all the seven-segment LEDs you need 14 pins....

In Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1269)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/1269/guides)
### Adafruit 1.2" 4-Digit 7-Segment Display w/I2C Backpack - Red

[Adafruit 1.2" 4-Digit 7-Segment Display w/I2C Backpack - Red](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1270)
What's better than a single LED? Lots of LEDs! A fun way to make a numeric display is to use a [4-digit 7-segment display](https://www.adafruit.com/category/37_103). LED matrices like these are 'multiplexed' - so to control all the seven-segment LEDs you need 14 pins....

In Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1270)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/1270/guides)
### Small 1.2" 8x8 Ultra Bright White LED Matrix + Backpack

[Small 1.2" 8x8 Ultra Bright White LED Matrix + Backpack](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1614)
What's better than a single LED? Lots of LEDs! A fun way to make a small display is to use an [8x8 matrix](https://www.adafruit.com/category/37_88) or a [4-digit 7-segment display](https://www.adafruit.com/category/37_103). Matrices like these are...

In Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1614)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/1614/guides)
### Adafruit Small 1.2" 8x8 LED Matrix w/I2C Backpack - Pure Green

[Adafruit Small 1.2" 8x8 LED Matrix w/I2C Backpack - Pure Green](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1632)
What's better than a single LED? Lots of LEDs! A fun way to make a small display is to use an [8x8 matrix](https://www.adafruit.com/category/37_88) or a [4-digit 7-segment display](https://www.adafruit.com/category/37_103). Matrices like these are...

In Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1632)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/1632/guides)
### Adafruit Mini 0.8" 8x8 LED Matrix w/I2C Backpack - Pure Green

[Adafruit Mini 0.8" 8x8 LED Matrix w/I2C Backpack - Pure Green](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1633)
What's better than a single LED? Lots of LEDs! A fun way to make a small display is to use an [8x8 matrix](https://www.adafruit.com/category/37_88) or a [4-digit 7-segment display](https://www.adafruit.com/category/37_103). Matrices like these are...

In Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1633)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/1633/guides)
### Bi-Color (Red/Green) 24-Bar Bargraph w/I2C Backpack Kit

[Bi-Color (Red/Green) 24-Bar Bargraph w/I2C Backpack Kit](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1721)
What's better than a single LED? Lots of LEDs! A fun way to make a small linear display is to use two 12-bar Bi-color bar-graphs. However, this LED bargraph is 'multiplexed' - so to control all the 48 LEDs you need a lot of pins. <a...></a...>

Out of Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1721)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/1721/guides)
### Small 1.2" 8x8 Ultra Bright Square Amber LED Matrix + Backpack

[Small 1.2" 8x8 Ultra Bright Square Amber LED Matrix + Backpack](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1854)
What's better than a single LED? Lots of LEDs! Matrices like these are 'multiplexed' - so to control 64 LEDs you need 16 pins. That's a lot of pins, and there are [driver chips like the MAX7219](//www.adafruit.com/products/453) that can control a matrix for you but...

In Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1854)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/1854/guides)
### Small 1.2" 8x8 Ultra Bright Square Yellow LED Matrix + Backpack

[Small 1.2" 8x8 Ultra Bright Square Yellow LED Matrix + Backpack](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1855)
What's better than a single LED? Lots of LEDs! Matrices like these are 'multiplexed' - so to control 64 LEDs you need 16 pins. That's a lot of pins, and there are [driver chips like the MAX7219](//www.adafruit.com/products/453) that can control a matrix for you but...

In Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1855)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/1855/guides)
### Small 1.2" 8x8 Bright Square Pure Green LED Matrix + Backpack

[Small 1.2" 8x8 Bright Square Pure Green LED Matrix + Backpack](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1856)
What's better than a single LED? Lots of LEDs! Matrices like these are 'multiplexed' - so to control 64 LEDs you need 16 pins. That's a lot of pins, and there are [driver chips like the MAX7219](//www.adafruit.com/products/453) that can control a matrix for you but...

In Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1856)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/1856/guides)
### Small 1.2" 8x8 Ultra Bright Square White LED Matrix + Backpack

[Small 1.2" 8x8 Ultra Bright Square White LED Matrix + Backpack](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1857)
What's better than a single LED? Lots of LEDs! Matrices like these are 'multiplexed' - so to control 64 LEDs you need 16 pins. That's a lot of pins, and there are [driver chips like the MAX7219](//www.adafruit.com/products/453) that can control a matrix for you but...

In Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1857)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/1857/guides)
### Adafruit 14-segment LED Alphanumeric Backpack - STEMMA QT

[Adafruit 14-segment LED Alphanumeric Backpack - STEMMA QT](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1910)
By popular request, you can now get our 14-segment LED backpacks without the LEDs! These backpacks feature an HT16K33 I2C LED driver, they're simple and easy to use - you can use [our very nice library for the backpacks to...](https://github.com/adafruit/Adafruit-LED-Backpack-Library)

In Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1910)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/1910/guides)
### Quad Alphanumeric Display - Red 0.54" Digits w/ I2C Backpack

[Quad Alphanumeric Display - Red 0.54" Digits w/ I2C Backpack](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1911)
Display, elegantly, 012345678 or 9! Gaze, hypnotized, at ABCDEFGHIJKLM - well it can display the whole alphabet. You get the point. This is a nice, bright alphanumeric display that shows letters and numbers in a beautiful red hue. It's super bright and designed for viewing from distances...

In Stock
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[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/1911/guides)
### Quad Alphanumeric Display - Blue 0.54" Digits w/ I2C Backpack

[Quad Alphanumeric Display - Blue 0.54" Digits w/ I2C Backpack](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1912)
Display, elegantly, 012345678 or 9! Gaze, hypnotized, at ABCDEFGHIJKLM - well it can display the whole alphabet. You get the point. This is a nice, bright alphanumeric display that shows letters and numbers in a beautiful blue hue. It's super bright and designed for viewing from distances...

In Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1912)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/1912/guides)
### 16x8 1.2" LED Matrix + Backpack - Ultra Bright Round Green LEDs

[16x8 1.2" LED Matrix + Backpack - Ultra Bright Round Green LEDs](https://www.adafruit.com/product/2035)
What's better than a single LED? Lots of LEDs! And what's better than lots of LEDs?&nbsp; **TWO TIMES AS MANY LEDS!!!**

With the 16x8 LED Matrix Backpack we've doubled your project's matrix capacity by making it super easy to get two separate 8x8 matrices onto...

In Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/2035)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/2035/guides)
### 16x8 1.2" LED Matrix+Backpack UltraBright Round YellowGreen LEDs

[16x8 1.2" LED Matrix+Backpack UltraBright Round YellowGreen LEDs](https://www.adafruit.com/product/2036)
What's better than a single LED? Lots of LEDs! And what's better than lots of LEDs?&nbsp; **TWO TIMES AS MANY LEDS!!!**

With the 16x8 LED Matrix Backpack we've doubled your project's matrix capacity by making it super easy to get two separate 8x8 matrices onto...

In Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/2036)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/2036/guides)
### 16x8 1.2" LED Matrix + Backpack - Ultra Bright Round Red LEDs

[16x8 1.2" LED Matrix + Backpack - Ultra Bright Round Red LEDs](https://www.adafruit.com/product/2037)
What's better than a single LED? Lots of LEDs! And what's better than lots of LEDs?&nbsp; **TWO TIMES AS MANY LEDS!!!**

With the 16x8 LED Matrix Backpack we've doubled your project's matrix capacity by making it super easy to get two separate 8x8 matrices onto...

In Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/2037)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/2037/guides)
### 16x8 1.2" LED Matrix + Backpack - Ultra Bright Round White LEDs

[16x8 1.2" LED Matrix + Backpack - Ultra Bright Round White LEDs](https://www.adafruit.com/product/2038)
What's better than a single LED? Lots of LEDs! And what's better than lots of LEDs?&nbsp; **TWO TIMES AS MANY LEDS!!!**

With the 16x8 LED Matrix Backpack we've doubled your project's matrix capacity by making it super easy to get two separate 8x8 matrices onto...

In Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/2038)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/2038/guides)
### 16x8 1.2" LED Matrix + Backpack - Ultra Bright Round Blue LEDs

[16x8 1.2" LED Matrix + Backpack - Ultra Bright Round Blue LEDs](https://www.adafruit.com/product/2039)
What's better than a single LED? Lots of LEDs! And what's better than lots of LEDs?&nbsp; **TWO TIMES AS MANY LEDS!!!**

With the 16x8 LED Matrix Backpack we've doubled your project's matrix capacity by making it super easy to get two separate 8x8 matrices onto...

In Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/2039)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/2039/guides)
### 16x8 1.2" LED Matrix + Backpack - Ultra Bright Square Blue LEDs

[16x8 1.2" LED Matrix + Backpack - Ultra Bright Square Blue LEDs](https://www.adafruit.com/product/2040)
What's better than a single LED? Lots of LEDs! And what's better than lots of LEDs?&nbsp; **TWO TIMES AS MANY LEDS!!!**

With the 16x8 LED Matrix Backpack we've doubled your project's matrix capacity by making it super easy to get two separate 8x8 matrices onto...

In Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/2040)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/2040/guides)
### 16x8 1.2" LED Matrix + Backpack - Ultra Bright Square Amber LEDs

[16x8 1.2" LED Matrix + Backpack - Ultra Bright Square Amber LEDs](https://www.adafruit.com/product/2041)
What's better than a single LED? Lots of LEDs! And what's better than lots of LEDs?&nbsp; **TWO TIMES AS MANY LEDS!!!**

With the 16x8 LED Matrix Backpack we've doubled your project's matrix capacity by making it super easy to get two separate 8x8 matrices onto...

In Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/2041)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/2041/guides)
### 16x8 1.2" LED Matrix + Backpack - Ultra Bright Square Green LEDs

[16x8 1.2" LED Matrix + Backpack - Ultra Bright Square Green LEDs](https://www.adafruit.com/product/2042)
What's better than a single LED? Lots of LEDs! And what's better than lots of LEDs?&nbsp; **TWO TIMES AS MANY LEDS!!!**

With the 16x8 LED Matrix Backpack we've doubled your project's matrix capacity by making it super easy to get two separate 8x8 matrices onto...

In Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/2042)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/2042/guides)
### 16x8 1.2" LED Matrix + Backpack -Ultra Bright Square Yellow LEDs

[16x8 1.2" LED Matrix + Backpack -Ultra Bright Square Yellow LEDs](https://www.adafruit.com/product/2043)
What's better than a single LED? Lots of LEDs! And what's better than lots of LEDs?&nbsp; **TWO TIMES AS MANY LEDS!!!**

With the 16x8 LED Matrix Backpack we've doubled your project's matrix capacity by making it super easy to get two separate 8x8 matrices onto...

In Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/2043)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/2043/guides)
### 16x8 1.2" LED Matrix + Backpack - Ultra Bright Square White LEDs

[16x8 1.2" LED Matrix + Backpack - Ultra Bright Square White LEDs](https://www.adafruit.com/product/2044)
What's better than a single LED? Lots of LEDs! And what's better than lots of LEDs?&nbsp; **TWO TIMES AS MANY LEDS!!!**

With the 16x8 LED Matrix Backpack we've doubled your project's matrix capacity by making it super easy to get two separate 8x8 matrices onto...

In Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/2044)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/2044/guides)
### 16x8 1.2" LED Matrix + Backpack-Ultra Bright Round Orange LEDs

[16x8 1.2" LED Matrix + Backpack-Ultra Bright Round Orange LEDs](https://www.adafruit.com/product/2052)
What's better than a single LED? Lots of LEDs! And what's better than lots of LEDs?&nbsp; **TWO TIMES AS MANY LEDS!!!**

With the 16x8 LED Matrix Backpack we've doubled your project's matrix capacity by making it super easy to get two separate 8x8 matrices onto...

In Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/2052)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/2052/guides)
### 16x8 1.2" LED Matrices+Backpack Round LEDs in Various Colors

[16x8 1.2" LED Matrices+Backpack Round LEDs in Various Colors](https://www.adafruit.com/product/2054)
What's better than a single LED? Lots of LEDs! And what's better than lots of LEDs?&nbsp; **TWO TIMES AS MANY LEDS!!!**

With the 16x8 LED Matrix Backpack we've doubled your project's matrix capacity by making it super easy to get two separate 8x8 matrices onto...

Out of Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/2054)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/2054/guides)
### Adafruit 8x16 LED Matrix FeatherWing w/o Matrices

[Adafruit 8x16 LED Matrix FeatherWing w/o Matrices](https://www.adafruit.com/product/3090)
You will chirp with delight when you see how easy it is to make your very own 8x16 LED matrix display for any Feather. At 0.8" square, the little [8x8 matrices](https://www.adafruit.com/new/?q=8x8%20miniature%20LED%20matrix&) have everything a big LED matrix has,...

Out of Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/3090)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/3090/guides)
### Adafruit 14-segment LED Alphanumeric backpack (same as P1910)

[Adafruit 14-segment LED Alphanumeric backpack (same as P1910)](https://www.adafruit.com/product/3322)
Just the backpack + 4pin header

No Longer Stocked
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/3322)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/3322/guides)

## Featured Products

### Adafruit Small 1.2" 8x8 LED Matrix w/I2C Backpack - Yellow-Green

[Adafruit Small 1.2" 8x8 LED Matrix w/I2C Backpack - Yellow-Green](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1051)
What's better than a single LED? Lots of LEDs! A fun way to make a small display is to use an [8x8 matrix](https://www.adafruit.com/category/37_88) or a [4-digit 7-segment display](https://www.adafruit.com/category/37_103). Matrices like these are...

In Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1051)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/1051/guides)
### Small 1.2" 8x8 Ultra Bright Square Blue LED Matrix + Backpack

[Small 1.2" 8x8 Ultra Bright Square Blue LED Matrix + Backpack](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1853)
What's better than a single LED? Lots of LEDs! Matrices like these are 'multiplexed' - so to control 64 LEDs you need 16 pins. That's a lot of pins, and there are [driver chips like the MAX7219](//www.adafruit.com/products/453) that can control a matrix for you but...

In Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1853)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/1853/guides)

## Related Guides

- [LED Backpack Displays on Raspberry Pi and BeagleBone Black](https://learn.adafruit.com/led-backpack-displays-on-raspberry-pi-and-beaglebone-black.md)
- [Animating Multiple LED Backpacks](https://learn.adafruit.com/animating-multiple-led-backpacks.md)
- [Arduino GPS Clock](https://learn.adafruit.com/arduino-clock.md)
- [Raspberry Pi Physical Dashboard](https://learn.adafruit.com/raspberry-pi-physical-dashboard.md)
- [CircuitPython Hardware: LED Backpacks & FeatherWings](https://learn.adafruit.com/micropython-hardware-led-backpacks-and-featherwings.md)
- [Matrix and 7-Segment LED Backpack with the Raspberry Pi](https://learn.adafruit.com/matrix-7-segment-led-backpack-with-the-raspberry-pi.md)
- [DIY Pocket LED Gamer - Tiny Tetris!](https://learn.adafruit.com/diy-3d-printed-handheld-pocket-game-tiny-tetris-snake.md)
- [RGB LED Matrix Cube with 25,000 LEDs](https://learn.adafruit.com/rgb-led-matrix-cube-for-pi.md)
- [Creating GIFs for SmartMatrix](https://learn.adafruit.com/creating-gifs-for-smartmatrix.md)
- [Adafruit CharliePlex LED Matrix Bonnet](https://learn.adafruit.com/adafruit-charlieplex-bonnet.md)
- [Connecting a 16x32 RGB LED Matrix Panel to a Raspberry Pi](https://learn.adafruit.com/connecting-a-16x32-rgb-led-matrix-panel-to-a-raspberry-pi.md)
- [MicroPython Displays: Drawing Text](https://learn.adafruit.com/micropython-displays-drawing-text.md)
- [Heart Rate Badge](https://learn.adafruit.com/heart-rate-badge.md)
- [16x24 LED Matrix](https://learn.adafruit.com/16x24-led-matrix.md)
- [Adafruit IS31FL3741](https://learn.adafruit.com/adafruit-is31fl3741.md)