# Source: https://learn.adafruit.com/rgb-lcd-shield.md

# RGB LCD Shield

## Overview

![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/130/389/medium800thumb/adafruit_products_arduino_compatibles_715-04.jpg?1717511342)

This new Adafruit shield makes it easy to use a 16x2 Character LCD. We really like the range of LCDs we stock in the shop, such as our classic [blue & white](http://www.adafruit.com/products/181) as well as the fancy [RGB negative](http://www.adafruit.com/products/399) and [RGB positive](http://www.adafruit.com/products/398).

Unfortunately, these LCDs do require quite a few digital pins, 6 to control the LCD and then perhaps another 3 to control the RGB backlight for a total of 9 pins. That's half of the pins available on a classic Arduino!

![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/001/390/medium800/lcds___displays_purple.jpeg?1396771727)

With this in mind, we wanted to make it easier for people to get these LCD into their projects. So we devised a shield that lets you control&nbsp; **a 16x2 Character LCD, up to 3 backlight pins AND 5 keypad pins using only the two I2C pins on the Arduino!** The best part is you don't really lose those two pins either, since you can use I2C-based sensors, real-time clocks, etc. and have them share the I2C bus. This is a super slick way to add a display without all the wiring hassle.

![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/130/407/medium800/adafruit_products_715-05.jpg?1717508368)

This shield is perfect for when you want to build a stand-alone project with its own user interface. The 4 directional buttons plus select button allows basic control without having to attach a bulky computer.

![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/001/391/medium800/lcds___displays_bluewhiteshield.jpeg?1396771738)

The shield is designed for 'classic' Arduino-shaped boards such as the Uno, Metro, etc. But it will also fit "Mega" sized boards because the I2C pins are labeled SCL/SDA.

This used to come as a kit but now comes as an assembled SMT design, so much less soldering is required.

![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/130/388/medium800/arduino_compatibles_715-02.jpg?1717506312)

 **Revision History:**

- **As of May 29, 2024&nbsp;–** &nbsp;The PCB's design has been updated. Now it comes with the&nbsp; buttons, chips and other components already soldered into place. You will still need to solder on the shield headers and the LCD, but it's a lot easier.

- [Next Page](https://learn.adafruit.com/rgb-lcd-shield/parts-list.md)

## Primary Products

### Adafruit I2C Controlled + Keypad Shield Kit for 16x2 LCD

[Adafruit I2C Controlled + Keypad Shield Kit for 16x2 LCD](https://www.adafruit.com/product/715)
We really like the range of LCDs we stock in the shop, such as our classic [blue & white](http://www.adafruit.com/products/181) and the fancy [RGB negative](http://www.adafruit.com/products/399) and [RGB positive](http://www.adafruit.com/products/398)....

In Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/715)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/715/guides)

## Featured Products

### RGB backlight negative LCD 16x2 + extras

[RGB backlight negative LCD 16x2 + extras](https://www.adafruit.com/product/399)
This is a fancy upgrade to standard 16x2 LCDs, instead of just having blue and white, or red and black, this LCD has full color RGB characters on a dark/black background! That means you can change the character display colors to anything you want - red, green, blue, pink, white, purple yellow,...

In Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/399)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/399/guides)
### RGB backlight positive LCD 16x2 + extras

[RGB backlight positive LCD 16x2 + extras](https://www.adafruit.com/product/398)
This is a fancy upgrade to standard 16x2 LCDs, instead of just having blue and white, or red and black, this LCD has black characters on a full color RGB-backlight background! That means you can change the background color to anything you want - red, green, blue, pink, white, purple yellow,...

In Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/398)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/398/guides)
### LCD Shield Kit w/ 16x2 Character Display - Only 2 pins used!

[LCD Shield Kit w/ 16x2 Character Display - Only 2 pins used!](https://www.adafruit.com/product/772)
This new Adafruit shield makes it easy to use a 16x2 Character LCD. We really like the [Blue & White 16x2 LCDs we stock in the shop](http://www.adafruit.com/products/181). Unfortunately, these LCDs do require quite a few digital pins, 6 to control the LCD and then another pin to...

In Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/772)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/772/guides)
### RGB LCD Shield Kit w/ 16x2 Character Display - Only 2 pins used!

[RGB LCD Shield Kit w/ 16x2 Character Display - Only 2 pins used!](https://www.adafruit.com/product/716)
This new Adafruit shield makes it easy to use a 16x2 Character LCD. We really like the RGB LCDs we stock in the shop both the [RGB negative](http://www.adafruit.com/products/399) and [RGB positive](http://www.adafruit.com/products/398). Unfortunately, these LCDs do...

Out of Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/716)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/716/guides)
### RGB LCD Shield Kit w/ 16x2 Character Display - Only 2 pins used!

[RGB LCD Shield Kit w/ 16x2 Character Display - Only 2 pins used!](https://www.adafruit.com/product/714)
This new Adafruit shield makes it easy to use a 16x2 Character LCD. We really like the RGB LCDs we stock in the shop both the [RGB negative](http://www.adafruit.com/products/399) and [RGB positive](http://www.adafruit.com/products/398). Unfortunately, these LCDs do...

In Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/714)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/714/guides)

## Related Guides

- [Character LCDs](https://learn.adafruit.com/character-lcds.md)
- [Simple Arduino-based USB VID & PID tester](https://learn.adafruit.com/simple-arduino-based-usb-vid-and-pid-tester.md)
- [Arduino "Hunt The Wumpus"](https://learn.adafruit.com/arduino-hunt-the-wumpus.md)
- [Sous-vide controller powered by Arduino - The SousViduino!](https://learn.adafruit.com/sous-vide-powered-by-arduino-the-sous-viduino.md)
- [Trinket Ultrasonic Rangefinder](https://learn.adafruit.com/trinket-ultrasonic-rangefinder.md)
- [Trinket RGB Shield Clock](https://learn.adafruit.com/trinket-rgb-shield-clock.md)
- [Adafruit Capacitive Touch Sensor Breakouts](https://learn.adafruit.com/adafruit-capacitive-touch-sensor-breakouts.md)
- [Trinket Temperature & Humidity LCD Display](https://learn.adafruit.com/trinket-temperature-humidity-lcd-display.md)
- [Character LCD with Raspberry Pi or BeagleBone Black](https://learn.adafruit.com/character-lcd-with-raspberry-pi-or-beaglebone-black.md)
- [eInk Literature Quotes Clock for MagTag](https://learn.adafruit.com/eink-literary-quotes-clock-for-magtag.md)
- [Adafruit Feather RP2040 with DVI Output Port](https://learn.adafruit.com/adafruit-feather-rp2040-dvi.md)
- [Portable Solar Charging Tracker](https://learn.adafruit.com/portable-solar-charging-tracker.md)
- [Adafruit E-Ink Bonnet for Raspberry Pi](https://learn.adafruit.com/adafruit-e-ink-bonnet-for-raspberry-pi.md)
- [What’s Fresh Today? In-Season Produce Reminder for Adafruit MagTag](https://learn.adafruit.com/seasonal-produce-for-adafruit-magtag.md)
- [No-Solder Visualizer Capacitive Touch Controller](https://learn.adafruit.com/no-solder-visualizer-capacitive-touch-controller.md)