OpenLP

OpenLP is worship presentation software for churches coordinating projected content during services. It is a strong fit for teams that want searchable songs and scripture alongside presentations and media in one free, open-source program. Its main trade-off is that some presentation integrations depend on the platform, while the Flatpak release is experimental and unsupported.

Overview

OpenLP combines searchable song and Bible verse databases with service ordering, so teams can project material immediately or prepare it in advance. It also runs presentations, video, and audio, making it useful for churches that want to coordinate several kinds of service content in one program. Developed since 2004 and licensed under the GNU General Public License, it can be used, shared, and modified.

Key features

• Songs and scripture: Searchable databases let teams call up songs and Bible verses during a service or save them into a prepared order. This supports both planned services and selections made on the spot.
• Presentations and media: OpenLP runs PowerPoint and OpenOffice presentations, videos, and audio. VLC integration supports a wide variety of audio and video formats. Presentation import and control also work with PowerPoint, PowerPoint Viewer, and LibreOffice Impress on specified platforms, so churches should confirm compatibility with their own setup.
• Remote control and stage view: A built-in web app lets users control slides and search content from network-connected devices, and free Android and iOS remote apps are available. The stage view is accessible through a web browser on the local network, giving teams a way to view stage content from connected devices.
• Service and production integrations: A plugin imports service plans from the Planning Center Online v2 API, and an OBS Studio plugin can control scenes and sources. Song imports cover sources including CCLI SongSelect, EasyWorship, ProPresenter 4, and SongShow Plus, which can help churches move existing material into their workflow.
• Security and support: OpenLP says it uses SSL to connect to its download servers and CCLI SongSelect. The project provides a manual, troubleshooting guide, and community forums; volunteer developers also help users.

Pricing

OpenLP costs nothing. The free plan includes downloading and using the software, installation on as many copies as needed, and open-source access. With no per-copy charge and permission to modify the software, it suits churches that want to deploy it across their setup without a subscription. There is no free trial because the software is free to use.

Platforms

OpenLP supports Android, iOS, Linux, macOS, web, and Windows. Presentation integration support varies by platform, so check the relevant PowerPoint, PowerPoint Viewer, or LibreOffice Impress setup before making it central to a service workflow. The Flatpak is experimental and unsupported by the OpenLP team, making another installation method the better choice for churches that need team-backed support.

Who it's for

OpenLP suits churches that prepare services around songs and scripture, need to run presentations and media, or want remote control and stage viewing over a local network. Its free, open-source licensing is particularly practical for teams installing it on multiple copies. Churches that depend on a specific presentation program should first confirm that integration works on their platform.

Pros and cons

• Pro: Searchable songs and Bible verses can be projected immediately or arranged in a service order, supporting both prepared and in-service use.
• Pro: Free use on as many copies as needed avoids per-install costs, while the GNU General Public License allows modification.
• Pro: Remote control, browser-based stage view, Planning Center and OBS plugins, and broad song import sources give churches several ways to fit OpenLP into an existing workflow.
• Con: Presentation import and control depend on platform, which can limit churches built around a particular presentation setup.
• Con: The Flatpak is experimental and unsupported by the project team, so it is a poor choice for users who want team-backed help with that installation.

Alternatives

Church Presenter is another free GNU GPL v3 option with no subscription or seat limits. Holyrics may suit churches seeking a paid tier with defined computer and app limits: Basic is $5 a month for up to 3 computers and 30 apps, while Advanced is $10 a month for up to 10 computers and 100 apps. VerseVIEW is a free option that supports Android, iOS, Linux, macOS, web, and Windows, with no ads.

WorshipTools Presenter offers a free plan with 500 MB cloud storage, 10 users, and 15 items per service, alongside unlimited services and songs. FreeShow is free presentation software for Linux, macOS, web, and Windows. MakeChurchEasy has a free plan with up to 10 songs, lyrics, and media and 5 Bible versions. Prezans offers a free plan with all features for churches, with desktop installs limited by issued serial. SongShow Plus is a paid alternative with a free trial.

Verdict

Choose OpenLP if your church wants a free, open-source program to organize songs and scripture, run service media, and control slides from connected devices without per-copy fees. Its breadth of service tools is the main reason to choose it. Look elsewhere if your workflow relies on a presentation integration that does not fit your platform, or if you need a supported Flatpak installation.