OpenHue CLI
Use openhue to control Philips Hue lights and scenes via a Hue Bridge.
When to Use
Use when:
- "Turn on/off the lights"
- "Dim the living room lights"
- "Set a scene" or "movie mode"
- Controlling specific Hue rooms or zones
- Adjusting brightness, color, or color temperature
When NOT to Use
Do not use when:
- Non-Hue smart devices (other brands) -> not supported
- HomeKit scenes or Shortcuts -> use Apple's Home app or Shortcuts
- TV or entertainment system control
- Thermostat or HVAC
- Smart plugs (unless Hue smart plugs)
Common Commands
List Resources
openhue get light # List all lights
openhue get room # List all rooms
openhue get scene # List all scenes
Control Lights
# Turn on/off
openhue set light "Bedroom Lamp" --on
openhue set light "Bedroom Lamp" --off
# Brightness (0-100)
openhue set light "Bedroom Lamp" --on --brightness 50
# Color temperature (warm to cool: 153-500 mirek)
openhue set light "Bedroom Lamp" --on --temperature 300
# Color (by name or hex)
openhue set light "Bedroom Lamp" --on --color red
openhue set light "Bedroom Lamp" --on --rgb "#FF5500"
Control Rooms
# Turn off entire room
openhue set room "Bedroom" --off
# Set room brightness
openhue set room "Bedroom" --on --brightness 30
Scenes
# Activate scene
openhue set scene "Relax" --room "Bedroom"
openhue set scene "Concentrate" --room "Office"
Quick Presets
# Bedtime (dim warm)
openhue set room "Bedroom" --on --brightness 20 --temperature 450
# Work mode (bright cool)
openhue set room "Office" --on --brightness 100 --temperature 250
# Movie mode (dim)
openhue set room "Living Room" --on --brightness 10
Notes
- Bridge must be on local network
- First run requires button press on Hue bridge to pair
- Colors only work on color-capable bulbs (not white-only)