![\"ESP-IDF:](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/randomnerdtutorials.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/ESP-IDF-ESP32-GPIO-PWM-LEDC-Control-LED-Brightness.jpg?resize=1200%2C675&quality=100&strip=all&ssl=1\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\nPrerequisites<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Before following this guide, you need to install the ESP-IDF extension on VS Code IDE (Microsoft Visual Studio Code). Follow the next guide to install it, if you haven’t already:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Getting Started Guide:<\/strong> Programming ESP32 with ESP-IDF using VS Code<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
You will also need an ESP32 development board<\/a> model of your choice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
ESP32 LEDC (LED Control)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
In ESP-IDF, to generate PWM signals with the ESP32 GPIOs, you need to use the LEDC (LED Control) peripheral. The ESP32 offers up to 8 channels that can be configured with different duty cycles, frequencies and resolutions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In a high level overview, in order to use LEDC it is necessary to configure the timer first by using ledc_timer_config()<\/span>, and then configure the channels with ledc_channel_config()<\/span>. This procedure ensures the PWM frequency is at the desired value. This process will be explained in more detail in the examples (you can also learn more in the official documentation<\/a>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The ESP32 has an LED PWM controller with 6 to 16 independent channels (depending on the ESP32 model) that can be configured to generate PWM signals with different properties. All pins that can act as outputs can be used as PWM pins (GPIOs 34 to 39 can\u2019t generate PWM).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Learn more about the ESP32 GPIOs: ESP32 GPIO Reference Guide<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Creating an ESP-IDF Template App Project for the ESP32<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
The ESP-IDF extension provides an easy way to create a project from scratch with all the required files and configurations generated automatically.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
To create a new ESP-IDF project on VS Code, follow these steps:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Open the ESP-IDF Espressif extension<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Expand the “Advanced<\/strong>” menu<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Click the “New Project Wizard<\/strong>” option<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Choose the “Use ESP-IDF v5.4.1<\/strong>” to select the framework version<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n
\n![\"ESP-IDF](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/randomnerdtutorials.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/ESP-IDF-ESP32-Create-Open-New-Project-Wizard-Menu.png?resize=937%2C742&quality=100&strip=all&ssl=1\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\nA new window opens, you need to fill in these fields:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Project Name:<\/strong> type the desired project name;<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Enter Project Directory:<\/strong> click the folder icon and select the target folder to save all your project files. You can use any directory. Note:<\/strong> do NOT use a Google Drive \/ One Drive \/ Dropbox folder<\/u>, because it will write\/create many files during the building process\u2014if it’s on a cloud folder, this process might be extremely slow;<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- ESP-IDF Target:<\/strong> select the target device chip, I’m using an ESP32 with the esp32s3<\/strong> chip;<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- ESP-IDF Board:<\/strong> for the esp32s3 chip, I also need to select the configuration: ESP32-S chip (via builtin USB-JTAG);<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Serial Port:<\/strong> while having your ESP32 board connected to your computer, select the correct COM port number that refers to your ESP32;<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Choose Template:<\/strong> click the blue button to create a new project using a template.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n
\n![\"ESP-IDF](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/randomnerdtutorials.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/ESP-IDF-ESP32-Create-Open-New-Project-Wizard-Menu-Select-Directory-Board-Template.png?resize=983%2C856&quality=100&strip=all&ssl=1\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\nIn the menu, select the “ESP-IDF Templates<\/strong>” sample project and press the “Create project using template sample project<\/strong>” button.<\/p>\n\n\n
\n![\"ESP-IDF](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/randomnerdtutorials.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/ESP-IDF-ESP32-Create-New-Sample-Project-using-IDF-Template.png?resize=1178%2C744&quality=100&strip=all&ssl=1\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\nOpening the ESP-IDF Project on VS Code<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
After a few seconds, a notification will appear on a new window on VS Code. You can click “Open Project<\/strong>” to open the newly created ESP-IDF sample project template.<\/p>\n\n\n
\n![\"ESP-IDF](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/randomnerdtutorials.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/ESP-IDF-ESP32-Open-New-Project-Sample.png?resize=1024%2C503&quality=100&strip=all&ssl=1\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\nIMPORTANT:<\/strong> if you didn’t see the notification that allows you to automatically open the ESP-IDF project on VS Code, you can easily do it by following these instructions:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Go to File <\/strong>> Open Folder…<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n
\n![\"ESP-IDF](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/randomnerdtutorials.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/ESP-IDF-ESP32-Open-Project-Folder-VS-Code-File-Menu.png?resize=396%2C315&quality=100&strip=all&ssl=1\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\nBrowse on your computer for the esp-idf-project folder<\/em> (your project folder name that you’ve previously defined) and “Select Folder<\/strong>“.<\/p>\n\n\n
\n![\"ESP-IDF](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/randomnerdtutorials.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/ESP-IDF-ESP32-Open-Project-VS-Code-Select-Folder.png?resize=667%2C366&quality=100&strip=all&ssl=1\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\nThat’s it! Your new ESP-IDF project template has been successfully created and opened.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
ESP-IDF generates many files, folders, and subfolders for your project. For this guide, I recommend keeping all the default files unchanged; we will only modify the main.c<\/em> file.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The example codes will be written in the main.c<\/em> file. To open it, follow these instructions:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Open the project explorer by clicking the first icon on the left sidebar.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Select your project folder name, in my case it’s “ESP-IDF-PROJECT<\/strong>“.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Expand the “main<\/strong>” folder.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Click the “main.c<\/em><\/strong>” file.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- The default main.c<\/em> template file loads in the code window.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n
\n![\"ESP-IDF](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/randomnerdtutorials.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/ESP-IDF-ESP32-Open-Project-in-a-VS-Code-Browse-to-Main-C-File.png?resize=907%2C571&quality=100&strip=all&ssl=1\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\nExample #1: Control ESP32 LED’s Brightness with ESP-IDF LEDC (LED Control)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Here’s the full main.c<\/em> code that controls the LED brightness using the ledc<\/span> peripheral:<\/p>\n\n\n
\/* \n Rui Santos & Sara Santos - Random Nerd Tutorials\n https:\/\/RandomNerdTutorials.com\/esp-idf-esp32-gpio-pwm-ledc\/\n*\/\n#include <stdio.h>\n#include <freertos\/FreeRTOS.h>\n#include <freertos\/task.h>\n#include <driver\/ledc.h>\n#include "sdkconfig.h"\n\n#define LED_PIN 5 \/\/ LED connected to GPIO 5\n#define LEDC_CHANNEL LEDC_CHANNEL_0\n#define LEDC_TIMER LEDC_TIMER_0\n#define LEDC_MODE LEDC_LOW_SPEED_MODE\n#define LEDC_DUTY_RES LEDC_TIMER_10_BIT \/\/ 10-bit resolution (0-1023)\n#define LEDC_FREQUENCY 1000 \/\/ 1 kHz PWM frequency\n\nvoid app_main(void)\n{\n \/\/ Configure LEDC timer\n ledc_timer_config_t ledc_timer = {\n .speed_mode = LEDC_MODE,\n .duty_resolution = LEDC_DUTY_RES,\n .timer_num = LEDC_TIMER,\n .freq_hz = LEDC_FREQUENCY\n };\n ledc_timer_config(&ledc_timer);\n\n \/\/ Configure LEDC channel\n ledc_channel_config_t ledc_channel = {\n .gpio_num = LED_PIN,\n .speed_mode = LEDC_MODE,\n .channel = LEDC_CHANNEL,\n .timer_sel = LEDC_TIMER,\n .duty = 0\n };\n ledc_channel_config(&ledc_channel);\n\n \/\/ Fading loop\n while (1) {\n \/\/ Fade in\n for (int duty = 0; duty <= 1023; duty += 10) {\n ledc_set_duty(LEDC_MODE, LEDC_CHANNEL, duty);\n ledc_update_duty(LEDC_MODE, LEDC_CHANNEL);\n vTaskDelay(20 \/ portTICK_PERIOD_MS);\n printf("LED duty cycle: %d\\n", duty);\n }\n \/\/ Fade out\n for (int duty = 1023; duty >= 0; duty -= 10) {\n ledc_set_duty(LEDC_MODE, LEDC_CHANNEL, duty);\n ledc_update_duty(LEDC_MODE, LEDC_CHANNEL);\n vTaskDelay(20 \/ portTICK_PERIOD_MS);\n printf("LED duty cycle: %d\\n", duty);\n }\n }\n}\n<\/code><\/pre>\n\t - Expand the “main<\/strong>” folder.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Enter Project Directory:<\/strong> click the folder icon and select the target folder to save all your project files. You can use any directory. Note:<\/strong> do NOT use a Google Drive \/ One Drive \/ Dropbox folder<\/u>, because it will write\/create many files during the building process\u2014if it’s on a cloud folder, this process might be extremely slow;<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Click the “New Project Wizard<\/strong>” option<\/li>\n\n\n\n
![\"VS](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/randomnerdtutorials.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/VS-Code-Check-All-the-Configured-Settings-UART-COM-Port-Target-Board.png?resize=498%2C28&quality=100&strip=all&ssl=1\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n![\"VS](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/randomnerdtutorials.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/VS-Code-Select-Flash-UART-Option-to-Program-Flash-ESP32-1024x584.png?resize=1024%2C584&quality=100&strip=all&ssl=1\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n![\"VS](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/randomnerdtutorials.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/VS-Code-Programming-ESP32-Board-Select-Correct-COM-Port-Number.png?resize=1024%2C582&quality=100&strip=all&ssl=1\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n![\"VS](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/randomnerdtutorials.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/VS-Code-Select-the-ESP32-S3-or-Correct-Target-Device.png?resize=1024%2C579&quality=100&strip=all&ssl=1\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n![\"VS](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/randomnerdtutorials.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/VS-Code-Select-the-ESP32-S3-chip-via-built-in-USB-JTAG-Target-Device.png?resize=757%2C579&quality=100&strip=all&ssl=1\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n![\"VS](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/randomnerdtutorials.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/VS-Code-Build-Project-Example-Code-ESP32-ESP-IDF.png?resize=581%2C359&quality=100&strip=all&ssl=1\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n![\"VS](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/randomnerdtutorials.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/VS-Code-Build-Example-Project-ESP32-ESP-IDF-Success-Message.jpg?resize=648%2C468&quality=100&strip=all&ssl=1\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n![\"VS](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/randomnerdtutorials.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/VS-Code-Flash-Hello-World-Code-Project-to-ESP32-ESP-IDF.png?resize=848%2C170&quality=100&strip=all&ssl=1\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n![\"VS](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/randomnerdtutorials.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/VS-Code-Flash-Hello-Wolrd-Project-to-ESP32-ESP-IDF-Done-Success-Message.png?resize=1024%2C575&quality=100&strip=all&ssl=1\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n![\"VS](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/randomnerdtutorials.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/VS-Code-Open-Terminal-Window-Monitor-Device-ESP32-ESP-IDF.png?resize=780%2C77&quality=100&strip=all&ssl=1\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n![\"ESP-IDF](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/randomnerdtutorials.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/ESP-IDF-ESP32-Control-LED-Brightness-LEDC-duty-cycle-demonstration.png?resize=559%2C417&quality=100&strip=all&ssl=1\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n![\"ESP-IDF](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/randomnerdtutorials.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/ESP-IDF-ESP32-PWM-LED-Brightness.jpg?resize=900%2C506&quality=100&strip=all&ssl=1\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n