user3517: A while ago, I found a library for the MAX72XX that had functions for writing text to the display, but unfortunately cannot find such library now.
Which would be the best library to use for a text and number display? I'm using LedControl but it is very awkward to use.

user10794: I have a library for driving the MAX7219 chip connected to a 7-segment display. It is at: https://github.com/nickgammon/MAX7219
Example of use:
#include <SPI.h>
#include <bitBangedSPI.h>
#include <MAX7219.h>

const byte chips = 1;

// 1 chip, bit banged SPI on pins 6, 7, 8
MAX7219 display (chips, 6, 7, 8);  // Chips / LOAD / DIN / CLK

void setup ()
  {
  display.begin ();
  display.sendString ("HELLO");
  }  // end of setup

void loop () { }

In operation displaying a number:

More details at: Interfacing LED displays with the MAX7219 driver

3517: <p>A while ago, I found a library for the MAX72XX that had functions for writing text to the display, but unfortunately cannot find such library now.</p>

<p>Which would be the best library to use for a text and number display? I'm using LedControl but it is very awkward to use.</p>
 10794: 

<p>I have a library for driving the MAX7219 chip connected to a 7-segment display. It is at: <a href="https://github.com/nickgammon/MAX7219" rel="nofollow noreferrer">https://github.com/nickgammon/MAX7219</a></p>

<p>Example of use:</p>

<pre class="lang-C++ prettyprint-override"><code>#include &lt;SPI.h&gt;
#include &lt;bitBangedSPI.h&gt;
#include &lt;MAX7219.h&gt;

const byte chips = 1;

// 1 chip, bit banged SPI on pins 6, 7, 8
MAX7219 display (chips, 6, 7, 8);  // Chips / LOAD / DIN / CLK

void setup ()
  {
  display.begin ();
  display.sendString ("HELLO");
  }  // end of setup

void loop () { }
</code></pre>

<p>In operation displaying a number:</p>

<p><a href="https://i.stack.imgur.com/Nrocm.jpg" rel="nofollow noreferrer"><img src="https://i.stack.imgur.com/Nrocm.jpg" alt="MAX7219 display"></a></p>

<p>More details at: <a href="http://www.gammon.com.au/forum/?id=11516" rel="nofollow noreferrer">Interfacing LED displays with the MAX7219 driver</a></p>
