Ghost Arcade

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Score7.3

Rank#2 of 23

PriceFree

Free planYes

Runs oniOS, Linux, macOS, Windows

Summary

Ghost Arcade is projection-mapping and VJ software for building visual layers, applying effects, fitting visuals to surfaces, and performing live. Mapping tools include corner and mesh warping, slices, shape masks, soft-edge blending, and independently warped multi-display outputs. A 3D stage simulator and projection simulator help with show planning and rehearsal. In VJ mode, two decks, an A/B crossfader with ten transition types, beat-quantised clip launching, macros, and snapshots support live control. The visual toolkit includes more than 180 effects, real-time GPU shader instruments, and ISF and GLSL shader support. Connections include MIDI, OSC, Ableton Link, Syphon/Spout output, and NDI video over a local network. AI shader generation accepts plain-English prompts but requires your own API key. The iPhone and iPad app adds clip launching, touch effects, mapping, camera inputs, and LiDAR scans on supported devices. Desktop software is open source under AGPL-3.0, and the site permits paid work. The desktop app is free with all features and no expiry; version 2.0.16 requires an email to download, while Linux is listed for the legacy build.

Who it is for

Ghost Arcade suits VJs and projection artists who need surface mapping, show rehearsal tools, and live visual controls. Its iPhone and iPad app may also suit performers seeking mobile clip launching and touch effects.

What is good

Desktop app includes all features free
Supports mesh warping and soft-edge blending
Includes more than 180 effects
Connects through MIDI, OSC, and Ableton Link
Open-source desktop software permits paid work

What to know first

AI shader generation requires your own API key
Version 2.0.16 desktop download requires an email
Linux is listed for the legacy build

Verdict

Ghost Arcade brings mapping, show-planning, and live VJ controls into a free desktop app, with an accompanying iPhone and iPad app. Note the email requirement for the current desktop installer and the legacy-build status of Linux.

Ghost Arcade plans and pricing

All plans

Desktop app (Ghost Arcade 2.0.16 and legacy 1.9) Free All features included · no tiers, trial, watermark, or expiry · 2.0.16 download requires email · Linux listed for legacy build ghostarcade.live · 3 Oct 2026

iPhone and iPad app $1.99 once iOS 15 or later · no account · no data collected ghostarcade.live · 3 Oct 2026

Compared on projection mapping software

Free plan: Yesghostarcade.live
Workflow: hybridghostarcade.live
Edge blending: Yesghostarcade.live
Live video input: Yesghostarcade.live
3D mapping: Yesghostarcade.live
Control protocols: advancedghostarcade.live

Facts

Product: Ghost Arcade is projection mapping and VJ software for loading visual layers, applying effects, mapping them onto surfaces, and performing live.ghostarcade.live · 3 Oct 2026
Mapping: Mapping features include corner and mesh warping, slices, shape masks, soft edge blending, and independently warped multi-display outputs.ghostarcade.live · 3 Oct 2026
Show design: The app includes a 3D stage simulator and a projection simulator for planning and rehearsing shows.ghostarcade.live · 3 Oct 2026
VJ performance: VJ mode has two decks, an A/B crossfader with ten transition types, beat-quantised clip launching, macros, and snapshots.ghostarcade.live · 3 Oct 2026
Visual tools: The software includes 180+ effects, real-time GPU shader instruments, and support for ISF and GLSL shaders.ghostarcade.live · 3 Oct 2026
Integrations: Supported connections include MIDI, OSC, Ableton Link, Syphon/Spout output, and NDI video over a local network.ghostarcade.live · 3 Oct 2026
AI shader generation: AI shader generation accepts plain-English descriptions and requires the user’s own API key.ghostarcade.live · 3 Oct 2026
Mobile app: The iPhone and iPad app supports clip launching, touch effects, projection mapping, camera inputs, and LiDAR point-cloud scans on supported devices.ghostarcade.live · 3 Oct 2026
Desktop platforms: The site lists macOS 12 or later, Windows 10 or later, and Linux via AppImage and .deb, while noting Linux as a legacy build.ghostarcade.live · 3 Oct 2026
License and commercial use: The desktop software is open source under AGPL-3.0, and the site says paid gigs, installations, broadcasts, and subcontracted work are permitted.ghostarcade.live · 3 Oct 2026
Privacy: The iPhone and iPad app listing on the maker’s site states that no data is collected.ghostarcade.live · 3 Oct 2026
Download email: The 2.0.16 desktop installer requires an email address, while the legacy 1.9 build is available without email.ghostarcade.live · 3 Oct 2026
Support: The site links to a community forum, contact page, and Ko-fi support, and describes its open-source guide as usually replying instantly.ghostarcade.live · 3 Oct 2026
Creator: The maker identifies Justin Robie Wood as Ghost Arcade’s creator and says he began doing live visuals in 2008.ghostarcade.live · 3 Oct 2026