Ghost Arcade

Overview

Ghost Arcade is projection-mapping and VJ software for shaping visuals, planning a show, and performing live. It suits visual artists who want a capable desktop toolkit without a software fee, especially those who also value mobile controls. The main trade-offs are an email requirement for the current desktop installer and Linux support limited to a legacy build.

The desktop app combines mapping, show design, and live performance in one workflow. Its mapping tools cover corner and mesh warping, slices, shape masks, soft edge blending, and independently warped multi-display outputs. That breadth makes it relevant to both single-surface work and more involved projection setups.

The desktop software is open source under AGPL-3.0. The maker says paid gigs, installations, broadcasts, and subcontracted work are permitted. Ghost Arcade’s creator is Justin Robie Wood, who says he began doing live visuals in 2008.

Key features

Mapping and show planning

A 3D stage simulator and projection simulator let users plan and rehearse shows. Together with the range of warping and blending tools, they make Ghost Arcade a strong fit when aligning visuals to physical surfaces and preparing a setup before a performance matters.

Live performance and visual tools

VJ mode provides two decks, an A/B crossfader with ten transition types, beat-quantised clip launching, macros, and snapshots. These controls support live clip switching and repeatable performance actions; users who need a particular performance workflow should weigh the two-deck design against their own requirements.

The software includes more than 180 effects, real-time GPU shader instruments, and support for ISF and GLSL shaders. Connections include MIDI, OSC, Ableton Link, Syphon/Spout output, and NDI video over a local network. That combination gives experienced users substantial scope to build visuals and connect external control or video systems.

AI shader generation turns plain-English descriptions into shaders, but requires the user’s own API key. It is an optional route to shader creation, not a bundled service with its own included access.

Mobile companion

The iPhone and iPad app supports clip launching, touch effects, projection mapping, camera inputs, and LiDAR point-cloud scans on supported devices. It broadens the workflow beyond desktop, though the LiDAR feature is limited to compatible hardware.

Pricing

The desktop app is free at free, with all features included and no tiers, trial, watermark, or expiry. It is unusually straightforward for users who want the full desktop feature set without a software charge. The current 2.0.16 installer requires an email address; the legacy 1.9 build is available without email, and Linux is listed for the legacy build.

The iPhone and iPad app costs $1.99, paid once. It supports iOS 15 or later, requires no account, and its maker’s listing states that no data is collected. That one-time price is the relevant cost for users who want the mobile app; the desktop edition remains free.

There is no free trial because the desktop plan is free outright. The site links to a community forum, contact page, and Ko-fi support, and describes its open-source guide as usually replying instantly.

Platforms

The desktop app supports macOS 12 or later and Windows 10 or later. Linux is available via AppImage and .deb, but only as a legacy build, so Linux users should not expect the current desktop release. The separate mobile app supports iPhone and iPad on iOS 15 or later.

Who it's for

Ghost Arcade is a good choice for VJs and projection artists who want mapping, rehearsal, and live controls together, with no desktop license cost or watermark. Its open-source license and stated permission for commercial work make it suitable for paid productions as well as personal projects. It is less suitable for Linux users seeking the current release, or for anyone who does not want to provide an email address for the current desktop installer.

Pros and cons

• Pros: The free desktop plan includes all features with no watermark or expiry, making it a low-cost way to access a broad projection-mapping and VJ toolkit.
• Pros: Simulators, multi-display warping, and soft edge blending support planning and more complex projection arrangements.
• Pros: MIDI, OSC, Ableton Link, Syphon/Spout, and NDI connections give users multiple ways to integrate performance controls and video.
• Cons: The current desktop installer requires an email address, which may deter users who want an email-free download.
• Cons: Linux is supported only through the legacy build, limiting its appeal to users who need a current Linux release.
• Cons: AI shader generation requires the user’s own API key, adding a separate setup requirement.

Alternatives

For a broader comparison, see Projection Mapping Software.

• Screenberry is worth considering if you need a freemium option across Linux, macOS, web, and Windows. Its free Non-Commercial plan is restricted to personal, learning, evaluation, and non-paying use, with up to 2x 2K video output and a license that renews every 90 days with an internet requirement.
• Disguise Designer offers a free Starter plan for learning, training, and testing, including core functionality and project pre-visualisation without connecting to Disguise servers.
• VIOSO may suit users who prefer a freemium tool with a stated free trial; its free plan caps saved projects at 10 and storage at 250 MB, and adds a generic projector library and watermark link sharing.
• Christie Mystique is another freemium option, with a free Lite plan limited to one webcam, up to three Christie projectors, and flat screens.
• MadMapper has a free tryout that includes all features but watermarks video input and output, blacks out DMX channels every 30 seconds, and limits space-scanner resolution to one quarter.
• LightAct offers a free Creator plan with all features unlocked and unlimited outputs, but watermarks outputs.
• LumaPlane is a web-based option with a free Starter plan offering one project, unlimited planes, built-in gallery media, and fullscreen projector output.
• Modulo Kinetic is a paid option with a €70, paid once Designer 2D plan that is watermarked, limited to a 2D environment, and allows one blinking output.

Verdict

Choose Ghost Arcade if you want a free, commercially usable desktop app that brings projection mapping, show planning, and live VJ controls together. Its broad mapping and integration toolkit is the strongest reason to choose it. Look elsewhere if you need a current Linux release or want to avoid an email requirement for the current desktop installer.