SMODE
SMODE is a Windows platform for real-time visual compositing and media serving at shows and installations.
What SMODE is
SMODE is a Windows platform for real-time visual compositing and media serving at shows and installations. It supports 2D and 3D compositing, video mapping, stage simulation, animation, and video export. Smode Live combines video playback with live editing tools for real-time operations. Its listed live protocols include DMX, Art-Net, sACN, LTC/MTC inputs, and people tracking systems; Deltacast and Blackmagic capture cards can be used for video capture or output. The Community edition lists support for ISF and ShaderToy shaders, Substance, Python scripting, MIDI, OSC, NDI, and Spout. Other listed capabilities include camera tracking, LED-stage and greenscreen workflows, and live compositing, with SMODE, Unreal Engine, and Notch render engines. The free Community license is for non-commercial use and supports Full HD input, output, content, and export without watermarks. Smode Compose FHD costs €300 a year, excluding VAT, and includes commercial use and 4K video export. SMODE's FAQ specifies Microsoft 64-bit operating systems and at least Windows 10 version 18h3; its licensing is not designed for virtual machines.
Good
- Supports real-time 2D and 3D compositing.
- Community license permits Full HD export without watermarks.
- Lists DMX, Art-Net, and sACN support.
- Supports Deltacast and Blackmagic capture cards.
Watch out
- Free Community license is non-commercial.
- Runs on Windows only.
- Licensing is not designed for virtual machines.
- Requires at least Windows 10 version 18h3.
Who it suits
SMODE suits content creators, video operators, event organizers, rental companies, scenographers, TV production companies, and cultural institutions. It is oriented toward Windows users working on shows and installations.
Verdict
SMODE combines visual composition and media-server tools for live and installation work, with a free non-commercial Community license and a paid Compose option. Check the Windows and virtual-machine requirements before choosing it.
Plans and prices
From SMODE's own pricing page, checked 2 Oct 2026.
| Plan | Price | What it gives you |
|---|---|---|
| Smode Community | Free | Free non-commercial license · Full HD input/output/content/export · No watermarks |
| Smode Compose FHD | €300 a year | Full HD input/output · Unlimited content resolution · 4K video export · Community support · Commercial use · 300 € / year (Excl. VAT.) |
| Smode Live 1 | Priced on request | 1 × 4K input/output · 16 DMX/Art-NET/sACN universes · Codemeter dongle required · Priority support · Contact us |
| Smode Live 2 | Priced on request | 2 × 4K inputs/outputs · 32 DMX/Art-NET/sACN universes · Codemeter dongle required · Priority support · Contact us |
| Smode Live 4 | Priced on request | 4 × 4K inputs/outputs · 64 DMX/Art-NET/sACN universes · Codemeter dongle required · Priority support · Contact us |
| Smode Live Basic | Priced on request | 1 × FullHD input/output · 8 DMX/Art-NET/sACN universes · Codemeter dongle required · Priority support · Contact us |
The facts
Each one read from SMODE's own pages, with the date it was checked.
What it does
- Capabilities
- SMODE supports real-time 2D/3D compositing, video mapping, stage simulation, animation, and video export.checked 2 Oct 2026
- Community privacy
- The maker describes Smode Community as having no ads, no user data tracking, and no hidden cloud connections.checked 2 Oct 2026
- Hardware I/O
- Smode Live can capture or output video through Deltacast and Blackmagic capture cards.checked 2 Oct 2026
- Integrations
- The Community edition lists support for ISF and ShaderToy shaders, Substance, Python scripting, MIDI, OSC, NDI, and Spout.checked 2 Oct 2026
- Intended users
- The maker lists content creators, video operators, event organizers, rental companies, scenographers, TV production companies, and cultural institutions as intended users.checked 2 Oct 2026
- Live operations
- Smode Live combines video playback capabilities with live editing tools for real-time online operations.checked 2 Oct 2026
- Live protocols
- Smode Live supports DMX, Art-Net, sACN, LTC/MTC inputs, and people tracking systems.checked 2 Oct 2026
- Product
- SMODE is a real-time visual compositing and media server platform for shows and installations.checked 2 Oct 2026
- Support
- The FAQ describes Community Support through Discord and Premium Support with direct communication with technical teams.checked 2 Oct 2026
- System requirements
- The FAQ says SMODE runs on Microsoft 64-bit operating systems and requires at least Windows 10 version 18h3.checked 2 Oct 2026
The company
- Company history
- Smode Tech was created in 2019 by Francis Maes and Alexandre Buge to launch SMODE on the market.checked 2 Oct 2026
- Founded
- 2019checked 28 Sep 2026
- Headquarters
- Paris, Francechecked 28 Sep 2026
Where it runs
- Virtual machines
- The FAQ says SMODE licensing is not designed to run on virtual machines.checked 2 Oct 2026
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