Ghost Arcade

Ghost Arcade is projection-mapping and VJ software for arranging visual layers, applying effects, fitting them to surfaces, and performing live. Mapping tools include corner and mesh warping, slices, shape masks, soft-edge blending, and independent warping for multiple displays. A 3D stage simulator and projection simulator support show planning and rehearsal. VJ mode provides two decks, an A/B crossfader with ten transition types, beat-quantised clip launching, macros, and snapshots. 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 descriptions but requires your own API key. The desktop software is free and open source under AGPL-3.0, and the site permits paid gigs, installations, broadcasts, and subcontracted work. Desktop versions are listed for macOS 12 or later, Windows 10 or later, and Linux, which is identified as a legacy build. The 2.0.16 installer requires an email address; the legacy 1.9 build is available without one. The iPhone and iPad app costs $1.99, paid once.

Ghost Arcade combines show-planning simulators, projection mapping, and live VJ controls, with desktop software available at no cost. Note the email requirement for the 2.0.16 download, the legacy status of the Linux build, and the separate iOS app price.

Ghost Arcade may suit VJs and projection artists who need mapping tools, live controls, and connections to performance systems. The iPhone and iPad app adds mobile controls and camera inputs, while desktop users can choose among the listed operating systems.

Overview

Ghost Arcade is projection-mapping and VJ software for visual artists and performers who need to plan a show, shape imagery to surfaces, and operate visuals live. It is a particularly strong fit for users seeking a full-featured desktop toolkit without a software fee. Linux users should note that its Linux build is legacy, and the current desktop installer requires an email address.

The desktop app combines show planning, mapping, and performance controls. Its range of warping, masking, and blending tools suits installations from a single mapped surface to independently adjusted multi-display outputs. The software is open source under AGPL-3.0, and the maker says paid gigs, installations, broadcasts, and subcontracted work are permitted.

Key features

Mapping and show planning

Corner and mesh warping, slices, shape masks, and soft edge blending give users several ways to fit visuals to real surfaces. Independent warping for multi-display outputs is useful when screens or projection surfaces need separate alignment. A 3D stage simulator and projection simulator support planning and rehearsal before a show.

Live performance and visual tools

VJ mode pairs two decks with an A/B crossfader and ten transition types. Beat-quantised clip launching, macros, and snapshots give performers a range of controls for shaping and switching visuals live. More than 180 effects, real-time GPU shader instruments, and ISF and GLSL shader support offer scope for custom looks, though that breadth will matter more to users who want to build or tune visuals than to those seeking a simple playback tool.

Integrations and mobile controls

MIDI, OSC, and Ableton Link support external control and synchronization. Syphon/Spout output and NDI video over a local network support connections with other visual systems. AI shader generation can turn plain-English descriptions into shaders, but it requires the user’s own API key.

The separate iPhone and iPad app supports clip launching, touch effects, projection mapping, camera inputs, and LiDAR point-cloud scans on supported devices. It extends the workflow to mobile devices, but it is a separate paid app rather than part of the free desktop license.

Pricing

The desktop app, Ghost Arcade 2.0.16 and legacy 1.9, costs nothing. The plan includes all features, with no tiers, trial, watermark, or expiry. The 2.0.16 download requires an email address; legacy 1.9 is available without email, and Linux is listed for the legacy build. This is an unusually open desktop offer for users who want the full feature set without a subscription or usage cap.

The iPhone and iPad app costs $1.99, paid once. It requires iOS 15 or later, needs no account, and collects no data according to its maker’s listing. Choose it for the mobile controls and mapping tools; the free desktop plan does not make the iOS app free.

Platforms

Desktop support covers macOS 12 or later and Windows 10 or later. Linux is available through AppImage and .deb, but the Linux build is designated legacy, making it a less dependable choice for users who need a current desktop release. The separate mobile app runs on iPhone and iPad with iOS 15 or later.

Who it's for

Ghost Arcade suits VJs, projection artists, and installation teams who want planning simulators, detailed surface mapping, and live controls in one desktop tool. Its open-source license and permission for paid commercial work make it a practical option for professionals as well as hobbyists. Users who rely on Linux for an up-to-date build, or who do not want to provide an email for the current desktop installer, should weigh those constraints before choosing it.

Pros and cons

• Pro: The desktop plan includes all features at no cost, with no watermark or expiry, so users can work without tier restrictions or recurring software charges.
• Pro: Simulators, detailed mapping tools, and multi-display warping support preparation as well as live projection work.
• Pro: MIDI, OSC, Ableton Link, Syphon/Spout, and NDI provide several ways to connect the desktop app to performance and video workflows.
• Con: The current 2.0.16 installer requires an email address, while Linux is limited to the legacy build.
• Con: The iPhone and iPad app is a separate $1.99, paid once purchase, and AI shader generation requires the user’s own API key.

Alternatives

Projection Mapping Software is a useful category starting point for readers comparing tools beyond this entry.

Choose Modulo Kinetic if a paid desktop and mobile option is a better fit: its €70, paid once Designer 2D plan is watermarked and limited to a 2D environment and one blinking output.

SurfaBeam Pro has a free plan, but its permanent free tier watermarks projected and exported output, requires an entry gate before mapping, and excludes saving, loading, and exporting. Ghost Arcade is the stronger fit when those limits would obstruct a working project.

Christie Mystique offers a free Lite edition for one webcam, up to three Christie projectors, and flat screens only; consider it when that specific setup matches your needs.

Disguise Designer offers a free Starter plan for learning, training, testing, and developing or previewing projects without connecting to Disguise servers. It suits evaluation and preparation around that workflow.

LightAct has a free Creator plan with all features unlocked and unlimited outputs, but outputs are watermarked. It may suit users who can accept that watermark.

MadMapper offers a free trial with watermarked video input and output, DMX channels that black out every 30 seconds, and a space scanner limited to quarter resolution. Ghost Arcade is a better match when those trial restrictions are unsuitable.

Screenberry has a non-commercial free plan for personal, learning, evaluation, and non-paying use, capped at two 2K video outputs; its license renews every 90 days and requires internet. Ghost Arcade is the more suitable option for users doing paid work.

VIOSO offers a free plan and a paid Pro plan; consider it if you prefer that alternative.

Verdict

Ghost Arcade is an easy recommendation for projection artists and VJs who want a capable desktop mapping and performance toolkit, including for commercial work, without a software fee. Its planning simulators, mapping controls, and live integrations are the main reasons to choose it. Look elsewhere if you need a current Linux build or want mobile access included in the free desktop plan.