GLava
British Columbia, Canada
What it is
GLava is a free, open-source OpenGL audio spectrum visualizer for X11 on Linux or BSD systems. It provides visual modules for bars, radial bars, graphs, waveforms, and circle-style displays. Configuration uses GLSL directives and shader code, so nearly every behavior can be adjusted. GLava requires PulseAudio for audio input and can read MPD audio through FIFO output. It can run as a desktop window or widget with EWMH-compliant window managers, although behavior varies by manager. A compile-time OBS plugin can render GLava inside an OBS scene, with limitations for EGL-based OBS builds and GLFW builds of GLava. FFT calculations run on the CPU, and the visualizer stops when obscured to avoid unnecessary resource use. The --pipe feature accepts simple runtime values for shader sources. Installation guidance covers source builds and packages for Arch Linux, NixOS, and openSUSE. GLava is licensed under GPLv3, with specified components carrying MIT-origin notices.
For and against
For
- Multiple visualizer module styles
- Highly configurable GLSL and shader controls
- Desktop window or widget operation
- OBS scene integration is available
- Free and open source
Against
- Requires PulseAudio and X11
- FFT computation uses the CPU
- OBS integration has build limitations
- Window behavior varies by manager
The verdict
GLava offers broad visual customization and several display styles for X11 audio visualization. Its Linux or BSD, X11, PulseAudio, and build requirements should be checked before installation.
Who it suits
GLava suits Linux or BSD desktop users who want configurable audio-reactive visuals for X11. It also fits OBS users who can work within the stated build limitations.
Plans and prices
GLava
GPLv3 · requires Linux or BSD and X11
Read 11 Oct 2026 · github.com
On the record
- Audio input
- GLava requires PulseAudio and can read MPD audio through FIFO output.github.com · read 11 Oct 2026
- Customization
- GLava configuration uses GLSL directives and shader code, and nearly every behavior can be configured.github.com · read 11 Oct 2026
- Desktop use
- GLava can run as a desktop window or widget with EWMH-compliant window managers, though behavior varies by manager.github.com · read 11 Oct 2026
- Installation
- The project provides source build instructions and identifies packages for Arch Linux, NixOS, and openSUSE.github.com · read 11 Oct 2026
- Licensing
- GLava is licensed under GPLv3, with specified source components carrying MIT-origin notices.github.com · read 11 Oct 2026
- OBS integration
- A compile-time OBS plugin can render GLava directly into an OBS scene, with limitations for EGL-based OBS builds and GLFW builds of GLava.github.com · read 11 Oct 2026
- Performance
- FFT computation currently runs on the CPU, and GLava halts when obscured to avoid consuming resources unnecessarily.github.com · read 11 Oct 2026
- Purpose
- GLava is a general-purpose, highly configurable OpenGL audio spectrum visualizer for X11.github.com · read 11 Oct 2026
- Runtime data
- GLava can accept simple values at runtime through its --pipe feature and expose them to shader sources.github.com · read 11 Oct 2026
- Support
- The project encourages users to report issues and provides a GitHub Issues tracker.github.com · read 11 Oct 2026
- Visualizers
- Included modules provide bars, radial bars, a graph, a waveform, and a circle-style visualizer.github.com · read 11 Oct 2026
