SMODE
Paris, France
What it is
SMODE is a Windows platform for real-time visual compositing and media serving at shows and installations. It brings together 2D and 3D compositing, video mapping, stage simulation, animation, and video export. Smode Live adds video playback and live editing tools for real-time operations, with support for DMX, Art-Net, sACN, LTC/MTC inputs, and people-tracking systems. Live workflows can use Deltacast and Blackmagic capture cards for video input or output. The Community edition lists integrations for ISF and ShaderToy shaders, Substance, Python scripting, MIDI, OSC, NDI, and Spout. SMODE also supports camera tracking, LED-stage and greenscreen workflows, and live compositing, with SMODE, Unreal Engine, and Notch render engines. The free Community license is non-commercial 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. The FAQ specifies Microsoft 64-bit systems and Windows 10 version 18h3 or later; licensing is not designed for virtual machines.
For and against
For
- Combines real-time 2D and 3D compositing with video mapping.
- Smode Live includes playback and live editing tools.
- Community edition lists shader, scripting, and media integrations.
- Free Community license supports Full HD without watermarks.
Against
- Community license is for non-commercial use.
- Requires a Microsoft 64-bit operating system.
- Licensing is not designed for virtual machines.
The verdict
SMODE brings compositing, mapping, simulation, and live playback into a Windows platform for show and installation work. The free Community license has non-commercial terms; commercial use is listed with Compose FHD at €300 a year, excluding VAT.
Who it suits
SMODE suits content creators, video operators, event organizers, rental companies, scenographers, TV production companies, and cultural institutions working on shows or installations. Its live controls and video I/O options are relevant to production workflows.
Plans and prices
Smode Community
Free non-commercial license · Full HD input/output/content/export · No watermarks
Read 2 Oct 2026 · smode.io
Smode Compose FHD
Full HD input/output · Unlimited content resolution · 4K video export · Community support
Read 2 Oct 2026 · smode.io
Smode Live 1
1 × 4K input/output · 16 DMX/Art-NET/sACN universes · Codemeter dongle required · Priority support
Read 2 Oct 2026 · smode.io
Smode Live 2
2 × 4K inputs/outputs · 32 DMX/Art-NET/sACN universes · Codemeter dongle required · Priority support
Read 2 Oct 2026 · smode.io
Smode Live 4
4 × 4K inputs/outputs · 64 DMX/Art-NET/sACN universes · Codemeter dongle required · Priority support
Read 2 Oct 2026 · smode.io
Smode Live Basic
1 × FullHD input/output · 8 DMX/Art-NET/sACN universes · Codemeter dongle required · Priority support
Read 2 Oct 2026 · smode.io
On the record
- Capabilities
- SMODE supports real-time 2D/3D compositing, video mapping, stage simulation, animation, and video export.smode.io · read 2 Oct 2026
- Community privacy
- The maker describes Smode Community as having no ads, no user data tracking, and no hidden cloud connections.smode.io · read 2 Oct 2026
- Company history
- Smode Tech was created in 2019 by Francis Maes and Alexandre Buge to launch SMODE on the market.smode.io · read 2 Oct 2026
- Hardware I/O
- Smode Live can capture or output video through Deltacast and Blackmagic capture cards.smode.io · read 2 Oct 2026
- Integrations
- The Community edition lists support for ISF and ShaderToy shaders, Substance, Python scripting, MIDI, OSC, NDI, and Spout.smode.io · read 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.smode.io · read 2 Oct 2026
- Live operations
- Smode Live combines video playback capabilities with live editing tools for real-time online operations.smode.io · read 2 Oct 2026
- Live protocols
- Smode Live supports DMX, Art-Net, sACN, LTC/MTC inputs, and people tracking systems.smode.io · read 2 Oct 2026
- Product
- SMODE is a real-time visual compositing and media server platform for shows and installations.smode.io · read 2 Oct 2026
- Support
- The FAQ describes Community Support through Discord and Premium Support with direct communication with technical teams.smode.io · read 2 Oct 2026
- System requirements
- The FAQ says SMODE runs on Microsoft 64-bit operating systems and requires at least Windows 10 version 18h3.smode.io · read 2 Oct 2026
- Virtual machines
- The FAQ says SMODE licensing is not designed to run on virtual machines.smode.io · read 2 Oct 2026
