Is Ghost Arcade free to use?

Yes — fully free and open source. The Community edition (AGPL-3.0) gives you the full foundation: projection mapping, 11 layer types, 50+ effects, single-deck VJ launcher, MIDI control, mobile companion (iPad/phone), recording, ISF shader playground. Source on GitHub. No signup, no watermark, no expiry. Mac, Windows, Linux.

Is Ghost Arcade open source?

The Community edition is open source under AGPL-3.0. Source code is on GitHub at github.com/riskcapital/ghost-arcade-community. The commercial Pro edition (which adds dual-deck VJ, A/B crossfader, macros, snapshots, AI generation, Spout/Syphon) is a separately maintained codebase under a commercial license.

What is the difference between Community (free, open source) and Pro?

Community is free, AGPL-3.0 open source with the foundation surfaces (projection mapping, 11 layer types, 50+ effects, single-deck VJ launcher, MIDI, mobile companion, recording, shader playground). Pro adds the live-performance + AI surfaces: dual-deck VJ + A/B crossfader (10 transitions × 9 blend modes), 8-knob macro effect-bank, 16-slot snapshot bank, quantized clip launching, MIDI clock, Spout/Syphon, AI shader + video generation, keyframe timeline, plugin tab.

Can I use the open-source Community edition commercially?

Yes. Commercial creative use is allowed under AGPL-3.0 — paid shows, client visuals, installations, recordings, streams, tutorials. The visuals you create with the app are yours. The AGPL applies to the source code itself: if you modify the source and run it on a network server, you must make the modified source available to users. See COMMERCIAL_USE.md in the repo for details.

Do I need coding experience?

No. Everything is visual and interactive. Pick shaders from the library, drag effects onto layers, and adjust parameters with sliders. Pro adds AI generation that lets you describe what you want in plain English.

What projectors work with Ghost Arcade?

Any projector that connects to your computer via HDMI, DisplayPort, or USB-C. Ghost Arcade outputs to any display your operating system recognizes, including multiple projectors simultaneously.

Can I use it for live shows?

Absolutely. Both editions are built for live performance. Community has the single-deck clip launcher + Performer keyboard mode + MIDI mapping + mobile companion. Pro adds dual-deck with A/B crossfader, 8-knob macros, 16-slot snapshot scene bank, MIDI clock, and quantized launching for tight musical drops.

Does it work with MIDI controllers?

Yes. Any MIDI controller works out of the box in both editions. Use learn mode to map any knob, fader, button, or pad to any parameter. Multi-device support with channel filtering. Pro adds MIDI clock receive + send (24 PPQN, sync to/from Ableton).

Is there a Linux version?

The Community edition ships an AppImage for Linux. The commercial Pro edition is currently Mac + Windows only.

Is there a Mac version?

Yes. Both editions run on macOS 12+ (Apple Silicon and Intel). Pro is signed + notarized; Community is unsigned (right-click → Open on first launch).

What file formats are supported?

Videos: MP4, MOV, WebM, GIF. Images: PNG, JPG, WebP. 3D models: GLTF, GLB, FBX. Point clouds: PLY, .splat. Vector: SVG. Shaders: ISF/GLSL.

comparison8 min read

MadMapper vs Ghost Arcade — Which Projection Mapping Software Is Right for You?

MadMapper vs Ghost Arcade: detailed comparison of features, pricing, workflow, and use cases. Find the best projection mapping software for your live performance or installation.

Published April 1, 2026Updated April 5, 2026

MadMapper vs Ghost Arcade: Head-to-Head Comparison

MadMapper and Ghost Arcade take different approaches to projection mapping. MadMapper focuses on spatial mapping and LED control; Ghost Arcade combines mapping with content creation and live performance. Here's how they compare.

Feature Comparison

FeatureGhost Arcade ProMadMapper

|---------|----------------|-----------|

**Price**$24/mo or $299 perpetual$571 perpetual or $52/mo

**Projection Mapping**Mesh + corner warpAdvanced spatial mapping

**VJ Clip Launcher**16-channelNo

**Built-in Shaders**100+ GPU shadersISF support (bring your own)

**Mobile Control**WiFi from any deviceNo

**AI Generation**YesNo

**LED Fixture Control**NoYes (DMX/Art-Net)

**3D Models**GLTF, GLB, FBX, splatsNo

**MIDI Control**Full learn modeBasic MIDI

**Audio Reactive**6-band frequency analysisBasic audio input

**Performer Mode**SynthVision 36-keyNo

**Spout/Syphon**YesYes

When to Choose Ghost Arcade

Choose Ghost Arcade if you need:

Live performance — VJ mode, beat sequencer, performer keyboard

Content creation — 100+ shaders, AI generation, fluid sim, particles

Mobile flexibility — Control from your phone during setup

Budget-friendly — Free demo with no time limit, Pro from $24/mo

All-in-one workflow — Create, map, and perform without switching apps

When to Choose MadMapper

Choose MadMapper if you need:

LED fixture control — DMX/Art-Net integration for LED installations

Spatial mapping — Auto-detection of surfaces with calibration tools

Permanent installations — Set-and-forget deployments

Dedicated mapping focus — No VJ features to get in the way

The Bottom Line

MadMapper is a dedicated mapping tool; Ghost Arcade is an all-in-one visual performance platform. If your primary need is LED control and permanent installations, MadMapper is purpose-built. If you need to create content, perform live, and map — all in one app — Ghost Arcade delivers more value at a lower price point.

Download Ghost Arcade free and compare for yourself.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Ghost Arcade better than MadMapper?

It depends on your use case. Ghost Arcade offers more features for live VJ performance (16-channel launcher, mobile control, 100+ shaders, AI generation) at a lower price ($24/mo vs $571). MadMapper excels at LED fixture control and permanent installations with DMX/Art-Net support.

Does Ghost Arcade support DMX?

Ghost Arcade supports Spout and Syphon output to integrate with DMX-capable software like MadMapper or QLC+. Direct DMX output is on the roadmap for a future release.