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.

resource8 min read

Best MIDI Controllers for VJ Performance in 2026

Guide to choosing MIDI controllers for VJ performance and projection mapping. Recommendations for Ghost Arcade, Resolume, and live visual software.

Published February 10, 2026Updated March 28, 2026

Best MIDI Controllers for VJ Performance

A MIDI controller transforms VJ software from a click-and-drag experience into a hands-on instrument. Here are the best options for live visual performance with Ghost Arcade.

Top Picks

Akai APC Mini MK2 — Best Overall

64 velocity-sensitive pads (perfect for Ghost Arcade' VJ mode grid)

9 faders for parameter control

Compact, bus-powered

~$90

Novation Launchpad X — Best for Clip Triggering

64 RGB pads with velocity

Excellent for triggering VJ clips

Strong integration ecosystem

~$170

Korg nanoKONTROL2 — Best Budget

8 faders + 8 knobs + transport controls

Ultra-portable

Great for shader parameter control

~$60

Akai APC40 MK2 — Best Full-Featured

Faders, knobs, and pads in one unit

Designed for clip-based performance

LED feedback

~$300

MIDI Mapping in Ghost Arcade

Ghost Arcade features a learn mode for instant MIDI mapping:

Right-click any parameter → "MIDI Learn"

Move your controller knob/fader/pad

Done — the mapping is saved with your project

Map anything: shader parameters, layer opacity, effect intensity, VJ clip triggers, BPM, crossfader position.

Tips for VJ MIDI Setup

Label your mappings — Put tape labels on faders for quick reference during shows

Save controller presets — Ghost Arcade saves MIDI mappings per project

Use velocity — Map pad velocity to effect intensity for expressive control

Combine with mobile — Use MIDI for main control, phone for warp adjustment

Download Ghost Arcade to start mapping your MIDI controller today.

Frequently Asked Questions

What MIDI controller should I use for VJ software?

The Akai APC Mini MK2 (~$90) is the best overall MIDI controller for VJ performance with its 64-pad grid and faders. For budget setups, the Korg nanoKONTROL2 (~$60) works well. Ghost Arcade supports any MIDI controller with its learn mode.