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.

industry10 min read

Projection Mapping for Art Installations — Artist Guide

How artists use projection mapping for gallery installations, public art, and immersive experiences. Technical guide with Ghost Arcade for installation artists.

Published February 20, 2026Updated March 28, 2026

Projection Mapping for Art Installations

Projection mapping has become one of the most powerful tools in contemporary art, enabling artists to transform physical spaces into immersive, dynamic environments.

Why Artists Use Projection Mapping

Transform space — Make physical architecture responsive and alive

Temporal art — Create works that change over time, react to viewers, or evolve

Accessibility — No permanent alterations to the space required

Scalability — From intimate gallery pieces to building-scale public art

Interactivity — Audiences become part of the work

Installation Types

Gallery Installations

Mapped projections onto sculptures, walls, or custom fabricated surfaces. Ghost Arcade' gaussian splat and point cloud rendering adds a new dimension to mixed-media installations.

Public Art

Building facades, monuments, and urban infrastructure as canvases. Often commissioned by cities, festivals, or cultural organizations.

Immersive Rooms

360-degree projected environments. Visitors walk through a world of light and motion. Ghost Arcade' multi-output support and mesh warping enables seamless multi-projector immersive rooms.

Interactive Installations

Using cameras and sensors, the projected content responds to viewer movement. Ghost Arcade' camera-reactive features (FluidGen, 3D Particles) make this possible without custom programming.

Technical Considerations for Installations

Run time — Installations run for hours or weeks. Use GPU shaders for infinite, non-repeating content

Maintenance — Save warp presets so re-alignment after projector maintenance takes minutes

Heat — Projectors in enclosed spaces need ventilation planning

Ambient light — Schedule or sensor-trigger the installation for optimal viewing conditions

Audio — Ghost Arcade' audio reactivity can drive visuals from ambient sound or composed soundscapes

Ghost Arcade for Installation Artists

100+ generative shaders — Infinite, non-repeating content for long-running installations

3D model and gaussian splat support — Mixed-media possibilities

FluidGen plugin — Camera-reactive fluid dynamics

3D Particles plugin — Interactive particle worlds

Mobile control — Adjust from anywhere in the gallery

Spout output — Integrate with other tools in complex setups

Download Ghost Arcade — free demo with full feature access.

Frequently Asked Questions

What software do artists use for projection mapping installations?

Artists use Ghost Arcade for its built-in generative content and ease of setup, TouchDesigner for complex interactive installations, and Resolume for media-heavy displays. Ghost Arcade is uniquely suited for installations with its 100+ non-repeating GPU shaders and camera-reactive plugins.