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.

comparison10 min read

Best Resolume Alternative in 2026 — Why VJs Are Switching to Ghost Arcade

Looking for a Resolume alternative? Ghost Arcade offers 100+ built-in shaders, mobile control, AI content generation, and projection mapping from $24/mo vs Resolume Arena at $799.

Published March 20, 2026Updated April 5, 2026

Why VJs Are Looking for Resolume Alternatives

Resolume Arena has been the industry standard for VJ performance for over a decade. At $799 for the full mapping version, it's a significant investment — especially for emerging artists. Many VJs are discovering that newer tools offer comparable or superior features at a fraction of the cost.

Ghost Arcade vs Resolume Arena: Feature Comparison

FeatureGhost Arcade ProResolume Arena

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

**Price**$24/mo or $299 perpetual$799 one-time

**Built-in Shaders**100+ GPU shaders includedLimited built-in, paid packs

**VJ Clip Launcher**16-channel with beat sequencerYes, mature clip system

**Projection Mapping**Mesh + corner warpAdvanced multi-surface

**Mobile Control**WiFi from any phone/tabletNo built-in mobile

**AI Content Generation**Yes (Claude/Gemini)No

**3D Models**GLTF, GLB, FBX + Gaussian splatsBasic 3D

**MIDI Control**Full learn modeFull MIDI support

**Fluid Simulation**FluidGen plugin includedRequires paid plugins

**3D Particle Engine**Particles3D includedRequires paid plugins

**Spout/Syphon**YesYes

**Platform**Windows + macOSWindows + macOS

Where Ghost Arcade Wins

1. Content Creation Built In

With Resolume, you need separate software to create content — After Effects, Cinema 4D, or TouchDesigner. Ghost Arcade includes 100+ GPU shaders, AI generation, fluid simulation, and a 3D particle engine. You can build your entire show inside one app.

2. Mobile Control

Walk through your venue and adjust everything from your phone. No app to download — just connect over WiFi. Resolume has no equivalent.

3. Price

Ghost Arcade Pro at $24/month or $299 perpetual versus Resolume Arena at $799. The free demo includes 100+ shaders with no time limit.

4. AI-Powered Content

Describe a visual in plain English and get a working GPU shader, Three.js animation, or p5.js sketch. No other VJ software offers this.

5. Modern Architecture

Built on WebGL, Three.js, and Svelte — Ghost Arcade leverages modern GPU capabilities for effects that were previously impossible without custom coding.

Where Resolume Still Leads

Maturity: 15+ years of battle-tested reliability

Community: Larger user base, more tutorials, more shared content

Advanced Mapping: Multi-projector edge blending, SMPTE timecode

DMX Integration: Built-in lighting control

The Verdict

If you're starting fresh or looking to reduce costs without sacrificing capability, Ghost Arcade is the strongest Resolume alternative available. The combination of built-in content creation, mobile control, and AI generation means you can build and perform an entire show without additional software.

Try Ghost Arcade free — no credit card required, no time limit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Ghost Arcade a good alternative to Resolume?

Yes. Ghost Arcade offers 100+ built-in GPU shaders, mobile WiFi control, AI content generation, and projection mapping starting at $24/month — compared to Resolume Arena at $799. It includes FluidGen and Particles3D plugins that would cost extra with Resolume.

Can I switch from Resolume to Ghost Arcade?

Yes. Ghost Arcade supports all common media formats (MP4, MOV, WebM, PNG, JPG) and MIDI controllers. Your existing video content and MIDI hardware will work immediately. The 16-channel VJ launcher provides a familiar clip-based workflow.

Is Ghost Arcade cheaper than Resolume?

Significantly. Ghost Arcade Pro is $24/month or $299 perpetual versus Resolume Arena at $799. The free demo includes 100+ shaders with no time limit or feature lock.