Question 1

Is Ghost Arcade free to use?

Accepted Answer

Yes — fully free and open source. AGPL-3.0. Every feature is included: projection mapping, 11 layer types (including the new WebGPU compute layer), 200+ effects with the Geometric 3D pack, dual-deck VJ launcher with A/B crossfader, macros, snapshots, MIDI control + clock, mobile companion, recording, Spout/Syphon, AI shader generation. No signup, no watermark, no expiry. Mac, Windows, Linux.

Question 2

Is Ghost Arcade open source?

Accepted Answer

Yes — full source under AGPL-3.0 at github.com/riskcapital/ghost-arcade. Build it yourself with `npm install && npm run desktop`, modify it, ship it. Reproducible binaries via `npm run build:desktop`.

Question 3

Can I use Ghost Arcade commercially?

Accepted Answer

Yes — paid gigs, installations, broadcasts, sub-contracted work, anything. Output you create with Ghost Arcade (videos, livestreams, recordings) is yours. AGPL only applies to the source code itself: if you fork it and run a modified version as a network service, you have to publish your changes back. Local desktop use never triggers this.

Question 4

Do I need coding experience?

Accepted Answer

No. Everything is visual and interactive. Pick shaders from the library, drag effects onto layers, and adjust parameters with sliders. The AI generator lets you describe what you want in plain English (bring your own Claude / Gemini / Luma key).

Question 5

What projectors work with Ghost Arcade?

Accepted Answer

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 via Spout/Syphon.

Question 6

Can I use it for live shows?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. Built for live performance: 16-channel VJ clip launcher with dual-deck A/B crossfader, Performer keyboard mode, BPM-synced quantized launching, MIDI clock sync, 8-knob macros for hands-free build-ups, 16-slot snapshot bank, mobile control over LAN.

Question 7

Does it work with MIDI controllers?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 8

Is there a Linux version?

Accepted Answer

Yes — Linux build available. Mac, Windows, and Linux are all first-class targets.

Question 9

Is there a Mac version?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Runs on macOS 12+ (Apple Silicon and Intel). Signed + notarized.

Question 10

What file formats are supported?

Accepted Answer

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

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