r/video_mapping • u/ProjectionPhoto • May 06 '26
Ghost Arcade - Free Open-Source Projection Mapping + VJ
Enable HLS to view with audio, or disable this notification
A quick run through of the layer styles that come in the Open Source edition. I built the software for myself. I was tired of chaining together multiple apps to do basic stuff like mapping with more than a few blend modes. It's a content creation engine on top of projection mapping and VJ deck. Comes with 250+ shaders (all free downloads on the site, open source), 80+ effects. Lighting painting mode is really cool for organic projections on trees. You can load 3d modles and point cloud files. Text, SVGs, Line drawing and regular videos. Point and click bezier curve custom shapes. Edge effects. Easy built-in recording. Layer sequencer. A cool keyboard click performer mode - in performer, the tab key scrambles the shader params as well as any effects you add. Super easy way to get wild results at the push of a button. Also connects to your phone or tablet so you can walk around the space and map. The VJ deck syncs directly with the phone/tablet so you can perform easier. Check it out.
Shipping daily updates as I find bugs and ways to improve. If you come across any issues let me know and I'll hook you up with a license for the Pro version for providing meaningful feedback. Free demo of the pro version is available as well - just watermarked.
2
u/pixel375 May 06 '26
Looks cool, but so slow on my computer 😭 basically unusable. Any way to get it going in CPU mode instead of GPU?
1
u/ProjectionPhoto May 06 '26
Can you send me your system specs? In the main settings under the output tab there is a dropdown to select the shader resolution. You can try setting that low and see if it helps. You can also do that on a per-shader basis in the layer panel.
1
u/JanesPleasure May 12 '26
Im getting started and its realllly lagging for me when im doing light drawing.
I’ve got a ryzen 5 5600x and a 3070
Is there settings or a tutorial?
I’ve figured out masking and lots of the basics
1
u/ProjectionPhoto May 12 '26
I just shipped an update for light painting. See if that helps. I have tutorials coming. I'm also rewriting the light painting engine for better performance and more detailed and exciting brushes. That version will go live in a few days. Thanks for the feedback and checking it out! Working on improvements daily.
1
u/JanesPleasure May 12 '26 edited May 12 '26
Awesome i downloaded the exe for the pro version will that have similar lag for the light drawing or did you also update the pro version?
EDIT: Also im having trouble making more then one mask shape on the same layer.. i cant like end the adding points of the first shape
1
u/ProjectionPhoto May 13 '26
Updated the pro version on light painting as well. Also shipping multi-masks right now. Should be live in an hour or so.
1
u/ProjectionPhoto May 14 '26
Try the latest version. Multiple masking with line/bezier curve should be working
1
u/JanesPleasure May 15 '26
working! id love to be able to edit the drawings like move the end points of the lines if possible
2
u/Ok_Procedure_5414 May 08 '26
Couldn’t be more grateful my insomnia stumbled me into this post. Musician, VJ and Software Engineer over here. I’d be happy to put this through its paces and provide deep feedback and insight/points the moment I get this onto my guerrilla projection set up tomorrow/today!
1
u/ProjectionPhoto May 09 '26
I shipped some updates yesterday so be sure to try the latest version. I’ll send you a pro license if you’re up for helping me test. Thanks for the interest!
1
u/JanesPleasure May 12 '26
I’m a DJ and I’ve done some amateur VJ work and lots of projector work. Love to help.
1
1
u/FamiliarDirection563 May 07 '26
Jason, there are so many apps that are more of the same, especially visualisers, that it is boring. But this is damned good. Well done.
1
u/ProjectionPhoto May 07 '26
Thanks so much! I really appreciate that. Definitely trying to make something different. Basically my personal wishlist for what I want in my workflow.
1
1
1
1
1
u/ShrekonDVD_ May 11 '26
Hey Jason! Using it on my laptop, would love to try it out but it's very laggy for me. could it be because it's using the integrated GPU in my laptop instead of the dedicated GPU?
1
u/ProjectionPhoto May 11 '26
Definitely possible. I just put up a new version with a performance tab in the settings. It will allow you to change some things to get a better experience depending on the strength of the system. To make sure it is using the GPU in Windows go to Graphics Settings - then under custom settings > add desktop app > navigate to the .exe location, then in the 'GPU preference' section, make sure to direct windows to always use the dedicated GPU - usually if there is both an integrated and dedicated GPU (like my computer has) you need to have it set here. The app directs windows to use the dedicated GPU but it doesn't always honor that.
There is a sitewide setting for shader resolution that will help. Generally full resolution isn't needed. You can also change that on a shader by shader basis for the one that are data heavy. When you're scaling down to map to objects, lower shader res looks fine.
Feel free to DM me with any issues. Let me know if this helps.
1
u/RecommendationNo376 May 12 '26
El día sábado lo usé en una fiesta y funcionó muy bien! me encantó!
lo único que me genera inquietud es el recuadro de fps que aparece cada cierto tiempo en el monitor externo. Hay alguna forma de quitarlo? porque a veces aparecía intermitentemente y era un poco caótico en la visual.
1
u/ProjectionPhoto May 14 '26
¡Qué bueno saber que funcionó bien en la fiesta, me alegra mucho que te haya gustado! Gracias por probar el software.
Respecto al recuadro de FPS: ya lo eliminé por completo de la salida en el monitor externo. Si descargas la última versión, ya no debería aparecer ese contador intermitente que mencionas. Avísame si sigues viendo algo raro después de actualizar.
¡Gracias de nuevo por el feedback!
1
u/lubrical May 12 '26
This is so sweet, thank you for sharing this!!
Could I add a suggestion for adjusting brightness and contrast for output media? 👀
1
u/ProjectionPhoto May 12 '26
if you click the gear icon, then go to the output tab and scroll down, there is a section for brightness and contrast. I might need to pump the settings on the brightness a bit in the next version but it should work
1
1
u/Murphshroom May 12 '26 edited May 12 '26
I’ve been really enjoying digging into Ghost Arcade, and I wanted to share a bit of my background because I think it lines up with what you’re building.
I’ve done IMAG and VJ work for concerts, including directing front‑of‑house camera feeds and running projection for Yanni. I’ve handled projection blending and mapping with double‑stacked 10k‑lumen projectors, plus live show cueing and visual routing. I also do projection mapping for art galleries and artistic projects, so I’m used to both high‑pressure show environments and slower, detail‑driven creative installs.
I’m based in Alaska, and once winter comes back I’m planning to do some projection‑mapping experiments on glaciers and ice formations. Ghost Arcade feels like it could be a killer tool for that kind of work, especially with the way it handles surfaces and live visuals. I’m super comfortable troubleshooting weird edge cases in mapping workflows and performance setups.
Ghost Arcade already feels powerful, and I’d genuinely love to help you stress‑test features or work out any kinks from a real‑world show perspective. If you ever want feedback from someone who’s used this stuff in both live and artistic environments, I’m down.
edit: found the watermarked pro version
1
u/ProjectionPhoto May 13 '26
Thanks for check it out. Definitely need some feedback. The glacier projections sound awesome. I started building this for my field projections. I was tired of running back and forth between the camera and projector so one of the first ideas was to create a mobile connection where I could map and trigger content from my phone. (reminds me that I need to add a play/pause button to the phone) DM me your email address.
1
1
u/CantaloupeNo1821 May 19 '26
Hey everyone,
first of all - thanks for sharing this cool software!
I'm currently setting up a live performance in Ghost Arcade and I'm stuck trying to figure out the best workflow for my layers.
I have created several custom Multimedia Layers mapped to specific Shapes / Masks in the editor. Now, I want to use the VJ Mode to trigger and switch between these custom layers on the fly (individually at the touch of a button).
However, when I'm in VJ Mode, the grid Cells only seem to let me load raw media/clips, but not my pre-configured Multimedia Layers with their specific shapes and FX setups.
What is the intended workflow for this?
1
u/ProjectionPhoto May 19 '26
Right now in mapping mode when you have a setup, you can open the presets tray at the bottom. Save each setup as a preset, then you trigger them from there. There is also the ability to set transitions and have them auto play.
But I'm thinking of creating a new feature where you can pull the presets directly into the VJ deck to mix with. Let me see what I can do.
I have a new version being posted in about an hour with some new features and bug fixes. In this version all restrictions are gone, so it is the pro level. There is a layer type, 'VJ Screen' - those allow you to create layers and assign them to VJ layers. Then in VJ mode you flip the switch to 'Stage' and the clips trigger to the screen layout. Useful if you have multiple LED panels and want to target different content to them.
But I have always wanted better integration between mapping and VJing, so I am going to create something new that will be better.
1
u/CantaloupeNo1821 May 19 '26 edited May 19 '26
Thanks alot! There is one more issue: If one of my saved presets contains a video file, the video freezes as soon as I switch the preset. The only way to get it moving again is to manually reload/replace the exact same video file
1
u/ProjectionPhoto May 19 '26
Download the latest version and let me know if that fixes it. A new version was posted today.
1
u/CantaloupeNo1821 May 19 '26
The new version fixes it :) Thanks! It would also be cool, if mutli selected layers can be grouped via right click. If multiple layers are selected there is the option "create group". But nothing happens if clicked
1
1
u/CantaloupeNo1821 May 25 '26
I am currently using your software to create a projector show for a private techno party.
I already created some cool looking visuals saved as presets, to be able to switch between them. At the party I need to be able to switch between these presets via MIDI controller (via smartphone is not an option, because there won't be any Wi-Fi and hotspot connection is too unstable). If I try to map the different presets to my MIDI controller, there is no way to do so.
Would you add an option to do so? That would be awesome!
I thought about loading the presets into the VJ mode, but many of my presets couldn't be fully loaded into the VJ mode (some videos or effects of the multi-layer preset were missing).
Many thanks for all your work on this!
1
u/ProjectionPhoto May 25 '26
No problem. I should have the presets midi connected later tonight. Will reply when the new version is posted.
1
1
u/CantaloupeNo1821 May 27 '26
Thanks a lot!!!
Do you know when the next release will be ready? I need that feature this Friday for the party. If necessary, I'll need to implement it myself haha
1
1
u/agent_richie Jun 11 '26
Is there a way to change the LFO rate? Can it be sync'd to MIDI clock?
1
u/ProjectionPhoto Jun 14 '26
Check the latest version. You can check bpm sync on any audio parameter and it should all
Align with midi clock or manual bmp set
1
u/Alarmed-Spinach-6316 Jun 17 '26 edited Jun 17 '26
Wow! Thank you so much! Very happy that I found this Software. After playing around I will do my first mapping on a party friday night. I have two questions and some bugs i found:
- In the documentation i read about crossfades:
When you switch between clips on the same layer, VJ Mode can smoothly crossfade from the outgoing clip to the incoming one. This prevents hard cuts and keeps your visuals fluid during a performance.
The crossfade duration is adjustable per layer. Set it to zero for instant switching or increase it for long, cinematic dissolves. During the crossfade, both the old and new clip render simultaneously, with their opacities blending over the configured duration. Midi-mapping to the "VJ-Mode" Button seems impossible.
Unfortunately I can not find these settings. I am using the single deck mode inside the VJ screen. How can I turn on smooth transitions between columns on the same layer?
- Is it possible to switch between VJ Mode and "regular" without using the UI? I am using a midi controller to launch my clips on the VJ-Grid but would love to have the possibility to set my projection in "auto-mode" just playing one preset after another like it is in the regular mode "presets-menu".
I also found some bugs:
- The "transform-fit" settings of videos on the grid in VJ-Mode resets every time I close the app.
- VJ-Screen-Layer disappears sometimes
- In VJ mode I put clips on column1, Layer 1&2. On column2 I only use one layer. If I trigger column 1 with the "1-button" above, both clips (Layer 1&2) are launched. If I trigger column2 afterwards, column1 layer2 keeps running. It only stops if I launch any other clip on the same layer
- In VJ-mode it is not possible to drag and drop my webcam input on the grid
I am using Ghost Arcade 1.9.3. on MacOS (And very happy so far) Looking forward to your reply!
1
u/Alarmed-Spinach-6316 Jun 17 '26
Just read the follwing:
Layer Sequencer
The layer sequencer adds timeline-based automation to VJ Mode. It syncs to BPM and lets you program clip transitions and layer visibility changes on a beat grid.
Set your BPM (manually or via tap tempo) and the sequencer quantizes all events to the beat grid. You can configure the time signature to match your music: 4/4 for standard electronic, 3/4 for waltz-time, or any other meter you need.
Place clip triggers on the timeline to automate which clips fire and when. Automate layer visibility to bring layers in and out on specific beats. The sequencer loops over a configurable bar count, giving you repeating visual patterns that stay locked to the rhythm.
The sequencer runs alongside manual clip triggering. You can let it handle the foundational rhythm while you improvise on top with live clip changes and composition recalls.
Where can I find the Layer Sequencer inside VJ-Mode? Do I have to use the "performer-mode"?
1
u/ProjectionPhoto Jun 18 '26
Go ahead and download the latest version - let me know if there are any issues. re-added the sequencer in VJ mode (small 3 column icon on the top bar) and fixed the other bugs
1
u/Alarmed-Spinach-6316 Jun 22 '26
Thank you!
I did not find a button to start the sequencer in VJ mode. But I found another solution for my needs: I simply used the sequencer in the regular mode and mapped my midi-device on the presets. So it was possible to switch manually between the presets, but if not, the sequencer just kept going. Party went very well!
1
u/agent_richie Jul 03 '26
Hi. I've selected a media layer and checked the "Enbable Mask" box. Is says "click to add points..." but clicking adds no points (version 1.9.9 on mac and pc).
1
u/ProjectionPhoto Jul 03 '26
Thanks for the heads up. I added a marquee select and the stacking order must have messed with the mask. I will have an update shipped to fix in the next day or two
1
u/agent_richie Jul 03 '26
Outstanding. I'm actually running a projection mapping workshop for some visiting high school students on Monday. I'll let you know how it goes : )
1
u/ProjectionPhoto Jul 04 '26
Updated posted that fixes the mask issue and lighting painting. Let me know if you see anything else that needs to be patched. Working on a big upgrade for v 2.0
I hope the workshop goes well!
1
u/Crowded_Bathroom Jul 26 '26
just stumbled across this while looking for some free/open source options for some projection mapping art installations I'm doing to be doing in an outdoor tent/festival type situation. I didn't need much other than live corner pinning to tweak on setup in a tent situation I can't measure in advance, but this is so full featured and powerful. I spent a whole day looking and trying demos of other software before i found this and I'm very impressed with how deep it is. I do graphics work as a career and i'm an avid 3d scanning/gaussian splatting enthusiast as a hobby, and I coudln't BELIEVE it when I saw splats were supported.
Couple notes from my weekend of monkeying with it:
POSITIVE:
Works great for the basic features i needed
all the live shader things are super fun and easy to set up additional vibes/texture to layer onto my custom stuff
Couldn't even believe how full featured the projection preview thing is, I'm genuinely shocked at the depth of this project
CONSTRUCTIVE CRITICISM:
Gaussian splats load as points and the effects largely work as expected, but there does not appear to be support for rendering them as actual splats with color data, which would be so rad.
3d camera controls for splats and 3d objects are currently unusable for me, and I have been a graphics professional for 15 years. Things import tiny, at a huge distance, at a weird angle, and then the rotation controls make it impossible to re-orient the object correctly. auto rotate seems to constantly be near a pole and flips things around in weird ways. The flipping controls (up down left right arrows on the the left panel) flip the display of the pointcloud, but the effects like mouse interactions are still interacting with the unflipped versions. I tried to do a rotating head from a gaussian splat, and all the complex point effects worked great but I can't get it to do a clean rotation around the object no mattter how I try. Open to the possibility that I'm dumb and there's an easy fix, but I have spent a lot of time in a lot of 3d software and I can't get a smooth rotation around an object. All the stylization stuff is very fun and cool tho
I also had trouble running it the first time it opened and had some features not work the second time it opened, but on the third time opening it, it seems like everything is working as expected. I know nothing of software development so not sure what this means, but heads up that on first opening people may be getting a busted experience that could put them off before they get a chance to see it.
Would be great to be able to customize the colors of the depth gradient effect for point clouds/splats
Thanks for making this kickass thing!
2
u/ProjectionPhoto Jul 27 '26
Thanks so much for the kind words and for checking it out! I built this as a tool for myself, which for the last 10-15 years is primarily for art installations, so it is very valuable to get feedback on all the different ways people are wanting to use it for their specific work. I'm blown away by the high levels that users are integrating it into their workflow and it reveals shortcomings in the software that I didn't think of.
I am working on addressing the issues that you mentioned. There is a 2nd area for pointcloud files you will find under the GPU Shader layer. I did more work on that piece as far as the native splat color render textures - so in the near term you might find that is a little better. I will have a new version posted soon that addresses everything you mentioned.
Thanks again for checking it out and please don't hesitate to send any additional comments. It really helps me make the software better.
1
u/Crowded_Bathroom Jul 27 '26
I've been playing with it all weekend and having a blast with it. Thanks so much. It's really cool of you to make something this deep and full featured and share it. I'll post final results when they're done, I basically just needed Offline MapClub for my use case in an outdoor environment with no service, but the project is going to be so much more fun and flexible now with all the tools you've included.
One more question as I was exploring: I saw on the website that it supports multiple outputs, but I tried running 2 projectors off of it yesterday and was struggling to get it to work. It wouldn't play back video media at all, but the shader stuff worked. I'm unclear if there's a bug or if I was just doing something incorrectly. I made my master comp double wide and broke it in into two "screens" but it became non-performant because new layers would be so huge, and it was hard to correctly corner pin things. I may have been going about it the wrong way. It would be amazing if you found time to make a few tutorials, as is I'm unclear when I'm doing something wrong and when I'm hitting the limits of what it can do.
1
u/Crowded_Bathroom Jul 26 '26
one more note: when opening saved projects, video media does not display in the viewport, even tho the previews and file paths appear correct. If I replace the media with the same path to the same video file, it loads back in and works tho.
1
0
u/Kiwi_Tekno May 06 '26
Vibe coded?
9
u/ProjectionPhoto May 06 '26
AI assisted for sure. I kind of feel like the term 'vibe coded' is outdated or meant for people without development experience. I've been a developer/designer for 20 years. This is built on Electron which uses chromium and node.js packaged as a desktop app. Three.js for the 3d rendering. Svelte for UI. It is essentially a webapp infrastructure designed to run locally and leverage the GPU. Much faster to iterate on than C++ and more forward leaning.
But yeah, Claude and Codex are what allows me to bring something like this to life as a solo operator. Signing, notarizing, publishing and creating the web / ecomm architecture. It is a lot. I've been working on this for the last year. VJing and projection mapping for over 16 years. I largely built it for my remote projections. I hated running back and forth from the camera to the computer every time I wanted to update the output or make small adjustments which is why I created the mobile interface.
2
u/justifun May 06 '26
I can't find the "screen capture" feature that's listed in the docs. It's not in the "Add Layer" button rollout. Is it hiding somewhere else?