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SPECIFICTION
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Fosfora

github.com

Free plan WindowsmacOSLinux
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Spec score 7.9 #14 of 35 in Audio Visualizer Software

What it is

Fosfora turns computer audio into live, beat-synced visuals for music visualization and live performance. It includes 56 audio-reactive effects, including shaders, particle simulations, and lattice effects. Users can stack up to eight layers, reorder them, and choose among 13 blend modes. Its audio analysis tracks 83 features 86 times per second, including beat, tempo, key, percussive and harmonic content, and drops. Parameters can be controlled with MIDI, OSC, or a phone or tablet browser used as a touch surface. Layers can use images, GIFs, video files, webcam input, photos, or depth maps. Output options include NDI, Spout on Windows, Syphon on macOS, a Linux virtual camera, and recording to file; the project names Resolume, VDMX, OBS, and TouchDesigner as compatible software. Presets save layer stacks, and scenes chain presets into cue lists that can advance on a timer, on the beat, or with the spacebar. Fosfora is free and requires no account. It runs on Linux, macOS, and Windows; Linux and Windows require Vulkan-capable graphics, while macOS requires Metal.

Spec sheet

Purpose
Fosfora turns computer audio into live, beat-synced visuals for music visualization and live performance.Read 30 Sep 2026 · github.com
License
The project is dual-licensed under MIT or Apache 2.0, at the user's option.Read 30 Sep 2026 · github.com
Audio analysis
Fosfora tracks 83 audio features 86 times per second, including beat, tempo, key, percussive and harmonic content, and drops.Read 30 Sep 2026 · github.com
Controls
Parameters can be controlled with MIDI, OSC or a phone or tablet browser used as a touch surface.Read 30 Sep 2026 · github.com
Customization
Effects are WGSL shaders that can be edited in the built-in editor while running.Read 30 Sep 2026 · github.com
Download platforms
The latest release provides a universal macOS DMG, a Linux x86_64 tar.gz and a Windows x64 ZIP.Read 30 Sep 2026 · github.com
Effects
It includes 56 audio-reactive effects, including shaders, particle simulations and lattice effects.Read 30 Sep 2026 · github.com
Layering
Users can stack up to eight layers, reorder them and choose from 13 blend modes.Read 30 Sep 2026 · github.com
Outputs and integrations
Video output includes NDI, Spout on Windows, Syphon on macOS, a Linux virtual camera and recording to file; the README names Resolume, VDMX, OBS and TouchDesigner as compatible software.Read 30 Sep 2026 · github.com
Presets and scenes
Presets save the layer stack, and scenes chain presets into cue lists that can advance on a timer, on the beat or by pressing spacebar.Read 30 Sep 2026 · github.com
Requirements
The app requires a Vulkan-capable GPU on Linux and Windows or Metal on macOS; video playback optionally needs ffmpeg on PATH.Read 30 Sep 2026 · github.com
Security and account
The maker says there is no account to make, and settings are stored locally in the user's Fosfora configuration directory.Read 30 Sep 2026 · github.com
Video inputs
Layers can use images, GIFs, video files, a webcam, photos or depth maps.Read 30 Sep 2026 · github.com

Plans and prices

Free, open-source Fosfora Free 56 effects · eight-layer stack · no account required Read 30 Sep 2026 · github.com

Every Fosfora plan and price →

Strong points and limits

Strong points

  • Includes 56 audio-reactive effects.
  • Supports stacks of up to eight layers.
  • Accepts MIDI, OSC, and browser touch controls.
  • Can output NDI and record to file.
  • No account is required.

Limits

  • Linux and Windows require Vulkan-capable graphics.
  • macOS requires Metal.
  • Video playback optionally requires ffmpeg on PATH.

Who it suits

Fosfora suits performers and music visualizers who want live audio-reactive effects, layered sources, and external controls. It is also aimed at users who can meet its operating-system graphics requirements.

Verdict

Fosfora offers extensive live visual controls, inputs, and output options, including cue-based scenes. Check the graphics requirement for your platform before choosing it.

Where Specifiction places it

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