Mix clips.
Stack effects.
Free VJ software for Mac. Mix your clips live and shape each layer with effects.
Apple Silicon · macOS 26+ · Research Preview
Build a set.
Play it live.
Organize clips into banks and layers. Trigger them from the matrix, adjust effects, and choose an output display.
Trigger your clips
Organize clips into banks and layers, then play them from the clip matrix.
Stack your effects
Apply effects to a clip, a layer, or the whole mix.
Set the tempo
Use tap tempo and quantization, or enable Ableton Link to share tempo and bar phase.
Choose your output
Send the mix to a window or a fullscreen display.
Generate visuals.
Mix them in.
RenderWave is built into Ultimate VJ. Generate visuals with its shaders, combine them with your clips, and save your own looks.
Explore RenderWaveGet Ultimate VJ
on your Mac.
Install with Homebrew using the steps below. Copy each command into Terminal and follow the prompts.
Have Homebrew already? Jump to Install Ultimate VJ.
Check your Mac
You need an Apple Silicon Mac running macOS 26 Tahoe or later. This is a Research Preview. Test your full setup before using it at a show.
Open Terminal
Press ⌘ + Space, type Terminal, then press Return. This is where you’ll paste each command. Paste one box at a time, then press Return.
Check for Homebrew
Homebrew installs and updates Mac apps. Check whether you already have it:
brew --versionIf you see a version number, skip to step 4. If you see command not found, continue below.
Install Homebrew
This downloads and runs Homebrew’s installer. Read its prompts and press Return when asked.
/bin/bash -c "$(curl -fsSL https://raw.githubusercontent.com/Homebrew/install/HEAD/install.sh)"If it asks for your Mac login password, type it and press Return. No characters appear while you type a password. Let any requested Apple Command Line Tools installation finish.
At the end, run the commands under Homebrew’s Next steps. They help Terminal find Homebrew. Use the exact commands it prints for your account, then run brew --version again.
Install Ultimate VJ
The first line adds our software source. The second installs the app. Copy both lines and press Return.
brew tap weswalz/ultimatevj
brew install --cask weswalz/ultimatevj/ultimatevjWait for Homebrew to report a successful installation.
Open Ultimate VJ
Find ULTIMATEVJ in Finder → Applications, or use:
open -a ULTIMATEVJNeed help? Full installation guide & troubleshooting
Requirements
and answers.
More answers Is Ultimate VJ really free?
Yes. It costs nothing, and you don’t need an account or licence key. Free does not mean open source. Read the general FAQ.
Do I need to know how to code?
No. Homebrew installs the Mac app for you. You don’t need Node.js, npm, or a source build. Follow the installation steps above.
Which Macs can run it?
You need an Apple Silicon Mac running macOS 26 Tahoe or later. This package does not support Intel Macs. Check the requirements.
Is this ready for a live show?
This is a Research Preview. Testing for long playback sessions and venue output is still pending. Test your complete setup before relying on it for a show.
Is it compatible with Resolume?
Ultimate VJ is a separate app with a clip-based workflow. It is not a drop-in replacement for Resolume compositions or plug-ins. Read the limitations.
Is RenderWave included?
Yes. RenderWave’s shaders generate visuals you can mix with your clips. The effect stack also has a RenderWave effect. The shader selection depends on the catalog installed with your build. Learn about RenderWave shaders.