> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.baryon.live/docs/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Baryon Desktop

> The desktop app for live performance — free to explore, with a paid Baryon Pro license for professional shows.

<Info>
  Baryon Desktop is in active development and is **not downloadable yet**. It is
  launching soon — [join the waitlist](https://baryon.live) for early access.
  Details on this page describe the planned product and may change before launch.
</Info>

Baryon Desktop runs the same WebGPU cymatic engine as the [web app](https://app.baryon.live),
packaged for the stage: lower-latency live input, output to your existing video
setup, and controls built for performing rather than evaluating.

## Free to explore, paid to perform

The app itself is **free to download and evaluate** — no account required. You can
open it, feed it audio or a microphone, and run the full real-time visualizer to
decide whether it belongs in your show.

A paid **Baryon Pro license** unlocks professional live use: Performer Mode,
external display output into your VJ or production tools, and the right to use
Baryon in paid shows. See [Plans & licensing](/public/desktop/licensing) for
the full breakdown.

The boundary is simple: **free to explore, paid to perform professionally.**

## Same engine as the web app

Desktop and web share one engine, so the visualizer itself behaves the same in
both. The hands-on guidance in the **Using Baryon** track applies to either:

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="First session" icon="compass" href="/public/guides/first-session">
    Connect audio, frame the scene, and save a setup.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Control panel reference" icon="sliders" href="/public/reference/controls">
    Every control the visualizer exposes.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Parameter automation" icon="radio" href="/public/desktop/parameter-automation">
    Drive Baryon Desktop from OSC, OSCQuery-aware tools, and MIDI CC hardware.
  </Card>

  <Card title="OSC structure export" icon="network" href="/public/desktop/osc-structure-export">
    Send Baryon's modal structure to TouchDesigner or another OSC receiver.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

The Desktop track focuses on what is specific to the desktop product: licensing,
Performer Mode, parameter automation, OSC structure export, and live output.

## What to expect

* **Platforms:** macOS, Windows, and Linux. Listener Mode runs on all three;
  Performer Mode (stage output, OSC/MIDI) is macOS and Windows today and is
  coming to Linux later.
* **Live output:** send the visual into VJ and production tools through Syphon on
  macOS and Spout on Windows (Baryon Pro license).
* **Offline-friendly licensing:** your license is verified locally, so a network
  outage at a venue never blocks a performance. See [Plans &
  licensing](/public/desktop/licensing).

## Get early access

Baryon Desktop ships first to the waitlist. [Join at baryon.live](https://baryon.live)
to be notified and receive an early invite.