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Installation & Requirements

This guide covers what you need to run FXCanvas and how to install it on Windows and macOS.

System Requirements​

WindowsmacOS
Operating system64-bit Windows 10 (version 1809 / build 17763) or Windows 11macOS 11 Big Sur or later
Processor64-bit (x64)Apple Silicon (M1 or newer)
GraphicsOpenGL 3.3-capable GPUOpenGL 3.3-capable GPU
NetworkGigabit Ethernet recommended for NDI streamingGigabit Ethernet recommended for NDI streaming
note

FXCanvas is a GPU application. A dedicated graphics card (or Apple Silicon's integrated GPU) gives the best results, especially at higher render resolutions and with multiple effects.

Download​

Download the latest release for your platform from fxc.studio:

  • Windows — FXCanvas-<version>-Setup.exe (installer)
  • macOS (alpha) — the Apple Silicon disk image (.dmg)

Installing on Windows​

  1. Run the downloaded FXCanvas-<version>-Setup.exe
  2. Approve the administrator prompt (the installer writes to Program Files)
  3. Follow the wizard. During setup you'll see an Analytics & Privacy page where you choose whether to share anonymous usage data — this is optional and can be changed later in Settings → Analytics
  4. Finish — FXCanvas installs to Program Files\FXCanvas, adds a Start Menu shortcut (and an optional desktop icon), and can launch immediately

To uninstall, use Settings → Apps in Windows, or the Start Menu uninstaller.

Installing on macOS​

macOS is in alpha

The macOS build is currently in alpha. The core feature set works, but you may hit rough edges and platform-specific bugs that are still being ironed out. The Windows build is the more mature, fully supported platform. Please report anything you run into.

  1. Open the downloaded .dmg
  2. Drag FXCanvas into your Applications folder
  3. Launch FXCanvas from Applications
First launch on macOS

If macOS blocks the app the first time ("cannot verify the developer"), right-click (or Control-click) FXCanvas in Applications, choose Open, and confirm. You only need to do this once. You can also approve it under System Settings → Privacy & Security.

After Installing​

NDI streaming​

FXCanvas streams video over NDI. If your NDI outputs don't appear on the network in your console or media server, install the free NDI Tools / NDI Runtime (version 6) from ndi.video and check that your firewall allows NDI traffic. See Outputs for output setup.

Licensing​

On first launch, FXCanvas runs as a trial and prompts you to activate a license. See Licensing for activation, machine management, and offline use.

Staying up to date​

FXCanvas can update itself — see Software Updates. You don't need to re-download installers for routine updates.

Optional integrations​

Some integrations have extra requirements — for example, Pioneer DJ sync uses a bundled helper that needs Java installed. See BPM Sync if you plan to sync to DJ gear.

Troubleshooting​

"FXCanvas requires a 64-bit version of Windows"​

FXCanvas only runs on 64-bit Windows 10 (1809+) or Windows 11. 32-bit Windows is not supported.

macOS won't open the app​

This is Gatekeeper protecting you from unsigned apps — use the right-click Open method described above under First launch on macOS.

NDI output isn't visible​

  • Install the NDI Runtime/Tools (version 6) from ndi.video
  • Confirm both machines are on the same network and that a firewall isn't blocking NDI
  • A Gigabit (wired) connection is strongly recommended for reliable NDI