> ## 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, with professional show rights during the Pro trial and paid entitlement.

<Info>
  [Download Baryon Desktop](https://baryon.live/download) for macOS, Windows, or
  Linux. The 10-day Baryon Pro trial is available on macOS and Windows.
</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.

<Info>
  Baryon Desktop 1.2.0 adds two-way OSC/MIDI control, TouchDesigner control and
  structure components, expanded visual controls, and synchronized Performer
  output. Read the [1.2.0 release notes](/docs/public/desktop/release-notes) before
  upgrading a show setup.
</Info>

## 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.

An active **Baryon Pro entitlement** unlocks professional live use: Performer
Mode, fullscreen Display output, Syphon or Spout publishing, OSC/MIDI control,
and the right to use Baryon in paid shows. The 10-day Pro trial includes those
rights for its active term. See [Plans & licensing](/docs/public/desktop/licensing)
for the full breakdown.

Free Listener Mode covers evaluation and personal use. An active Baryon Pro
entitlement, including the trial, covers professional performance.

## Same engine as the web app

Desktop and web share the same render engine and core visual controls. Their
output controls differ: the web app and Listener Mode can render a transparent
background, while Performer always sends an opaque image over black. The
hands-on guidance in the **Using Baryon** track applies to both unless a guide
marks a host-specific control.

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Release notes" icon="newspaper" href="/docs/public/desktop/release-notes">
    What changed in 1.2.0 and what to recheck before a show.
  </Card>

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

  <Card title="Control panel reference" icon="sliders" href="/docs/public/reference/controls">
    Shared controls and host-specific output settings.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Program output" icon="monitor" href="/docs/public/desktop/program-output">
    Route Performer to a display, Syphon, or Spout.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Parameter automation" icon="radio" href="/docs/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="/docs/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.
* **Program output:** send Performer fullscreen to another display on macOS or
  Windows, or publish it through Syphon on macOS or Spout on Windows. One
  destination is active at a time.
* **Output appearance:** Performer output is always opaque and black-backed. In
  a receiving tool, use Add or Screen blending when black should disappear.
* **Offline-friendly licensing:** your license is verified locally, so a network
  outage at a venue never blocks a performance. See [Plans &
  licensing](/docs/public/desktop/licensing).

## Download Baryon Desktop

[Download the current release](https://baryon.live/download). Listener Mode is
available on macOS, Windows, and Linux. Performer Mode and the Baryon Pro trial
are available on macOS and Windows.