The 8 Best Projection Mapping Software: Transforming Surfaces Into Interactive Visual Canvases

To wow your audience with breathtaking spatial augmented reality, you need the best projection mapping software. It is directly responsible for what your audience will see and in what quality. What types of software are there and what are their capabilities? To this end, we’ve prepared an overview of the most user-friendly ones to look into.

With a projector from Lumitrix, you don’t have to worry about purchasing additional software

Lumitrix Software – Lumiverse APP

Key Features

Lumitrix, a company specialising in the manufacture and sale of projectors and accessories, has decided to develop its own software, tailored to completely suit its projector series.

The Lumiverse App boasts an easy-to-use interface, allowing for a real-time projection mapping via web-browser running in portable devices.

It supports playback of static images, video and interactive HTML5 apps. In case of buying a Lm3x projector, customers gain the Lumiverse software automatically, with lifelong updates and tech support.

PROS

A great advantage is that the software and the projector can work wirelessly, using just the Sim card. This means that all control and editing of content can be done remotely and the projection runs regardless of the weather. The projector can be placed on walls or poles, e.g. fixed with 360 projector wall mount.

The controls are very simple, but the simplicity is not at the expense of media playback, object insertion and editing with various tools.

Thanks to the scanner, it can make the projection exactly fit any surface of any shape. Both ready to use and your own custom content can be used. Lumiverse can control multiple projectors at once, work with multiple video layers, manage wrapping, masking and more.

CONS

Lumiverse App for mapping projection is intended to be used in tandem with the Lm3x hardware. Lm3x also provides users with help and support. Compatibility issues may arise with the use of other hardware.

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MadMapper

Key Features

With the software called MadMapper, all users unanimously appreciate the high speed and regular release of updates.

Ready to support multiple projections, it is equipped with 3D calibration and space scanner. You can have a limited demo version for free, the paid licence starts with 400 dollars.

PROS

The software can easily manage as many projectors as you want and your graphics card can handle. It has a live editor for coding and an online library that allows you to exchange your materials with other users.

It also allows real-time parameter tinkering and even last-minute modifications so you can deliver your show on schedule, no matter the scale.

CONS

Despite proclamations of a USER-friendly UI, it CAN be a bit confusing for beginners. MadMapper is also true to its name in that there are occasional glitches with it.

Visution Mapio

Key Features

You can have a demo version of Visution Mapio for free or you can buy the Lite version for 100 euros or Pro version for 200 euros.

Software runs in Windows (SP1 + DirectX) and MacOS X 10.8.x – 10.12.x operating systems. MAPIO is a fully functional projection mapping solution for entertainment events, promotional projects, presentations and educational purposes and is able to adjust to any surface.

PROS

It can play multiple file formats – video files in AVI, MOV, MP4, M4V, WMV, DIVX, MP2, MPEG, FLV, MKV, WEBM, TS, GIF and other containers, formats, and codecs; image files JPEG, PNG, BMP, GIF, TIFF, WEBP, SVG, ICO, TGA, WBMP, it is also sufficiently interactive and generative, supplied for example with 20 ready-made QML sketches with open source codes that can serve as a base for user sketches.

CONS

There can be problems with hardware compatibility. Software also requires a powerful graphic card, it is recommended to check its capacity before getting Visution Mappio.

Millumin 3

Key Features

The basic features of the software are the same as most other popular software – it supports a wide range of video formats, provides many advanced features, and has a full range of tools.

It is eligible for multiple outputs, including a soft edge function that allows the creation of a continuous image from multiple video projectors.

PROS

Millumin 3 can control video, audio, lights and lasers on stage. It has been designed to be intuitive and quick to learn, while providing many advanced features.

We can say that the software is powerful, yet easy to use. Despite its sophistication, it has a very intuitive interface, supported by contextual help, online tutorials and fast support.

CONS

Besides the demo version (there is no limitation during 30 days), you can rent the Millumin 3 for a day/month or a year (starts at 39 dollars) or purchase a permanent licence (starts at 500 dollars), which must be upgraded regularly (update starts at 179 dollars). The software is therefore quite expensive.

LightForm

Key Features

We list Software Creator Lightform in our review, even though the company has already gone out of business in 2022 and only provides software support for its former customers.

Lightform is an example of such an outdoor projection system in which the software is created and provided exclusively with the corresponding Lightform hardware.

PROS

This software is perfectly compatible with hardware, is scanner-based and is best suited for permanent and digital art installations.

It is suitable for individuals who do not like to improvise and need to prepare and test everything in advance.

CONS

The Lightform is totally unsuitable for live events or shows. In fact, nothing can be changed or modified during the projection.

This is probably why it is essentially finished nowadays and we can consider it a relic from the past or use it for special static purposes, e.g. in outdoor advertising.

QLab

Key Features

QLab is a sound, video, and lighting controller for macOS. It’s a flexible, reliable, and user-friendly tool used by everyone.

QLab is free to download and use, there are some paid (often costly, cca 1000 dollars!) features which can be added after payment and which can be explored by customers in a trial demo.

PROS

While using the mentioned paid features, QLlab is an unrivalled software for large and the most complicated artistic projections.

It has almost everything: multi-output video stages, 1000 video layers, masking and edge-blending etc. QLab has very good results for colour, resolution and contrast quality, in fact the software doesn’t affect the quality of the clip. With a good projection mapping equipment it can create a breathtaking spectacle.

CONS

Beside the fact that QLab is very pricey the number of features and complexity can make novice users feel confused at first. That’s why it’s more likely to be bought by seasoned professionals

Resolume

Key Features

Resolume and Resolume Arena are the number one choice for live performances, especially concerts and other music shows.

There is a free demo version available for download, but as it happens, the free projection mapping software is a far cry from the paid versions in terms of quality and features.

However, these are available from as little as 300 Euros, making Resolume one of the more affordable software solutions.

PROS

Resolume can create, modulate and arrange graphic video clips that are then organised in individual layers. Mixing layers and the possibility of using multiple projectors are the two main things which make the breathtaking spectacle.

Moreover, you can divide your composition into multiple slices which can then be mapped onto different surfaces.

CONS

This software is not suitable for permanent projection, especially not for irregularly shaped surfaces (buildings), because it lacks precise tools and calibration.

HeavyM

Key Features

HeavyM is famous for its good compatibility with most projectors. It is a quickly working software with a vast library of effects, animations and shaders.

PROS

Heavy M is very universal and – without doubt – is one of the most user-friendly software in general. Working with it is easy and fun.

It has intuitive drawing tools, integrated ready to use visual library and automatic adjustment of all content. It is suitable for permanent static and live dynamic projections.

CONS

You can have a plain demo for free, the HeavyM live version for one output starts at 200 euros, HeavyM pro and Pro + are a few hundred euros more expensive. Unfortunately, HeavyM is not free.

Conclusion

The right choice of software is an important prerequisite for the success of your mapping projection. The selection should take into account the type of projection (permanent, live, interactive) and its main objective (spectacle, art, promotions, etc.).

Comparison table

Software Key Features Pros Cons Price Demo Version
Lumitrix (Lumiverse App) Wireless control, interactive HTML5 support, multiple projectors. Easy to use, remote control, precise surface scanning. Only works with Lm3x hardware, limited compatibility. Free with Lm3x projector No
MadMapper Fast updates, 3D calibration, multi-projector support, live editing. Supports many projectors, real-time adjustments, user content library. Can be confusing for beginners, occasional glitches. From 400 USD Yes
Visution Mapio Supports various formats, adaptable to any surface, interactive features. Wide format support, interactive, flexible for different shapes. Hardware compatibility issues, high graphic card demands. Lite: 100 EUR, Pro: 200 EUR Yes
Millumin 3 Multi-projector blending, controls lights and lasers, intuitive interface. User-friendly, controls video, lights, and sound. Expensive, licenses need regular updates. From 39 USD (rental), 500 USD (buy) Yes (30 days)
LightForm Best for static installations, scanner-based, discontinued support. Perfect hardware compatibility, ideal for pre-planned static projections. Not suitable for live events, no live modifications. Discontinued No
QLab Controls video, sound, and lighting, multi-output, 1000 layers. High-quality output, ideal for large and complex projects. Expensive, complex for beginners. Basic free, paid features up to 1000 USD Yes
Resolume Great for live performances, supports layer mixing and multi-projector use. Ideal for live shows, layer mixing, and dynamic compositions. Not for permanent projections, lacks precise tools for irregular surfaces. From 300 EUR Yes
HeavyM Compatible with most projectors, large effect library, intuitive tools. Easy to use, versatile for both static and dynamic projections. Not free, higher cost for full versions. Live: from 200 EUR, Pro: more Yes

This table helps you easily compare the key features, pros, cons, and pricing of different projection mapping software to make an informed choice.

For the success of your projection, such small things as a projector tripod should not be underestimated. Oftentimes, the resulting effect is dependent on the details.

If you’re buying a projector at the same time, the Lumitrix software and Lumiverse App is one of the best choices. With regular updates, this software is fully usable for the latest trends in projection mapping, including interactive options.

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