When it comes to outdoor projection mapping, it is not just quality projectors with accessories that you’ll need. There’s also the question of choosing the correct software while not breaking the bank.
Are there any types of free projection mapping software? Are they easily available? And which one suits your needs the most? Find out in the following article.
Choose a projection mapping software tailor-made for the hardware it runs on
Our LM3X projectors come with their own proprietary software. Free of charge, updates & technical support included.
Every artist and marketer knows that a good outdoor projection mapping draws in the crowds. But creativity or an idea is not enough on its own. An important factor in any outdoor projection system is the software that translates your ideas into the language of the computer.
Through it, you control functions such as brightness, zoom, focus, contrast, or colour. It is responsible for the accuracy and matching of the projected content with the surface.
The software directly affects what the audience will see on the screen or other chosen surface. It should allow extensive editing options using different apps and tools, painting or masking.
In addition, it must be able to synchronise everything with sound effects or manage a projection involving multiple projectors.
There are highly specialised software created for breathtaking megashows, but on the other hand, a standard mapping projector creator can easily get by with simple software while achieving results that are little short of excellent.
Let’s explore our own proprietary Lumiverse™ software. This user interface is used to control the original LM3X.com LAZR 4G™ professional video mapping projector.
It was developed specifically with this projector in mind. It meets all the requirements of today’s modern mapping projection and is suitable for private, artistic, and commercial purposes.
It fully allows you to project your own or pre-created animation onto any surface. Importantly, when you purchase any projector from the outdoor projector shop LM3X, you will receive this software completely free of charge with detailed instructions for use and long-term user support from the company.
The Best Part
The user interface is very friendly and the control of the projector and the whole mapping projection is very instructive. Everything is explained with examples in the attached guide.
The Drawbacks
For some special services (such as a limited operator interface) a special request must be made to the company. For installation and error-free communication with the servers, permanent and uninterrupted access to the Internet is required – either by cable or wirelessly via a SIM card.
Speed and Compatibility
Lumiverse software will perfectly adapt your content to the setting you want to map. No preparation of the media is necessary beforehand.
The process is fast and does not require any technical skills. The speed of moving from project to project can be increased by preloading.
Simple control
Controlling the projection resembles handling a TV remote control. Thanks to the internet connection to the server it enables real-time control from anywhere.
High reliability
Lumiverse is custom designed for a particular hardware and therefore works as reliably as possible, with zero compatibility issues.
Wide Range of Functions
Lumiverse comes with a wide range of useful functions, including a built-in map player. It plays JPG, PNG and also HTML5 code.
Best For
Lumiverse is suitable for all types of outdoor mapping projections, with both single and multiple projectors.
Top Features
Linear and radial gradients, Solid (colours modifications), masking, real-time painting on objects, wide selection of projects in the library, smart widgets included.
Demo Version
Demo version is not available at the moment.
Professional vs. Amateur Use
Lumiverse software is ready to satisfy all users with varying levels of experience. It is suitable for private, commercial and artistic purposes.
Get the projector, gain proprietary software free of charge!
Tailor-made for our hardware, with no hiccups or compatibility issues, with free lifelong updates.
There are many video mapping projection tools available today, and we’ve compiled forty of them to help you get started on your research.
Most of them can be downloaded for free as a short term trial or as a version with limited functions and features. Each has its unique advantages and limitations, so it’s a good idea to take the time to understand their pros and cons before choosing one.
| Software | Range of functions | Speed and compatibility | Demo version | Best for | Suitability for amateurs and beginners |
| 1. Lumiverse™ | wide | high | not available | all outdoor projections | yes |
| 2. MadMapper | adequate | average | available for free | any outdoor event | yes |
| 3. Resolume Arena | wide | high | available for free | huge spectacular performance | no |
| 4. HeavyM | sufficient | very good | Available for free (trial) | live events such as concerts | yes |
| 5. Lightform Creator | wide and in progress | problems with compatibility | available for free | any outdoor projection | yes |
| 6. VPT (Video Projection Tools) | tool for warping/keystoning/masking | compatible only with selected software | available for free | wide range of projections | yes |
| 7. Isadora | sophisticated | good | available only with paid licence | huge artistic events | no |
| 8. TouchDesigner | wide | good | available for free (but only one version) | large outdoor mapping projections | no |
| 9. Millumin | sufficient | limited | available for free (for 30 days) | standard outdoor performance | yes |
| 10. MapMap | adequate | good | available for free | small outdoor projections | yes |
| 11. D3 | limited for specific use | good | available only with paid licence | construction projects | yes |
| 12. ProPresenter | adequate | average | available only with paid licence | indoor business presentation | yes |
| 13. WATCHOUT by Dataton | wide | average | available for free | multidisplay shows | yes |
| 14. Visution Mapio | wide | good | available for free (limited version) | all purposes projections | yes |
| 15. Green Hippo Hippotizer | wide | good | available for free | big outdoor projections on buildings | no |
| 16. QLab | wide | limited (not suitable for Windows) | available for free (limited version) | universal video shows | yes |
| 17. Ventuz | adequate | good | available only with paid licence | artistic projects | no |
| 18. Vioso Anyblend | wide | good | available for free | multi-projection system | no |
| 19. AV Stumpfl Pixera | wide | good | available for free | indoor and outdoor projections | yes |
| 20. Christie Pandoras Box | adequate | very good | available for free (for 3 months) | universal | yes |
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| Software | Range of functions | Speed and compatibility | Demo version | Best for | Suitability for amateurs and beginners |
| 21. ArKaos GrandVJ XT | sufficient | good | available for free | video mixer for VJs, DJs, clubs, and musicians | yes |
| 22. Notch | adequate | good | available for free | video effects on stage | no |
| 23. BrightSign | adequate | not compatible with every hardware | available for free for customers | enterprise performance | yes |
| 24. Disguise | wide | good | available for free (limited trial version) | universal outdoor and indoor | yes |
| 25. Facade Signage | wide | good | available for free for 21 days | projections on buildings or large areas | no |
| 26. Virtuoso QA | wide | good | not available | big performances | no |
| 27. OpenFrameworks | adequate | average | available for free | standard outdoor projects | no |
| 28. Pure Data (Pd) | sufficient | good | available for free | live concerts with video mapping | yes |
| 29. Max/MSP/Jitter | wide | only for some hardware | available for free (trial) | video projections | yes |
| 30. Adobe After Effects | sufficient | average | available with the licence | video templates | yes |
| 31. Blender | very wide | good | available for free (trial) | projection work of art | no |
| 32. Unity3D | adequate | average | available for free for 30 days | video shows and interactive games | yes |
| 33. Unreal Engine | good | average | available for free for a month | smaller projects | yes |
| 34. Fragmentarium | sufficient | average | available for free | projections using fractals | no |
| 35. Synesthesia Live | adequate | good | available for free (limited version) | live concerts | no |
| 36. ImmersaView SimVisuals | wide | very good | available fo free for 30 days | outdoor multiprojector shows | no |
| 37. Modulo Kinetic | wide | only for some hardware | not available | video shows | yes |
| 38. Splash by Papermoon | adequate | average | available for free (limited version) | video shows | yes |
| 39. Mapio2 | average | adequate | available for free (trial) | standard outdoor projections | yes |
| 40. Screenberry | wide | very good | available for free for 90 days | indoor and outdoor events including multi screens | yes |
Which software is the best for projection mapping? With projection mapping gaining popularity and over 80 different kinds of software on the market, the choice can be tough.
Mapping projection differs in space, purpose, dimensions and content. This is reflected in different features of the software. With some thorough research, everyone can eventually find what suits them, though the search might be tiring at times.
In addition to the offered features, it is good to take into account the compatibility of the software with your projector when making the final decision.
At LM3X, our hardware automatically comes with free software, perfectly adapted to its functions.
This eliminates a whole range of potential problems in advance!
Equip yourself with everything needed for a spectacular projection mapping!
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