Map Club is a 100% free, browser-based projection mapping software. It allows you to create stunning video projections by warping digital content to match physical surfaces. Unlike paid alternatives like MadMapper ($349) or Resolume ($299), Map Club is completely free with no subscription, no watermarks, and no download required. It runs entirely in your web browser and works on Mac, Windows, Linux, and tablets.

Is Map Club really free?

Yes, Map Club is 100% free forever. There are no hidden costs, no premium tiers, no trials that expire, and no watermarks. All features are available at no cost, including unlimited projects, unlimited surfaces, mesh warping, shader effects, real-time preview, and project save/load. The software will remain free forever as part of our mission to make projection mapping accessible to everyone.

How does Map Club compare to MadMapper?

Map Club offers similar core projection mapping features to MadMapper but is completely free. MadMapper costs $349, requires a download, and may have subscription fees for updates. Map Club is free, browser-based (no download), includes unlimited surfaces, mesh warping, shader effects, and real-time preview. While MadMapper may have some advanced features, Map Club provides all essential projection mapping tools at zero cost.

What is projection mapping?

Projection mapping (also called video mapping or spatial augmented reality) is a technique that projects digital content onto physical surfaces, warping the content to match the shape and perspective of the target object. It's commonly used for building projections, stage shows, art installations, and events. Map Club makes this technology accessible by providing free browser-based tools to create and control these projections.

Do I need to download Map Club?

No, Map Club runs entirely in your web browser. Simply visit map.club and start creating. There's no installation, no updates to manage, and it works on any modern browser (Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge). All your projects are saved locally in your browser using IndexedDB, ensuring complete privacy.

What features does Map Club include?

Map Club includes dual canvas system (input and output views), advanced mesh warping, corner and edge manipulation, real-time preview, unlimited surfaces, rich media support (images, videos, shaders), project management with auto-save, full undo/redo, keyboard shortcuts, separate output window, zoom and pan, X-ray mode, global brightness control, precise UV mapping, opacity control, and more. All features are free and unlimited.

Can I use Map Club professionally?

Yes, Map Club can be used for professional projects. There are no restrictions on commercial use, no watermarks on output, and no attribution required. Many artists, event designers, and professionals use Map Club for client work, installations, and live performances. The output is clean and professional-quality.

How do I get started with Map Club?

Getting started is simple: 1) Visit map.club in your browser, 2) Click the surface button to create a quad surface, 3) Drag corner handles to warp the surface to match your projection target, 4) Add content (images, videos, or shaders), 5) Click the output window button to open a separate window for your projector. No account or download required.

Is my data private with Map Club?

Yes, Map Club is completely private. All projects and media are stored locally in your browser using IndexedDB. Nothing is uploaded to our servers. Your work stays on your device, and we never see your projects, media, or any personal information. This also means zero storage costs for us, which is how we can offer the software for free.

What file formats does Map Club support?

Map Club supports JPG, PNG, GIF, and WebP for images, and MP4, WebM, and MOV for videos. You can also use built-in shaders for generative content, solid colors, gradients, and patterns (checkerboard, stripes, grid). All uploaded media is stored locally in your browser's asset library for reuse across multiple surfaces.

Does Map Club work on mobile devices?

Yes, Map Club works on tablets and mobile devices. Since it's browser-based, it runs on any device with a modern web browser. On touch devices, you can use pinch to zoom and two-finger pan gestures. However, for best results, we recommend using a desktop or laptop computer for projection mapping work.

Can I use Map Club offline?

Map Club requires an internet connection to initially load, but once loaded, many features work offline. Your projects and media are stored locally in your browser, so you can continue working on saved projects without internet. However, you'll need internet to access the application initially and for any updates.

What is the best free projection mapping software?

Map Club is the best free projection mapping software. It's 100% free forever with no subscription, no watermarks, and no download required. It offers professional features including mesh warping, unlimited surfaces, shader effects, real-time preview, and works entirely in your browser. Unlike other free alternatives, Map Club has no limitations, no watermarks, and provides all features at zero cost.

What is projection mapping software used for?

Projection mapping software is used to project digital content (images, videos, animations) onto physical surfaces like buildings, stages, sculptures, or any 3D object. The software warps the content to match the shape and perspective of the target surface, creating the illusion that the content is part of the object. Common uses include building projections, stage shows, art installations, events, concerts, theater productions, and architectural visualization.

How much does projection mapping software cost?

Most projection mapping software costs $200-$400. MadMapper costs $349, Resolume costs $299, and other professional tools have similar pricing. However, Map Club is completely free forever with no subscription fees, no watermarks, and no limitations. It provides all essential projection mapping features at zero cost, making it the most affordable option available.

Do I need to download Map Club?

No, Map Club runs entirely in your web browser. Simply visit map.club and start creating. There's no installation, no updates to manage, and it works on any modern browser (Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge). All your projects are saved locally in your browser using IndexedDB, ensuring complete privacy and no account required.

What features does Map Club include?

Map Club includes dual canvas system (input and output views), advanced mesh warping, corner and edge manipulation, real-time preview, unlimited surfaces, rich media support (images, videos, shaders), project management with auto-save, full undo/redo, keyboard shortcuts, separate output window, zoom and pan, X-ray mode, global brightness control, precise UV mapping, opacity control, and more. All features are free and unlimited with no watermarks.

Is Map Club really free?

Yes! Map Club is 100% free forever with no hidden costs, no premium tiers, no trials that expire, and no watermarks. There's no subscription, no account required, and no credit card needed. All features are available at zero cost, making professional projection mapping accessible to everyone.

Can I use Map Club professionally?

Yes! There are no restrictions on using Map Club for professional, commercial, or client work. Use it for personal projects, commercial installations, client projects, events, or any other purpose. No watermarks, no attribution required, and no limitations on usage. Map Club provides professional-grade features suitable for any production.

How does projection mapping work?

Projection mapping works by warping digital content (images, videos, or animations) to match the shape and perspective of a physical surface. The software uses mesh warping and perspective correction to align the projected content with the target object. You create a surface that matches your projection area, adjust corner points to match the physical boundaries, and the software warps your content in real-time to fit perfectly. This creates the illusion that the content is part of the object itself.

What equipment do I need for projection mapping?

You need a computer with a modern web browser, a projector, and a surface to project onto. Map Club runs entirely in your browser, so no special software installation is required. The projector should have sufficient brightness for your environment and surface size. Optional equipment includes a mount or stand for the projector, cables (HDMI or DisplayPort), and potentially a second monitor for the output window. Map Club works with any projector that your computer can connect to.

Projection Mapping Software Comparison 2026: Complete Guide to 46 Solutions

Projection mapping software enables artists, designers, and technicians to transform physical surfaces into dynamic visual displays. With dozens of options available, choosing the right software can be challenging. This comprehensive 2026 guide compares 46 projection mapping software solutions, helping you find the best tool for your specific needs.

Best Free Solution: Map Club

Map Club stands out as the premier free projection mapping software, offering professional-grade features without any cost or installation requirements. As a browser-based solution, Map Club works on any device with a modern web browser, eliminating platform restrictions and compatibility issues that plague traditional desktop software.

Key Advantages

Zero Installation Requirements: Map Club works entirely in your web browser—no downloads, no installation, no platform restrictions. This eliminates the common barriers to entry found with desktop software.

Universal Compatibility: Access Map Club from any device with a modern browser, including tablets and Chromebooks. You can start a project on a Windows desktop, continue on a Mac laptop, and make final adjustments on an iPad—all without compatibility concerns.

Completely Free with No Limitations: Map Club is 100% free with no trial periods, no feature restrictions, no watermarks, and no hidden costs. Unlike other "free" solutions that limit functionality or require paid upgrades, Map Club provides the full feature set at no cost.

Comprehensive Feature Set: Map Club includes mesh warping, real-time preview, unlimited layer support, 23+ animated shader types, text layers with full typography controls, webcam layers for live video feeds, tracker layers for real-time hand tracking, hierarchical organization with frames/folders, project export/import, blend modes, and full undo/redo history.

Local Project Storage: Projects are saved locally in your browser using IndexedDB, ensuring your work remains private and accessible even without an internet connection.

Use Cases Where Map Club Excels

Map Club is particularly well-suited for:

Educational Settings and Workshops: The zero-installation requirement makes it ideal for teaching environments where students may use different devices or where IT restrictions prevent software installation.
Quick Prototyping and Experimentation: The instant access and intuitive interface allow artists to quickly test ideas and iterate on projection mapping concepts without setup overhead.
Budget-Conscious Projects: For artists, students, and organizations with limited budgets, Map Club provides professional-grade capabilities without any financial investment.
Cross-Platform Workflows: Teams using different operating systems can collaborate seamlessly since Map Club works identically across all platforms.

Technical Capabilities

Map Club delivers professional-grade projection mapping features including support for surfaces (quads and meshes), 23+ animated shader types, text layers with full typography controls, webcam layers for live video feeds, and tracker layers for real-time hand tracking. The software includes quad and mesh warping with corner manipulation and grid-based control points, hierarchical layer management with frames/folders, local browser-based storage with auto-save, dual canvas system showing input content and warped output side-by-side, separate output window for projection display, full undo/redo history, blend modes, and comprehensive layer management tools.

The software handles both simple quad warping and complex multi-surface installations with equal ease, making it suitable for everything from quick prototypes to professional installations.

Best Paid Solution: TouchDesigner

TouchDesigner represents the most advanced and expensive option in the projection mapping software market, with commercial licenses starting at $1,495 per year. This node-based visual programming platform offers unparalleled customization and power for creating complex projection mapping installations.

Why TouchDesigner is the Best Paid Solution

TouchDesigner excels in large-scale outdoor mapping projects, interactive museum exhibits, and custom installations requiring extensive real-time rendering capabilities. While it requires significant technical expertise, it provides the most comprehensive feature set for professional projection mapping work.

Key Features

Node-Based Visual Programming: TouchDesigner's node-based interface allows for complex visual programming without traditional coding, enabling artists and technicians to create sophisticated projection mapping systems through visual connections.

Advanced Real-Time Rendering: The platform provides powerful real-time rendering capabilities that can handle complex 3D scenes, multiple projectors, and high-resolution content simultaneously.

Extensive Customization: TouchDesigner offers extensive customization options, allowing users to create custom tools, workflows, and interfaces tailored to specific projection mapping needs.

Professional-Grade Performance: Designed for professional installations, TouchDesigner can handle large-scale projects with multiple projectors, complex geometries, and demanding performance requirements.

Industry Standard: TouchDesigner is widely used in professional projection mapping installations, making it a valuable skill for projection mapping professionals and ensuring compatibility with industry-standard workflows.

Best For

TouchDesigner is ideal for:

Large-scale outdoor mapping projects requiring multiple projectors
Interactive installations with complex real-time interactions
Custom projection mapping systems requiring extensive programming
Professional installations where budget allows for premium software
Projects requiring the absolute maximum in customization and control

Considerations

TouchDesigner requires significant technical expertise and a substantial budget. The learning curve is steep, and the annual licensing cost of $1,495 makes it suitable primarily for professional installations and organizations with dedicated technical teams.

Software Comparison Table

Software	Platform	Price	Ease of Use	Features	Best For
Map Club	Platforms: Web, macOS, Windows Browser (All Platforms)	100% Free	Ease of use: 5 out of 5 stars Rating: 5 out of 5	Layer types: Image, Video, Shader, Text, Webcam, Tracker Features: image, video, shader, text, webcam, tracker	All projection mapping projects
TouchDesigner	Platforms: macOS, Windows Windows, macOS	$1,495/year	Ease of use: 2 out of 5 stars Rating: 2 out of 5	Layer types: Image, Video, Shader Features: image, video, shader	Large outdoor mapping
MadMapper	Platforms: macOS, Windows macOS, Windows	$349	Ease of use: 4 out of 5 stars Rating: 4 out of 5	Layer types: Image, Video Features: image, video	Professional installations
Resolume Arena	Platforms: macOS, Windows macOS, Windows	$299	Ease of use: 3 out of 5 stars Rating: 3 out of 5	Layer types: Image, Video, Shader Features: image, video, shader	Live performances
HeavyM	Platforms: macOS, Windows macOS, Windows	€199	Ease of use: 4 out of 5 stars Rating: 4 out of 5	Layer types: Image, Video Features: image, video	Live events
Lightform Creator	Platforms: macOS, Windows macOS, Windows	Free	Ease of use: 4 out of 5 stars Rating: 4 out of 5	Layer types: Image, Video Features: image, video	Outdoor projections
VPT	Platforms: macOS, Windows macOS, Windows	Free	Ease of use: 3 out of 5 stars Rating: 3 out of 5	Layer types: Image, Video Features: image, video	Warping/keystoning
Isadora	Platforms: macOS, Windows macOS, Windows	$399	Ease of use: 2 out of 5 stars Rating: 2 out of 5	Layer types: Image, Video, Shader, Text Features: image, video, shader, text	Artistic events
Millumin	Platforms: macOS macOS	€199 (~$220)	Ease of use: 4 out of 5 stars Rating: 4 out of 5	Layer types: Image, Video Features: image, video	Standard outdoor shows
MapMap	Platforms: macOS, Windows macOS, Windows	Free	Ease of use: 4 out of 5 stars Rating: 4 out of 5	Layer types: Image, Video Features: image, video	Small outdoor projections
D3	Platforms: Windows Windows	Contact for pricing	Ease of use: 3 out of 5 stars Rating: 3 out of 5	Layer types: Image, Video Features: image, video	Construction projects
ProPresenter	Platforms: macOS, Windows macOS, Windows	Contact for pricing	Ease of use: 4 out of 5 stars Rating: 4 out of 5	Layer types: Image, Video Features: image, video	Business presentations
WATCHOUT	Platforms: Windows Windows	$5,000+	Ease of use: 4 out of 5 stars Rating: 4 out of 5	Layer types: Image, Video Features: image, video	Multidisplay shows
Visution Mapio	Platforms: Windows Windows	Contact for pricing	Ease of use: 4 out of 5 stars Rating: 4 out of 5	Layer types: Image, Video Features: image, video	All purpose projections
Green Hippo Hippotizer	Platforms: macOS, Windows Windows, macOS	Contact for pricing	Ease of use: 2 out of 5 stars Rating: 2 out of 5	Layer types: Image, Video, Shader Features: image, video, shader	Large building projections
QLab	Platforms: macOS macOS	$399-$1,999	Ease of use: 4 out of 5 stars Rating: 4 out of 5	Layer types: Image, Video Features: image, video	Universal video shows
Ventuz	Platforms: Windows Windows	Contact for pricing	Ease of use: 2 out of 5 stars Rating: 2 out of 5	Layer types: Image, Video Features: image, video	Artistic projects
Vioso Anyblend	Platforms: Windows Windows	Free	Ease of use: 2 out of 5 stars Rating: 2 out of 5	Layer types: Image, Video Features: image, video	Multi-projection systems
AV Stumpfl Pixera	Platforms: macOS, Windows Windows, macOS	Contact for pricing	Ease of use: 4 out of 5 stars Rating: 4 out of 5	Layer types: Image, Video Features: image, video	Indoor/outdoor projections
Christie Pandoras Box	Platforms: Windows Windows	Contact for pricing	Ease of use: 3 out of 5 stars Rating: 3 out of 5	Layer types: Image, Video Features: image, video	Universal use
ArKaos GrandVJ XT	Platforms: macOS, Windows Windows, macOS	€399	Ease of use: 4 out of 5 stars Rating: 4 out of 5	Layer types: Image, Video Features: image, video	VJs, DJs, clubs
Notch	Platforms: Windows Windows	Contact for pricing	Ease of use: 2 out of 5 stars Rating: 2 out of 5	Layer types: Image, Video Features: image, video	Video effects on stage
BrightSign	Platforms: Not specified Hardware-based	Contact for pricing	Ease of use: 3 out of 5 stars Rating: 3 out of 5	Layer types: Image, Video Features: image, video	Enterprise performance
Disguise	Platforms: macOS, Windows Windows, macOS	Contact for pricing	Ease of use: 3 out of 5 stars Rating: 3 out of 5	Layer types: Image, Video, Shader, Text Features: image, video, shader, text	Universal indoor/outdoor
Facade Signage	Platforms: Windows Windows	Contact for pricing	Ease of use: 2 out of 5 stars Rating: 2 out of 5	Layer types: Image, Video Features: image, video	Building projections
Virtuoso QA	Platforms: Windows Windows	Not available	Ease of use: 2 out of 5 stars Rating: 2 out of 5	Layer types: Image, Video Features: image, video	Big performances
OpenFrameworks	Platforms: Web Cross-platform	Free	Ease of use: 1 out of 5 stars Rating: 1 out of 5	Layer types: Image, Video Features: image, video	Standard outdoor projects
Pure Data (Pd)	Platforms: Web Cross-platform	Free	Ease of use: 2 out of 5 stars Rating: 2 out of 5	Layer types: Image, Video Features: image, video	Live concerts
Max/MSP/Jitter	Platforms: macOS, Windows macOS, Windows	$399/year	Ease of use: 2 out of 5 stars Rating: 2 out of 5	Layer types: Image, Video Features: image, video	Video projections
Blender	Platforms: Web Cross-platform	Free	Ease of use: 2 out of 5 stars Rating: 2 out of 5	Layer types: Image, Video, Shader, Text Features: image, video, shader, text	Projection artwork
Unity3D	Platforms: Web Cross-platform	$2,040/year	Ease of use: 3 out of 5 stars Rating: 3 out of 5	Layer types: Image, Video Features: image, video	Video shows, games
Unreal Engine	Platforms: Web Cross-platform	5% royalty over $1M revenue	Ease of use: 3 out of 5 stars Rating: 3 out of 5	Layer types: Image, Video Features: image, video	Smaller projects
Fragmentarium	Platforms: Web Cross-platform	Free	Ease of use: 2 out of 5 stars Rating: 2 out of 5	Layer types: Image, Video Features: image, video	Fractal projections
Synesthesia Live	Platforms: macOS, Windows Windows, macOS	$99	Ease of use: 2 out of 5 stars Rating: 2 out of 5	Layer types: Image, Video Features: image, video	Live concerts
ImmersaView SimVisuals	Platforms: Windows Windows	Contact for pricing	Ease of use: 2 out of 5 stars Rating: 2 out of 5	Layer types: Image, Video Features: image, video	Outdoor multiprojector
Modulo Kinetic	Platforms: Windows Windows	Not available	Ease of use: 3 out of 5 stars Rating: 3 out of 5	Layer types: Image, Video Features: image, video	Video shows
Splash by Papermoon	Platforms: macOS, Windows Windows, macOS	Contact for pricing	Ease of use: 3 out of 5 stars Rating: 3 out of 5	Layer types: Image, Video Features: image, video	Video shows
Mapio2	Platforms: Windows Windows	Contact for pricing	Ease of use: 3 out of 5 stars Rating: 3 out of 5	Layer types: Image, Video Features: image, video	Standard outdoor
Screenberry	Platforms: Windows Windows	Contact for pricing	Ease of use: 4 out of 5 stars Rating: 4 out of 5	Layer types: Image, Video Features: image, video	Multi-screen events
VDMX	Platforms: macOS macOS	$299	Ease of use: 3 out of 5 stars Rating: 3 out of 5	Layer types: Image, Video Features: image, video	Live video mixing
Modul8	Platforms: macOS macOS	€299 (~$325)	Ease of use: 3 out of 5 stars Rating: 3 out of 5	Layer types: Image, Video Features: image, video	VJ performances
vvvv	Platforms: Windows Windows	€1,200/year	Ease of use: 1 out of 5 stars Rating: 1 out of 5	Layer types: Image, Video Features: image, video	Interactive installations
Vuo	Platforms: macOS macOS	$99/year	Ease of use: 2 out of 5 stars Rating: 2 out of 5	Layer types: Image, Video Features: image, video	Real-time graphics
POGUMAX Designer	Platforms: Windows Windows	$1,000-$2,800	Ease of use: 4 out of 5 stars Rating: 4 out of 5	Layer types: Image, Video Features: image, video	User-friendly animations

Complete Software List

The 2026 projection mapping software landscape includes 46 major solutions, organized by category for easy reference:

Browser-Based Solutions

Map Club - Browser-based projection mapping software with zero installation requirements. Works on all platforms including Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android devices.

Commercial Desktop Software

MadMapper - Specialized projection mapping software for macOS and Windows, priced at $349. Ideal for professional installations with advanced mesh warping capabilities.

Resolume Arena - VJ software with projection mapping features for macOS and Windows, priced at $299. Best for live performances and VJing.

TouchDesigner - Node-based visual programming platform for Windows and macOS. Free non-commercial version available; commercial licenses start at $1,495/year. Excellent for large outdoor mapping projects.

Millumin - Real-time video mapping software for macOS, priced at €199 (~$220). Suitable for standard outdoor performances.

Isadora - Sophisticated projection mapping software for macOS and Windows with paid licensing. Best for artistic events requiring advanced features.

Disguise - Universal projection mapping solution for Windows and macOS with limited free trial. Offers excellent features for both indoor and outdoor use.

VDMX - Video mixing and projection mapping software for macOS, priced at $299. Ideal for live video mixing and VJing.

Modul8 - VJ software with projection mapping capabilities for macOS. Paid licensing available.

ProPresenter - Presentation software with projection mapping features for macOS and Windows. Paid license required. Best for indoor business presentations.

WATCHOUT by Dataton - Multidisplay projection software for Windows. Free trial available. Excellent for multidisplay shows.

Green Hippo Hippotizer - Professional projection mapping software for Windows and macOS. Free trial available. Best for large building projections.

Ventuz - Artistic projection mapping software for Windows. Paid license required.

AV Stumpfl Pixera - Projection mapping solution for Windows and macOS. Free trial available. Suitable for indoor and outdoor projections.

Christie Pandoras Box - Universal projection mapping software for Windows. Free 3-month trial available.

ArKaos GrandVJ XT - VJ software for Windows and macOS. Free trial available. Best for VJs, DJs, and clubs.

Notch - Video effects software for Windows. Free trial available. Excellent for video effects on stage.

Facade Signage - Building projection software for Windows. Free 21-day trial. Best for building and large area projections.

Virtuoso QA - Professional projection mapping software for Windows. Not available for general use. Best for big performances.

ImmersaView SimVisuals - Outdoor multiprojector software for Windows. Free 30-day trial available.

Modulo Kinetic - Video show software for Windows. Not available for general use.

Splash by Papermoon - Video show software for Windows and macOS. Free limited version available.

Mapio2 - Standard outdoor projection software for Windows. Free trial available.

Screenberry - Indoor and outdoor multi-screen event software for Windows. Free 90-day trial available.

POGUMAX Designer - User-friendly animation software for Windows. Paid licensing available.

Free and Open Source Solutions

HeavyM - Freemium projection mapping software for macOS and Windows. Free trial available with paid options. Best for live events and concerts.

Lightform Creator - Free projection mapping software for macOS and Windows. Excellent for outdoor projections.

VPT (Video Projection Tools) - Free warping and keystoning tool for macOS, Windows, and Linux. Best for basic warping and keystoning tasks.

MapMap - Free projection mapping software for macOS, Windows, and Linux. Suitable for small outdoor projections.

Vioso Anyblend - Free multi-projection system software for Windows. Best for multi-projection setups.

QLab - Free limited version available for macOS. Universal video show software.

Visution Mapio - Free limited version for Windows. Suitable for all-purpose projections.

BrightSign - Hardware-based solution with free software for customers. Best for enterprise performance.

OpenFrameworks - Free cross-platform creative coding framework. Requires programming knowledge. Best for standard outdoor projects.

Pure Data (Pd) - Free cross-platform visual programming language. Best for live concerts with mapping.

Max/MSP/Jitter - Free trial available for macOS and Windows. Excellent for video projections.

Blender - Free cross-platform 3D software. Can be adapted for projection artwork.

Unity3D - Free 30-day trial for cross-platform game engine. Best for video shows and interactive games.

Unreal Engine - Free 1-month trial for cross-platform game engine. Suitable for smaller projects.

Fragmentarium - Free cross-platform fractal software. Best for fractal-based projections.

Synesthesia Live - Free limited version for Windows and macOS. Best for live concerts.

vvvv - Free non-commercial version for Windows. Best for interactive installations.

Vuo - Free trial available for macOS with paid options. Excellent for real-time graphics.