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 and Tools: A Comprehensive Survey

Projection mapping software enables the spatial transformation of digital content to match physical surfaces. The software landscape includes commercial solutions, open-source tools, and emerging browser-based platforms, each with distinct capabilities and use cases.

Commercial Software Solutions

MadMapper

MadMapper is specialized projection mapping software developed by GarageCube, first released in 2011. It focuses specifically on projection mapping workflows, offering advanced mesh warping capabilities and intuitive surface calibration. The software supports multiple projectors, edge blending, and integration with various media sources. MadMapper is available for macOS and Windows, with pricing typically around $349 for a single license. It has been used in numerous professional installations, including building facade projections and art installations worldwide.

Key features include:

Advanced mesh subdivision and warping
Real-time preview and calibration
Support for multiple projectors and edge blending
Integration with media servers and VJ software
DMX lighting control integration

Resolume

Resolume is VJ software with projection mapping capabilities. While primarily designed for live video mixing, it includes projection mapping features that allow content to be warped and mapped to surfaces. Resolume Arena (the full-featured version) costs approximately $299 and is available for Windows and macOS.

Features relevant to projection mapping:

Quad warping and corner pinning
Real-time video mixing and effects
Multiple layer support
Audio-reactive capabilities
Integration with MIDI controllers

TouchDesigner

TouchDesigner is a node-based visual programming platform developed by Derivative, with roots dating back to the 1990s. While not exclusively projection mapping software, it provides powerful tools for creating custom projection mapping installations. TouchDesigner is available in free (non-commercial) and commercial versions, with commercial licenses starting around $1,495 annually. It has been used in major installations including interactive museum exhibits and large-scale architectural projections.

Capabilities include:

Custom projection mapping workflows
Real-time 3D rendering and warping
Advanced tracking and calibration systems
Integration with various input devices
Extensive customization through visual programming

Millumin

Millumin is real-time video mapping and compositing software for macOS. It combines video playback, projection mapping, and live compositing in a single application. Pricing is typically around €199 (approximately $220).

Features include:

Real-time video mapping
Multi-layer compositing
Timeline-based sequencing
Support for multiple outputs
Integration with various media formats

VDMX

VDMX is video mixing and projection mapping software for macOS, developed by VIDVOX. It offers projection mapping alongside extensive video mixing capabilities. Pricing varies by version, with the full version typically around $299.

Projection mapping features:

Quad warping and mesh deformation
Real-time video effects
Multiple layer support
Integration with various controllers
Audio-reactive capabilities

Open Source and Free Software

ofxPiMapper

ofxPiMapper is an openFrameworks addon that provides projection mapping capabilities. It is open-source and free, designed for use with the openFrameworks creative coding framework. This solution requires programming knowledge but offers extensive customization possibilities.

HeavyM

HeavyM offers a freemium model, with a free version available for basic projection mapping. The software provides mesh warping and real-time preview capabilities. Advanced features require a paid license. HeavyM is available for Windows and macOS.

Processing and openFrameworks Libraries

Various libraries exist for Processing and openFrameworks that enable projection mapping. These require programming knowledge but provide flexibility for custom installations. Examples include libraries for mesh warping, calibration, and multi-projector setups.

Browser-Based Solutions

Recent developments have brought projection mapping capabilities to web browsers, eliminating the need for software installation. These solutions leverage WebGL and Canvas APIs to provide real-time warping and preview capabilities.

Browser-based projection mapping software typically offers:

No installation required
Cross-platform compatibility (works on any device with a modern browser)
Local storage of projects (using IndexedDB or similar technologies)
Real-time preview and warping
Mesh warping and corner pinning capabilities

The browser-based approach reduces barriers to entry and enables projection mapping on devices that may not support traditional desktop software, such as tablets or Chromebooks.

Software Feature Comparison

Core Capabilities

Most projection mapping software includes:

Mesh Warping: Subdivision of surfaces into adjustable grids
Corner Pinning: Adjustment of four corner points for perspective correction
Real-Time Preview: Live view of warped content
Media Playback: Support for images, videos, and other content formats
Multi-Projector Support: Management of multiple projectors for large installations

Advanced Features

Advanced software may include:

Edge Blending: Automatic or manual blending of overlapping projector outputs
3D Calibration: Automated surface detection and calibration
Tracking: Real-time tracking of moving surfaces
DMX Integration: Control of lighting systems
MIDI Mapping: Parameter control via MIDI devices
Audio Reactivity: Content that responds to audio input
Timeline Sequencing: Cue-based playback for shows and installations

Hardware Requirements

Projection mapping software has varying hardware requirements:

Minimum Requirements: Most software requires a modern computer with dedicated graphics processing capabilities. Real-time warping and preview benefit significantly from GPU acceleration.

Recommended Specifications: For complex installations with multiple projectors or high-resolution content, more powerful hardware is recommended. This typically includes:

Dedicated graphics card with hardware acceleration support
Sufficient RAM for media caching and real-time processing
Fast storage for media playback
Multiple video outputs for multi-projector setups

Software Selection Considerations

When selecting projection mapping software, consider:

Use Case: Different software excels in different scenarios. Live performance software may prioritize real-time effects, while installation software may focus on precise calibration and stability.

Budget: Commercial software ranges from free (with limitations) to several hundred or thousands of dollars. Open-source solutions require technical expertise but eliminate licensing costs.

Technical Expertise: Some software requires programming knowledge or advanced technical skills, while others prioritize user-friendly interfaces.

Platform Compatibility: Software availability varies by operating system. Some solutions are platform-specific, while browser-based solutions work across platforms.

Feature Requirements: Evaluate whether specific features like edge blending, tracking, or DMX integration are necessary for the intended application.

Industry Trends

Recent trends in projection mapping software include:

Browser-Based Platforms: The emergence of browser-based solutions that eliminate installation requirements and increase accessibility.

Real-Time Collaboration: Some platforms are exploring cloud-based collaboration features, though these remain limited due to the local nature of projection mapping workflows.

AI-Assisted Calibration: Early developments in using artificial intelligence for automated calibration and surface detection.

Integration with Other Tools: Increasing integration with media servers, lighting control systems, and other production tools.

Conclusion

The projection mapping software landscape offers solutions for various needs, from specialized commercial tools to flexible open-source platforms. The choice of software depends on factors including budget, technical requirements, platform compatibility, and specific feature needs. As the field continues to evolve, browser-based solutions and improved accessibility are expanding the range of available options.

Projection Mapping Review