Software built specifically for projection and LED mapping, with which content can be fitted precisely onto custom-shaped surfaces.
MadMapper · projection and LED mapping software
MadMapper content management software
MadMapper's primary function is surface fitting (mapping): video content can be aligned to a projection surface or LED layout of any shape, including three-dimensional objects, with distortion and perspective correction. On an LED wall this is particularly useful with modular panel blocks arranged in an irregular grid, where the individual physical segments have to be organised logically into a single, continuous picture surface.
It is often used together with another playback/mixing program (Resolume, for instance) as a supplementary tool: MadMapper does the mapping, while the content mixing is handled by another program or by MadMapper's own media engine.
Where the MadMapper sits in an LED wall system
MadMapper connects to the wall in two ways: either it outputs a finished, fitted picture to the LED processor through the machine's video output, or it addresses the individual LEDs, LED strips and pixel fixtures directly over the Art-Net, sACN or DMX protocol. It plays content from its own media engine, or takes it from another program over a Syphon (macOS), Spout (Windows) or NDI connection — so it often ends up as a second layer behind Resolume. On a regular cabinet-based wall the LED processor also performs the mapping task, and there MadMapper adds more on custom layouts that are not arranged in a grid.
WHEN IT IS THE RIGHT CHOICE
On custom LED installations with irregular geometry (modular blocks, curved or 3D layouts), where the main task is fitting the content precisely in space rather than classic VJ mixing.
WHAT TO WATCH OUT FOR
MadMapper on its own does not replace a full media server on large, long-running projects — it is usually most worthwhile combined with another player, as a supplementary mapping layer.
The MadMapper in practice
Experience is mixed. According to one user, traditional projection mapping is tiring, polygon-by-polygon manual work, and if the projector or the target object moves, everything has to be realigned; according to another, this is exactly the best tool at entry level, because it is user-friendly, cost-effective and runs on several platforms. On the LED side the work is less delicate, because the pixel grid is fixed and does not move. The small playback unit called MiniMad plays the finished show back to Art-Net on its own, without a computer, which on a permanent installation removes the need for a continuously running laptop. The licence is available in both subscription and perpetual form, and there is no Hungarian interface.
Alternatives to the MadMapper
For a live event with hands-on mixing, Resolume Arena is fuller: it also has output mapping, and its clip handling is better. On a large custom installation with many thousands of pixels, TouchDesigner's Art-Net output replaces MadMapper and puts one program less of latency into the chain — in exchange for requiring a programmer's mindset. On a smaller project with a few thousand LEDs, simpler and cheaper pixel controllers are also enough. For a long, timecoded show, WATCHOUT or PIXERA is the appropriate level.
MadMapper manual and datasheet
The documents live on the manufacturer's own site and open in a new window — so you always get the latest version. We do not copy or translate their contents.
MadMapper on video
The player is only embedded on click — until then not a single request goes to YouTube.
Projection Mapping Tutorial - 3d Mapping with MadMapper
Luma Box · YouTube · Tutorial
MadMapper Tutorial - Part 2: Interface Basics
Buskirk Creative · YouTube · Tutorial
LED Scanner - MADTutorial Basics
MadMapper The Mapping Software · YouTube · Tutorial
MadMapper: what users report
A concise summary of experiences published in public professional forums and communities. Not our opinion, and not a quotation — the source is always available.
According to one experienced user, traditional projection mapping with MadMapper is tiring manual work: every surface section has to be fitted by hand, polygon by polygon, and if the projector or the target object shifts even slightly, everything has to be realigned.
Hacker News (id: 8175372) — open the sourceAnother view holds that MadMapper is the best tool for entry-level projection mapping: user-friendly, cost-effective and available on several platforms; it supports both simple grid-based warping and 3D-model-based fitting for larger, complex building projections.
Hacker News (id: 30255113) — open the sourceRelated content management software
content management software — but what does it go into?
On its own the MadMapper is a component. With us it works inside these displays — design, manufacturing and installation included.
