Projection mapping is taking the world by storm and transforming how many businesses tell their stories. But is there free projection mapping software available for download?
Yes, there are several free projection mapping software options available, including the popular MapMap and Isadora. When using a free version of the software, you won’t be able to access a broad range of features, but they can be suitable for small teams and startups with tight budget restraints.
Read on to find out what you need about free projection mapping software and how it can benefit your business.
What is Projection Mapping?
Projection mapping is at the forefront of digital design, and it’s an innovative technology that enables you to overlap video onto any surface.
As a result, a projection mapping tool can fit images onto a 3D model of a surface, and it’s a feature that is becoming increasingly prominent in marketing.
For marketers and business owners looking to explore innovative presentation styles, projection mapping is a viable tool to add to your armory. That being said, projection mapping can be expensive, which is why it’s something that only some companies undertake.
But as we explain here, several options are available to sample projection mapping without spending a fortune.
Let’s take a closer look at what you can expect from free project mapping software.
What are the Best Options for Free Projection Mapping Software?
The best free projection mapping software available is from MapMap. MapMap is an open-source video mapping software available on Windows, OSX, and Linux, enabling you to project the map onto any surface.
Although technical know-how is important to get the most out of MapMap, detailed instructions, various online resources, and tutorials can help you get started with the open-source software.
Another option to consider is Isadora from Troikatronix. While there is a free version of Isadora to help you get started, you can also subscribe to a paid plan for just $150 per year, offering you a range of enhanced features and support as you work on your marketing campaigns.
If you’re starting with projection mapping and want to test the waters, MapMap and Isadora are ideal starting points for your research.
What About Paid Software?
Of course, there are also several options available to you if you have some money to invest in projection mapping.
One of the leading paid projection mapping software options on the market is HeavyM, which is feature rich and relatively easy to use.
There are three plans available should you wish to sign up for HeavyM – HeavyM 2 Live ($199), HeavyM 2 Pro ($399), and EYS ($599). A standard subscription to HeavyM 2 is ideal for individual products and small-scale campaigns by artists and small businesses.
It makes sense to get started with MapMap or Isadora, given that they’re free.
But if you need more features and advanced support, signing up for a paid option like HeavyM is well worth considering if you’re serious about incorporating projection mapping into your marketing activities.
How Does Free Projection Mapping Work?
While each software operates slightly differently, the fundamentals are the same:
- Your first job is to select your canvas, deciding on location and surface.
- Next, you must consider lighting, which involves calculating brightness, pixel density, and shadows.
- You’re now ready to develop the content, which represents the visual story you wish to convey.
- With the design taken care of, it’s time to set up on-site before finalizing the presentation. After this, it’s showtime!
Although projection mapping is technical, learning how to use the software can hugely benefit your business.
It will help you undertake creative and compelling marketing, which can help you stand out from the crowd.
How Much Does Professional Projection Mapping Cost?
Projection mapping is an innovative and highly sought-after marketing tool, and as such, it typically comes with a sizeable price tag.
Depending on the map’s location, professional project mapping can cost tens, if not hundreds, of thousands of dollars!
Therefore, mastering the skill and handling projection mapping in-house can hugely benefit your business.
This is particularly true thanks to free projection mapping software like MapMap and Isadora, which can help you get started without breaking the bank.
For small businesses and startups, paying for an agency to take care of projection mapping on your behalf is not an option, given your likely budget constraints.
For this reason, it makes sense to experiment with the free tools introduced above to get started with this innovative marketing technique.
Conclusion
Several free projection mapping options are available, including MapMap and Isadora.
There are also affordable paid-software plans like HeavyM, offering more features and support in exchange for a subscription.
So, if you’re keen to get started with projection mapping for your business, there are several software options for you to consider.