Getting Started with Projection Mapping Using MadMapper 6.0: A Filmmaker’s Guide

Getting Started with Projection Mapping Using MadMapper 6.0: A Filmmaker’s Guide

Projection mapping turns everyday surfaces into cinematic canvases, blending your filmmaking and photography skills with dynamic visuals. MadMapper 6.0 makes this accessible with its intuitive tools for warping content onto objects, walls, or buildings. This step-by-step guide walks you through the full process, from gear to your first immersive project.

Essential Gear and Prep

Start with minimal equipment: a laptop, projector, and test surface. MadMapper 6.0 works on macOS or Windows; download the demo from madmapper.com to experiment license-free initially.

Key items:

• Laptop with HDMI/USB-C output.

• Short-throw projector (2,000+ lumens for indoor use).

• Tripod for stable positioning.

• Content like video loops or photos you’ve shot/edited.

• Cardboard model or wall for practice.

Connect the projector, set displays to “extend” (not mirror), and position it perpendicular to your surface for easiest mapping.

Launching and Interface Basics

Fire up MadMapper 6.0—it auto-detects outputs. The interface splits into panels: media on left, surfaces in center, projectors on right.

Quick setup:

1. Select your projector output and match its resolution.

2. Import media (drag videos/images) into the Media panel.

3. Switch to Surface view for input (content) vs. output (projection) previews.

Toggle fullscreen (Output > Fullscreen) often to test on the real surface—use Cmd/Ctrl+T to exit.

Building Your First Quad Map

Quads form the foundation: adjustable four-sided surfaces for flat areas.

Steps:

1. Click “Add Quad” in the Surface panel.

2. Assign media to it via the input view.

3. Drag output corners to align precisely with physical edges (e.g., a box or window).

4. Refine iteratively in fullscreen, nudging for perfection.

For curves, enable mesh warping: add grid points and adjust for distortion-free fits.

Scaling to Multi-Surface Projects

Layer quads for complex scenes, snapping edges for seamless blends.

Techniques:

• Masks crop quads for irregular shapes.

• Bezier meshes smooth organic curves.

• Group quads logically (e.g., “Facade-Left”).

Think cinematically: assign motion to focal areas, stills to backgrounds.

Adding Scenes and Cues for Shows

Structure like a film edit with scenes (full states) and cues (transitions).

Workflow:

• Save base map as Scene 1.

• Duplicate, swap media for variations.

• Link cues to timeline, MIDI, or keyboard for live control.

Sync to audio for installations or events.

Project Ideas for Creatives

• Object study: Map a sculpture with photo textures evolving to abstract motion.

• Facade sketch: Outline architecture with animated lines.

• Interactive wall: Trigger scenes via sensors for gallery pieces.

Storyboard first, capturing key frames on your 3D model.

Tips from the Field

Dim lights, lock projector focus/keystone early, and test at show distance. MadMapper 6.0’s timeline and DMX upgrades shine for live work. As a UK-based filmmaker/photographer, scout urban spots for outdoor tests—check permissions for public projections.[[15]]

Resources to Dive Deeper

• Official PDFs: “My First Video Mapping” and UI intro.

• YouTube: “First Time in MadMapper” and full tutorials.

• Communities: GarageCube forums for 6.0 tips.

Master one projector, then go multi-proj or LED. Your visuals will captivate galleries and events—start mapping today!