MadMapper

MadMapper is a professional application for video and LED mapping, combining surface-mapping tools with live control, audio, timelines and DMX output. It best fits visual artists, VJs, scenographers and stage designers building complex projection or LED installations. Its breadth and scale are compelling, but the free demo is for evaluation rather than production.

Overview

MadMapper supports hybrid workflows, live video input, edge blending and 3D mapping. It can process video up to 16K and connect as many projectors as the host computer can handle; the maker reports testing 16 Full HD projectors on one PC. That makes it suitable for multi-projector shows, while actual capacity remains dependent on the computer.

Founded in 2010, the company is headquartered in Paris and Geneva, with development in Brussels. Privacy commitments include compliance with Switzerland's Federal Act on Data Protection and the GDPR, plus access controls, encryption and contractual safeguards. Support is handled through a contact form on weekdays from 08:00 to 17:00 CET.

Key features

Mapping and media

Bezier masking, mesh warping and 3D calibration give precise control over irregular surfaces. Space Scanner and LED Scanner support measured installation workflows, while live shader editing and generative content let creators build or modify visuals inside the application. Cues and timelines provide structure for programmed playback, and multichannel audio supports synchronized audiovisual work.

Media support covers MP4, H.264, H.265/HEVC, ProRes, DNxHD and HAP video; JPEG, PNG, TIFF, EXR and PSD images; OBJ 3D files; and many audio formats. This broad format range reduces the need to convert material before a show.

Control and DMX

MadMapper connects to MIDI, OSC with OSC Query, Art-Net, Ableton Link, Spout, Syphon, NDI and the MiniMad remote controller. These integrations make it a strong choice for setups driven by music software, network cues or external video systems. DMX support is unusually extensive: Art-Net 4, sACN 3, universe synchronization, output up to 1000 fps and as many as 4096 DMX universes. That scale is aimed at demanding lighting and LED deployments rather than simple projection experiments.

Pricing

The free plan is useful for learning interfaces and checking compatibility, but watermarks, the 30-second DMX blackout and restricted scanning prevent dependable show use; it also cannot load or save projects or export SVG, PNG or PDF, and disables material installation and publishing. The monthly license suits a temporary event or touring installation and avoids version lock-in. The one-time Artists license is better for recurring work when a perpetual current-version license and spare-computer seat matter, though upgrades beyond 6.xx are not included.

Platforms

MadMapper runs on macOS and Windows. Its workflow supports live input, edge blending and 3D mapping, with advanced control-protocol integration for networked productions.

Who it's for

Choose MadMapper for projection artists, VJs, scenographers and stage designers who need detailed geometric mapping alongside MIDI, OSC, video-network and DMX control. Its 16K capability, multi-projector scaling and large DMX ceiling also suit major installations. It is less appropriate if you need a genuinely unrestricted free tool or a perpetual license that automatically covers every future major version.

Pros and cons

Pros

• Comprehensive mapping, scanning, shader, generative, cue and timeline tools in one application.
• High-resolution and multi-projector support for large installations.
• Deep interoperability through MIDI, OSC, Art-Net, sACN, Ableton Link, Spout, Syphon, NDI and MiniMad.
• DMX output reaching 4096 universes and 1000 fps for complex lighting systems.
• Monthly and perpetual licensing options, including a spare-computer seat on Artists.

Cons

• The demo's watermarks, project restrictions and recurring DMX blackout make it unsuitable for production.
• The Artists license is perpetual only for the current 6.xx version.
• Projector capacity depends on the computer, so larger rigs require substantial host hardware.

Alternatives

SurfaBeam Pro is worth considering when you want Android and iOS support as well as desktop platforms, although its free plan blocks saving, loading and exporting and watermarks output.

Disguise Designer suits learning, training and pre-visualization without connecting to Disguise servers through its free Designer Starter plan.

Ghost Arcade is the simpler free choice when you want all features without tiers, trials, watermarks or expiry.

Map Club fits users seeking unlimited projects and surfaces with no watermarks or time limits at no cost.

Screenberry is an option for non-commercial use with up to two 2K outputs, subject to 90-day online license renewals.

Christie Mystique is aimed at Christie projector workflows, with its free Lite edition supporting one webcam and up to three Christie projectors.

MapMap is a free, open-source projection-mapping alternative.

VIOSO offers a free tier with up to 10 saved projects and 250 MB of storage, plus a paid Pro plan.

For a broader comparison, see Projection Mapping Software.

Verdict

MadMapper is a strong recommendation for professionals who need precise video and LED mapping joined to serious live-control and DMX infrastructure. Its main reason to choose it is the unusually complete combination of mapping tools, integrations and large-scale output. Look elsewhere if your priority is unrestricted free production, open-source software or a perpetual license covering future major releases.