| Software | Short description | Video mapping tutorial | Licensing |
| After Effects | Old school Mapping!! | part of the creative cloud | |
| [Resolume](https://resolume.com/) | Resolume Arena is a VJ tool with built in excellent Projection Mapping software. | Free (with watermark)/[Dongle](https://reserveren.hku.nl "HKU loan for studenten") | |
| [Isadora: Izzy Map](https://troikatronix.com/get-it/) | IzzyMap offers interactive control of mapping attributes, allowing real-time motion graphics to become part of your design. By taking control of these parameters during your show, slices and masking can be layered and composited within each instance of IzzyMap, and multiple instances of IzzyMap allow your mappings to be layered and combined in endless ways. | Free (no saving)/[Dongle](https://reserveren.hku.nl "HKU loan for studenten") | |
| [Touchdesigner](https://derivative.ca/) | Various projection mapping tools, 2D & 3D. | Free (limited resolution) | |
| [Madmapper](https://madmapper.com/) | |||
| [Blender](https://www.blender.org/download/) | Free | ||
| [VPT](https://hcgilje.wordpress.com/vpt/) | Video Projection Tool (VPT) is a free multipurpose realtime projection software tool. | Free |
| Other software for mapping for specific video mapping purposes |
| [Arkaos](https://vj.arkaos.com/) |
| [Heavy M ](https://www.heavym.net/) |
| [WatchOut](https://www.dataton.com/) |
| [Disguise](https://www.disguise.one/en) |
| [MappingMatter](https://www.mappingmatter.com/) |
| [ScalableDisplay](https://www.scalabledisplay.com/) |
| [Mapio2](https://mapio2-lite.software.informer.com/ "Mapio for installationa") |
| [Millumin](https://www.millumin.com/v4/index.php) |
Check out this awesome website to help you calculate these things & find the perfect video projector : [https://www.projectorcentral.com/projection-calculator-pro.cfm](https://www.projectorcentral.com/projection-calculator-pro.cfm)
##### **Features of a projection mapping projector** ### Luminosity Luminosity describes the amount of light a video projector puts out. It is measured in lumens. A high number of lumens means a projector is more powerful. As mentioned previously, powerfulness itself isn’t enough. You also need to take all the constraints of a specific project into account, as these might reduce a projector’s objective powerfulness, such as the light levels of a location, the expected image size and the material of the projection surface. ### Contrast ratio Contrast levels are linked to the luminosity difference between white and black (absence of color). No video projector is able to project perfect black—this color is usually replaced with a very dark grey. Contrast is described by a ratio, such as 500:1. The bigger the difference between both numbers, the better the contrast. Therefore, 1,000:1 provides better contrast levels than 500:1. ### Resolution A projector’s resolution is the number of pixels, from side to side and top to bottom, which makes up your projected image. A high number of pixels means the image will be more precise. A low number of pixels means it will be harder for the naked eye to distinguish them. A projector’s resolution should be as close to possible as the image’s. If you wish to project full HD content (1,080p), this means your projector also needs full HD resolution. If you use a projector that is more powerful (4k, for example), this will lead to a disappointing result. ##### **When choosing a projector, it also depends on where you plan to do this mapping. Other key factors to consider :** ### Light conditions The light level of the area where your mapping is supposed to take place is a fundamental factor, as light conditions play a significant role regarding the quality of the projected image. Direct light on the projection surface needs to be avoided at all costs, whether it is natural or artificial, as it would fade the image, even with strong contrast levels. Therefore, you should pick a fairly dark environment without direct light coming to your projection area. It is impossible to do Projection ### Image size and throw ratio Image size and projection distance are linked by a very simple mathematical formula: