A realtime preview tool for projection mapping that renders compositions onto 3D mesh surfaces via Syphon/Spout.
Virtual Mapper is a realtime preview tool for projection mapping and non-planar video production. It allows video artists and VJ's to visualize how their compositions from software like After Effects will look when projected onto 3D surfaces by rendering them onto imported mesh objects in real time. This solves the problem of accurately previewing complex projection mapping setups before actual deployment.
Video artists, VJ's, and installation creators working with projection mapping, 3D mapping, or immersive visual installations who need to preview their work on complex surfaces.
Developers choose Virtual Mapper for its realtime preview capability integrated directly with professional video software via Syphon/Spout, eliminating the need for physical setups during the design phase. Its straightforward FBX import and focus on projection surfaces make it a specialized tool for accurate spatial visualization.
A realtime preview tool for projection mapping
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Renders video directly onto 3D meshes in real time, allowing accurate visualization of projection mapping setups without physical hardware, as highlighted in its core purpose for non-planar video production.
Integrates with industry-standard software like After Effects and VDMX via Syphon (macOS) and Spout (Windows), enabling direct video input from production workflows without intermediate rendering.
Uses simple naming conventions (e.g., 'screen' for projection surfaces) in FBX files to streamline scene setup, making it easy to import from tools like Cinema4D with minimal configuration.
Available for both macOS and Windows, supporting diverse video production environments and ensuring accessibility for artists on different operating systems.
Does not support animation, lights, splines, or embedded textures in FBX files, restricting its use to static scenes and basic materials, as admitted in the README's limitations.
Lacks built-in options to save previews as images or videos, forcing users to rely on external recording tools for documentation or final outputs, with this feature only listed as a TODO item.
Requires specific plugins like Syphon/Spout and may need troubleshooting for codec issues on Windows or security alerts on macOS, adding complexity for non-technical users.