VirtualMapper
A realtime preview tool for projection mapping that renders compositions onto 3D mesh surfaces via Syphon/Spout.
What is VirtualMapper?
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.
Overview
A realtime preview tool for projection mapping
Use Cases
Best For
- Previewing projection mapping installations on 3D surfaces before physical setup
- Visualizing VJ compositions on complex stage geometries in real time
- Testing how video content wraps around architectural elements
- Creating non-planar video content for immersive art installations
- Integrating with After Effects workflows for projection mapping projects
- Visualizing screen placements and sightlines in 3D projection setups
Not Ideal For
- Projects requiring animated or dynamic 3D scenes (no animation support in FBX import)
- Teams needing to export finalized previews as video or images (export feature is on TODO list)
- Use cases dependent on orthographic cameras (only perspective cameras are supported)
- Installations with complex material or lighting requirements (only diffuse and luminance colors are handled)
Pros & Cons
Pros
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.
Cons
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Projects
MadMapper[Mac] - Video mapping projections and Light mapping
VDMX[Mac] - Realtime multimedia performance application
Resolume[Mac, Win] - Mixing of digital video and effects in a realtime
Modul8[Mac] - Real time video mixing and compositing
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