Is ill Visuals free to use?

Yes. The free demo includes 100+ shaders, 3 layers, and all core features. Output includes a small watermark. Upgrade to Pro to remove the watermark and unlock unlimited layers, VJ mode, MIDI, and all premium effects.

Do I need coding experience?

No. Everything is visual and interactive. Pick shaders from the library, drag effects onto layers, and adjust parameters with sliders. AI generation lets you describe what you want in plain English.

What projectors work with ill Visuals?

Any projector that connects to your computer via HDMI, DisplayPort, or USB-C. ill Visuals outputs to any display your operating system recognizes, including multiple projectors simultaneously.

Can I use it for live shows?

Absolutely. ill Visuals was built for live performance. The VJ clip launcher, Performer keyboard mode, beat sequencer, MIDI mapping, and wireless mobile control are all designed for real-time use on stage.

Does it work with MIDI controllers?

Yes. Any MIDI controller works out of the box. Use learn mode to map any knob, fader, button, or pad to any parameter in the software.

Is there a Mac version?

Yes. ill Visuals runs on both Windows 10+ and macOS 12+. Download the installer for your platform from the download page.

What file formats are supported?

Videos: MP4, MOV, WebM, GIF. Images: PNG, JPG, WebP. 3D models: GLTF, GLB, FBX. Point clouds: PLY, .splat. Vector: SVG. Shaders: ISF/GLSL.

comparison9 min read

Free Projection Mapping Software in 2026 — Complete Guide

Find the best free projection mapping software for your next project. Compare ill Visuals, TouchDesigner, HeavyM, and more. Full feature breakdown with no-cost options.

Published March 25, 2026Updated April 5, 2026

Best Free Projection Mapping Software in 2026

You don't need to spend hundreds of dollars to start projection mapping. Several professional tools offer free tiers or open-source options. Here's what's actually usable for free in 2026.

Free Options Compared

SoftwareTruly Free?MappingShadersVJ ModeLimitations

|----------|-------------|---------|---------|---------|-------------|

**ill Visuals**Yes (watermark)Mesh + corner100+3 layersWatermark on output

TouchDesignerNon-commercialNode-basedCustom codeNo1280x1280 max resolution

HeavyMTrial onlyAuto-detectPresetsNo7-day trial

OBS + ShaderFilterYesNoLimitedNoNot designed for mapping

ProcessingYes (OSS)Code-onlyCustom codeNoRequires programming

ill Visuals Free — The Most Complete Free Option

ill Visuals offers the most feature-complete free projection mapping experience:

100+ GPU-accelerated shaders — Full shader library, no restrictions

3 layers — Enough for most single-projector setups

Mesh and corner warping — Full precision mapping tools

89+ post-processing effects — Blur, bloom, glitch, chromatic aberration, and more

3D model import — GLTF, GLB, FBX with skeletal animation

Gaussian splat rendering — PLY and .splat point cloud support

AI content generation — 3 generations per month (bring your own API key for unlimited)

Audio-reactive visuals — Microphone or line-in frequency analysis

No time limit — Use it forever. The only limitation is a small watermark on output.

The free demo is genuinely useful for learning, prototyping, and small shows. When you're ready to go professional, Pro starts at $24/month.

TouchDesigner Free

TouchDesigner's free license is powerful but limited:

Maximum output resolution of 1280x1280

Commercial use prohibited

Node-based programming required (steep learning curve)

No dedicated VJ workflow

Windows-focused (Mac in beta)

TouchDesigner excels for artists who want unlimited creative flexibility and don't mind programming. For artists who need to set up and perform quickly, it's overkill.

Getting Started for Free

Download ill Visuals (Windows or macOS)

Choose a shader from the built-in library

Add your content (video, images, or use the included generators)

Map it to your surface with corner pin or mesh warp

Connect your projector and perform

No account required for the free demo. No credit card. No time limit.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best free projection mapping software?

ill Visuals offers the most complete free projection mapping experience with 100+ GPU shaders, 3 layers, mesh warping, 89+ effects, and 3D model support. The only limitation is a small watermark on output. TouchDesigner is free for non-commercial use but requires programming knowledge.

Is projection mapping software expensive?

No. ill Visuals is free to download with a full shader library and core features. Pro plans start at $24/month or $299 one-time. Compared to Resolume Arena ($799) or MadMapper ($571), modern options are much more accessible.

Can I do projection mapping without coding?

Yes. ill Visuals is designed for artists with no coding experience. Everything is visual — pick shaders from the library, drag effects, adjust with sliders, and map with click-and-drag tools. AI generation lets you describe what you want in plain English.

free projection mappingprojection mapping softwarefree VJ softwareTouchDesignercomparison

Ready to start projection mapping?

Download ill Visuals free for Mac and Windows.

Download Free

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