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.

comparison8 min read

MadMapper vs ill Visuals — Which Projection Mapping Software Is Right for You?

MadMapper vs ill Visuals: detailed comparison of features, pricing, workflow, and use cases. Find the best projection mapping software for your live performance or installation.

Published April 1, 2026Updated April 5, 2026

MadMapper vs ill Visuals: Head-to-Head Comparison

MadMapper and ill Visuals take different approaches to projection mapping. MadMapper focuses on spatial mapping and LED control; ill Visuals combines mapping with content creation and live performance. Here's how they compare.

Feature Comparison

Featureill Visuals ProMadMapper

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

**Price**$24/mo or $299 perpetual$571 perpetual or $52/mo

**Projection Mapping**Mesh + corner warpAdvanced spatial mapping

**VJ Clip Launcher**16-channelNo

**Built-in Shaders**100+ GPU shadersISF support (bring your own)

**Mobile Control**WiFi from any deviceNo

**AI Generation**YesNo

**LED Fixture Control**NoYes (DMX/Art-Net)

**3D Models**GLTF, GLB, FBX, splatsNo

**MIDI Control**Full learn modeBasic MIDI

**Audio Reactive**6-band frequency analysisBasic audio input

**Performer Mode**SynthVision 36-keyNo

**Spout/Syphon**YesYes

When to Choose ill Visuals

Choose ill Visuals if you need:

Live performance — VJ mode, beat sequencer, performer keyboard

Content creation — 100+ shaders, AI generation, fluid sim, particles

Mobile flexibility — Control from your phone during setup

Budget-friendly — Free demo with no time limit, Pro from $24/mo

All-in-one workflow — Create, map, and perform without switching apps

When to Choose MadMapper

Choose MadMapper if you need:

LED fixture control — DMX/Art-Net integration for LED installations

Spatial mapping — Auto-detection of surfaces with calibration tools

Permanent installations — Set-and-forget deployments

Dedicated mapping focus — No VJ features to get in the way

The Bottom Line

MadMapper is a dedicated mapping tool; ill Visuals is an all-in-one visual performance platform. If your primary need is LED control and permanent installations, MadMapper is purpose-built. If you need to create content, perform live, and map — all in one app — ill Visuals delivers more value at a lower price point.

Download ill Visuals free and compare for yourself.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is ill Visuals better than MadMapper?

It depends on your use case. ill Visuals offers more features for live VJ performance (16-channel launcher, mobile control, 100+ shaders, AI generation) at a lower price ($24/mo vs $571). MadMapper excels at LED fixture control and permanent installations with DMX/Art-Net support.

Does ill Visuals support DMX?

ill Visuals supports Spout and Syphon output to integrate with DMX-capable software like MadMapper or QLC+. Direct DMX output is on the roadmap for a future release.