Projection Mapping: The Ultimate Guide (Using Free Software)

Name: Projection Mapping: The Ultimate Guide (Using Free Software)
Rating: 4.2 (44 reviews)

Unleash Your Creativity, Be The Best House In The Neighborhood

Created byTelwin Edathil

Last updated 9/2025

English

English [Auto],

What you'll learn

Create Unique Christmas, Halloween Decoration
Successfully Create a Projection Mapping Show For Your Home
Projector Selection & Set-up
The important aspects required to create a show
Adding effects like Masking, 3D perspective, Using Green Screen Footage etc.
Create a full fledged show to get things started

Course content

8 sections • 36 lectures • 3h 33m total length

Demo 3: Christmas Compilation3:47
Please provide the lecture caption so I can generate a concise 15–30 word summary aligned with the course title and the demo 3 Christmas compilation.
Demo: Barbie Show4:17
Demo: The Grinch Show4:22
Follow the Grinch as he hatches a plan to steal Christmas, scooping up toys, gadgets, dolls, video games, and other oddities while the mischief unfolds.

Projector Selection4:43
Recommended Projectors Popular For This Application:
Optoma GT1080HDR: https://amzn.to/3zD3jCg (My current Projector)
Optoma EH412ST: https://amzn.to/2W0OUSn
Optoma GT1090HDR: https://amzn.to/3CAQeLn

Throw Ratio Distance Calculator: https://www.projectorcentral.com/projection-calculator-pro.cfm
Projector Location5:11
Throw Ratio Distance Calculator: https://www.projectorcentral.com/projection-calculator-pro.cfm
Projector Enclosure & Mounting Setup10:27
My Current Setup:
Projector: Optoma GT1080HDR: https://amzn.to/3zD3jCg
Projector Mount: https://amzn.to/3kvQl4H
Cooling Fans: https://amzn.to/3zyOssa
Projector Tripod: https://amzn.to/2XSGTzP
Hot Knife: https://amzn.to/3hUEnji
Glue for Glass: https://amzn.to/3GTGEqy
Media Player: Android Media Player: https://amzn.to/3Q1rmUx
Waterproof Speaker: W-King 60W: https://amzn.to/3kt6Dvk
FM Transmitter: https://amzn.to/3NiXDoD
Enclosure Box: https://www.walmart.com/ip/Hefty-72-Qt-Clear-Storage-Bin-with-Blue-HI-RISE-Lid/649566173
Hot Air Vent: https://www.menards.com/main/heating-cooling/registers-grilles/altus-reg-white-floor-register/sku6398444/p-1444423543663-c-6879.htm?tid=6484370542199669200&ipos=4

Digital Pressworks:
Enclosure Tutorial: https://www.digitalpressworks.com/box-build-tutorial/
Enclosure Options: https://www.digitalpressworks.com/product-category/equipment-packages/

Facebook Group:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/holidayprojectionmapping/
Enclosure Locking Fixture6:21
Mapping Your House2:47
Mapping Software: https://www.digitalpressworks.com/free-mapping-software/
Test Setup On A Budget Before Scaling Up2:13
Budget-Friendly Test Projector: https://amzn.to/3u5Snf1
Or get a used higher-end projector for about the same price.

People have used Doll-Houses, a stack of boxes, etc. to test their set-up
Preferably use a 3D surface as opposed to just a wall.

My Current Setup:
Projector: Optoma GT1080HDR: https://amzn.to/3zD3jCg
Projector Mount: https://amzn.to/3kvQl4H
Cooling Fans: https://amzn.to/3zyOssa
Projector Tripod: https://amzn.to/2XSGTzP
Hot Knife: https://amzn.to/3hUEnji
Glue for Glass: https://amzn.to/39shTSd
Media Player: Micca Speck: https://amzn.to/3zAwnKm
Waterproof Speaker: W-King 60W: https://amzn.to/3kt6Dvk
FM Transmitter: https://amzn.to/3CCaEUw
Enclosure Box: https://www.walmart.com/ip/Hefty-72-Qt-Clear-Storage-Bin-with-Blue-HI-RISE-Lid/649566173
Hot Air Vent: https://www.lowes.com/pd/Whirlpool-6-in-x-5-in-Galvanized-Steel-Round-Duct-Elbow/1002860720

Davinci Resolve Installation Guide2:05
Davinci Resolve: https://www.google.com/aclk?sa=L&ai=DChcSEwjH97Cj88nyAhUJ9OMHHUoPDoQYABAAGgJ5bQ&ae=2&sig=AOD64_1mDIL-xTcwZ5s4WKAmvVUOJ36FIQ&q&adurl&ved=2ahUKEwjdo6ej88nyAhVIbs0KHZq2B5IQ0Qx6BAgCEAE
Davinci Resolve Overview4:57
Davinci Resolve Basic Edits9:55
Master basic edits in DaVinci Resolve by importing media, cutting with the blade, using magnet snapping, and arranging clips on a multi-layer timeline; adjust transforms, crops, and transitions.

Project Files0:36
DaVinci Resolve: Project Setup4:42
Configure a DaVinci Resolve project for projection mapping by setting the correct resolution, frame rate, render cache, and image scaling, then save presets for easy reuse.
Pattern Creation13:20
Import and align a mapping file on the top layer, then tile a rock pattern with a transform open effect to create a seamless, scalable facade using reflect edge behavior.
Masking15:38
3D Perspective3:11
Accentuate Sections1:56
Accentuate sections in projection mapping by applying wooden textures and trims using the transform node, color wheels, and alpha output to add texture and subtle highlights.
Windows & Door4:53
Add windows using transform effects, duplicate with option-drag, and refine with image adjustment and cropping to seamlessly blend castle windows with rocks behind the banister.
AI Facades11:34
PhotoLeap has been discontinued for Android: Use this instead: https://nightcanvas.projectionmappingacademy.com/

Green Screen Workflow13:02
Master green screen workflow with a 3d keyer and open effects to place minions and a helicopter into a house scene, then use keyframes, dispel, and transform for precise placement.
Wall Shattering Effect9:50
Learn to create a wall shattering effect with green screen, alpha foreground, and 3D keyer, using keyframes, masking, transforms, and layered video for a seamless reveal.
Add Audio2:11
Optimize House Facade5:21
Flickering Lights Effect3:30
Learn to add a dynamic flickering yellow light behind a house facade using a flicker effect, gain adjustments, and targeted masking for doors and windows.

Clips Placement7:20
Position clips with keyframes to sync minion dialogue and helicopter entries while ensuring audio stays separate, then align the house facade with the gate using color and transform tweaks.
Music Markers2:57
Learn to align Christmas music with transitions in projection mapping by setting transition marks with the M key, letting the clip play to cue points, and applying patterns across facades.
Fun Transitions4:04
Align clips with magnets to snap to markers, then apply dramatic transitions—fades, fusion effects, and burn away—adjusting angle and color.
Minions In The Window5:21
Create a coordinated minions window scene by adding green screen effects, markers, and staggered blowing effects, then align and sync them to the timeline with copy-paste techniques.

Weather Elements3:25
Drop Shadow4:13
Apply drop shadow effects to create a realistic 3d look in projection mapping, adjusting shadow strength, angle, distance, and blur for characters, objects, and scenery.
Color Correction7:51
Learn practical color correction techniques using curves, contrast, color boost, and saturation to make shadows and highlights pop for brighter, more vivid images on projectors.
Master Mask8:23
master mask shows how to create an inverted mask using a black image and alpha output to confine projection to the house, then reuse via power bins for future projects.
Fusion Effects: Auto Color Change & Beats12:08
Learn to automate color changes and apply a subtle thumping zoom to projection mapping scenes by using a color corrector node, sine-based time expressions, and a transform node in fusion.

Requirements

Computer
A Projector (You can choose to invest in the projector after going through the course)

Description

The basic idea with projection mapping is to use a projector to completely transform your house and exponentially enhance your holiday decor.

Currently, the learning opportunity for this fantastic technique is sparse and requires months of research, also most sources use expensive software like Adobe After Effects ($635/year). This has been a deterrent for most common people to get into projection mapping.

The course aims to make the complete knowledge about the topic primarily used by big corporations like Disney, accessible to the public and summarized in a couple of hours.
The course also uses completely free software so that there are no future expenses.

Firstly the course will go over guidelines with regards to projector selection and setup.

Next, The course will get into step-by-step details of all the necessary steps required to create a fantastic show.

Creating Textures
Creating Masks
Add 3D Perspective
Working with Green Screen Footage
2D Wall Shattering Effect
Retime & Keyframing
Adding Weather Elements
Basic Color Correction
Output Generation

The course is intended for us holiday enthusiasts who wish to radically upgrade their holiday game. The course is not intended for professionals intending to projection map massive venues like concerts, exhibitions, etc. One of the best applications for projection mapping is Halloween and Christmas decoration. Get on board, let's be the best house in the neighborhood.

Who this course is for:

The course is intended for us holiday enthusiasts who wish to up their holiday game and be the best house in the neighborhood. This will significantly enhance your Christmas & Halloween decorations. The application can be scaled to a whole lot of other festivals like Thanksgiving, Diwali, Independence day etc.(The course is not intended for professionals intending to projection map massive venues)
Holiday Decorators: Christmas, Halloween etc

Projection Mapping: The Ultimate Guide (Using Free Software)

What you'll learn

Explore related topics

Course content

Projection Mapping Examples3 lectures • 12min

Projector Setup6 lectures • 32min

The Software3 lectures • 17min

House Facade Creation8 lectures • 56min

Special Effects5 lectures • 34min

Assembling The Show4 lectures • 20min

Enhance The Show5 lectures • 36min

The Final Output2 lectures • 7min

Requirements

Description

Who this course is for: