MadMapper vs LightAct

MadMapper8.2Visit LightAct7.4Visit

Higher score MadMapper #4 in Projection Mapping Software 8.2/10 Free plan · paid from €39/mo Free plan✓ 3 of 3 features Visit MadMapper

vs

LightAct #7 in Projection Mapping Software 7.4/10 Free plan · paid from €1,770 Free plan✓ 3 of 3 features Visit LightAct

• MadMapper fits best

  Artists and installations needing affordable mapping

• LightAct fits best

  Windows teams needing study and projection mapping

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Side by side

Feature	MadMapper 8.2/10 Visit ↗	LightAct 7.4/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score	8.2	7.4
Ranking	#4 in Projection Mapping Software	#7 in Projection Mapping Software
Best for	Artists and installations needing affordable mapping	Windows teams needing study and projection mapping
Pricing model	Free plan + paid	Free plan + paid
Starting price	Not published	Not published
Free plan	✓	✓
Free trial	—	—
Deployment	Desktop	Desktop
Platforms	Windows, macOS	Windows
Support	Tickets, Community	Email, Community, Docs
Integrations	11 integrations	13 integrations
Built for	Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise	Mid-market, Enterprise
Features MadMapper 3/3 · LightAct 3/3
Edge blending	✓	✓
Live video input	✓	✓
3D mapping	✓	✓
Specs
Workflow	Hybrid	Hybrid
Projection outputs	Not published	2 outputs
Control protocols	Advanced	Advanced
Our review
Pros	Supports multiple projectors, 3D surfaces, masking, warping, and blending Connects with MIDI, OSC, Art-Net, DMX, sACN, NDI, and more Includes timelines, cues, generative materials, and live video inputs	Combines projection study, 2D mapping, 3D mapping, and calibration. Supports automatic blending, timecode, live inputs, and advanced control. Offers LightNet multi-server clustering and broad live-production integrations.
Cons	The free edition adds watermarks and recurring DMX channel blackouts The Artist license applies to the current 6.xx version Desktop editions are limited to Windows and macOS	Runs only on Windows hardware with discrete Nvidia graphics. Easy Perpetual starts at €1,770 one-time. Several higher-tier license prices are not shown in the listed plans.
Our verdict	MadMapper is desktop software for projection mapping, LED mapping, and stage visuals. It is aimed at visual artists, scenographers, stage designers, VJs, installations, and live shows that need to shape video across physical or LED… Read the review →	LightAct is media server software for live events and immersive fixed installations. It is designed for professional show operators, projection designers, and production teams working on large-scale video, lighting, and interactive… Read the review →

Strengths and trade-offs

• MadMapper — where it wins

  • Supports multiple projectors, 3D surfaces, masking, warping, and blending
  • Connects with MIDI, OSC, Art-Net, DMX, sACN, NDI, and more
  • Includes timelines, cues, generative materials, and live video inputs

  Where it doesn't

  • The free edition adds watermarks and recurring DMX channel blackouts
  • The Artist license applies to the current 6.xx version
  • Desktop editions are limited to Windows and macOS

• LightAct — where it wins

  • Combines projection study, 2D mapping, 3D mapping, and calibration.
  • Supports automatic blending, timecode, live inputs, and advanced control.
  • Offers LightNet multi-server clustering and broad live-production integrations.

  Where it doesn't

  • Runs only on Windows hardware with discrete Nvidia graphics.
  • Easy Perpetual starts at €1,770 one-time.
  • Several higher-tier license prices are not shown in the listed plans.

• MadMapper8.2/10 · Free plan · paid from €39/mo

  A capable desktop mapper with broad live-control support and flexible licensing.

  Visit MadMapperFull verdict →
• LightAct7.4/10 · Free plan · paid from €1,770

  A Windows-focused media server with deep mapping, calibration, and live-control features.

  Visit LightActFull verdict →