Learn projection mapping, one scene at a time.

Projection Mapping for Beginners: What You Need (and What You Don't)

Projection mapping sounds technical, but the starter version is genuinely simple: shine a projector at a surface, then nudge the image until it lines up. Here's exactly what it takes — and what you can skip.

What you actually need

• A laptop or desktop computer. It drives the projector and runs SquirrelCast in the browser.
• Any projector. Plug it into your computer over HDMI as a second display. Brighter projectors help in lit rooms, but a budget one is fine for a dark room or a window scene.
• A surface to project onto. A flat wall, a garage door, or a window all work well.
• Optionally, tracing paper or frosted film for windows — rear-projecting onto it gives that glowing, ghostly look.

What you don't need

• No install. SquirrelCast runs entirely in the browser — there's nothing to download.
• No pro software. You don't need MadMapper, Resolume, or any VJ suite to get a great first result.
• No special PC. A normal laptop running Chrome or Edge on the desktop is enough. No high-end graphics card required.

That's the whole kit. With those pieces on hand, most beginners get a clean projection up in about ten minutes.

Your first projection, step by step

1. Open SquirrelCast in Chrome or Edge on the computer driving your projector. Nothing to install.
2. Pick a template — try Haunted Window or Portal Wall — and it comes alive instantly with generative effects.
3. Open the projector window by clicking Project, then drag that window onto your projector's display.
4. Drag the corners to align — move the four corners until the scene fits your wall, window, or door.
5. Go fullscreen on the projector window. You're now projecting onto your surface.
6. Save your scene — it's stored locally in your browser, ready the next time you open the app.

More guides coming

We're building these out one at a time. Here's what's on the way.