No install, no dongle
MadMapper requires a desktop install and a hardware dongle for Pro licenses. 4mapper runs entirely in Chrome or Edge — open the URL and start mapping in seconds.
Free MadMapper Alternative · No Install · No Subscription
A Free MadMapper Alternative That Runs in Your Browser
Looking for a MadMapper alternative without the price tag or the desktop install? 4mapper is a browser-based projection mapping tool — open Chrome or Edge, upload your media, map your surfaces and run your show. No dongle, no subscription, no setup.
Free: 1 project · 10 files · 100MB | PRO: €39 one-time · unlimited
Why people switch from MadMapper
- No desktop install or hardware dongle required.
- Free tier available — no credit card needed.
- One-time PRO payment instead of a recurring subscription.
- Works on Windows, Mac and Linux from any desktop browser.
- Open source Arduino controller library for custom hardware.
4mapper vs MadMapper — Key Differences
Both tools handle projection mapping, but they target different workflows and budgets.
| 4mapper | MadMapper | |
|---|---|---|
| Install required | No — runs in browser | Yes — desktop app |
| Hardware dongle | No | Yes (Pro license) |
| Free tier | Yes — 1 project, 100MB | Trial only |
| Pricing model | €39 one-time (PRO) | Subscription / perpetual |
| Operating system | Windows, Mac, Linux | Windows, Mac |
| Live data widgets | Yes (PRO) | Yes |
| Arduino / USB control | Yes (PRO, open source) | Via MIDI/OSC |
| Scene management | Yes | Yes |
One-time price, not a subscription
Instead of a recurring subscription, 4mapper PRO is a single payment of €39 for lifetime access — unlimited projects, 5GB storage and all advanced features included.
Free tier to test first
Create a free account and test the full projection mapping workflow with 1 project and 100MB storage. No credit card required. Upgrade to PRO when you are ready.
Who is 4mapper for?
4mapper works best for artists, performers and creators who want a practical projection mapping tool without the complexity or cost of professional desktop software.
- VJs and live visual performers looking for a lightweight setup.
- Beginners learning projection mapping for the first time.
- Makers building interactive installations with Arduino.
- Small studios and event designers on a budget.
- Anyone who wants to avoid a subscription model.
PRO features at a glance
- Unlimited projects and files.
- 5GB media storage.
- No watermark on projection output.
- Live widgets: clock, weather, crypto, social feeds.
- Arduino USB controller support (open source library).
- Scene management for live performances.
- One-time payment — €39, no renewal.
Works alongside your existing tools
4mapper does not need to replace every tool in your setup. Many users run it alongside other software for specific workflows — quick prototyping, home installations or performances where a full desktop projection suite is more than needed.
Projection mapping software
See the full overview of 4mapper as projection mapping software — features, pricing and workflows.
Browser-based mapping
Learn how browser-based projection mapping works and why it removes the need for desktop installs.
Arduino integration
Build custom physical controllers for your show with the Arduino projection mapping feature in PRO.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 4mapper a good MadMapper alternative?
4mapper is a browser-based projection mapping tool with a free tier, scene management and live widgets. It is a practical alternative for artists and performers who want a lightweight, accessible option without a desktop install or recurring subscription.
What is the main difference between 4mapper and MadMapper?
MadMapper is a professional desktop application with advanced features and a subscription model. 4mapper runs entirely in the browser, requires no install and offers a free tier — making it more accessible for beginners, home setups and small productions.
Is 4mapper completely free?
Yes, 4mapper has a free tier with 1 project, 10 files and 100MB storage. The PRO version is a one-time payment of €39 with unlimited projects, 5GB storage and advanced features like live widgets and Arduino controller support.
Does 4mapper require a dongle like MadMapper?
No. 4mapper requires no hardware dongle. It runs in Chrome or Edge on any desktop — Windows, macOS or Linux.
Can I use 4mapper for professional projection mapping?
Yes. 4mapper PRO supports unlimited projects, live widgets with real-time data, scene management and Arduino-based physical controllers for interactive installations and live performances.
Does 4mapper work on Mac?
Yes. Since 4mapper runs in the browser, it works on any desktop operating system — Windows, macOS and Linux — without any platform-specific installer.
Try the free MadMapper alternative today
Create a free account — no credit card, no install. Start mapping in your browser in seconds.