The free, browser-based HeavyM alternative
HeavyM makes beginner-friendly projection mapping, but its free trial is time-limited and watermarked, the paid tiers are a real spend, and it's a macOS/Windows desktop install with no web or Linux build. Projektor keeps the fast, approachable workflow — in a browser tab, free, and MIT open source.
Add a surface, drop in a video or a live shader, drag the corners to fit your wall, and hit Go Live. No download, no expiring trial, no watermark burned into your show — and you can share the whole project as a link or hand it to an AI agent to drive.
HeavyM's free trial expires and watermarks your output. Projektor's free tier never expires, is MIT-licensed, and adds a live shader editor plus agent control.
Side by side
| Projektor | HeavyM | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Paid tiers; watermarked trial |
| Trial expires | No trial — just free | Yes (time-limited) |
| Watermark on free output | ||
| Runs in a browser | ||
| Linux support | ||
| License | MIT (open) | Closed source |
| Beginner-friendly warp | ||
| Live GLSL shader editor | Built-in effects/library | |
| AI-agent control (MCP) | ||
| Audio-reactive | ||
| Share a whole project as a URL | ||
| Built-in effect/content library | Shader gallery | Larger curated library |
HeavyM pricing and tier names change; check heavym.net for current figures. The structural rows (browser, Linux, license, watermark) are the durable difference.
Where HeavyM still wins
- A larger curated library of ready-made effects and animated content for non-coders.
- A polished, guided desktop onboarding aimed squarely at first-time mappers.
- Established Windows/macOS performance for big pre-rendered shows.
FAQ
Does Projektor watermark the output like HeavyM's free version?
No. Projektor's output has no watermark on any tier — it's free and MIT-licensed, so there's nothing to unlock.
Is Projektor as easy to start as HeavyM?
The fast path is: open the editor, add a surface, assign media, drag the corners to warp it. There's a guided first-run tour. HeavyM ships a bigger content library out of the box; Projektor gives you a live shader editor and gallery instead.
Can I use Projektor on Linux?
Yes — it's a browser app, so it runs on Linux, Windows, and macOS. HeavyM has no Linux build.