① Quick start
- Connect the projector by HDMI; set displays to Extended (not Mirrored).
- Library → add media or a grid test pattern; click a tile to map it.
- Drag the surface corners on the stage onto your object.
- ▶ Output → drag that window onto the projector → press F for fullscreen.
- Fine-tune the corners until the grid lines match the real edges.
② What projector to use
| Situation | Brightness (lumens) |
|---|
| Dark room, small object | 2,000–3,000 |
| Dim / some ambient light | 3,500–5,000 |
| Storefront, bright room | 5,000–8,000 |
| Outdoors, car / small building | 6,000–12,000 |
| Large building façade | 20,000+ (pro/rental) |
Also want: optical lens shift (not digital keystone — let Lumen warp instead), native 1080p/4K (match the Resolution box), and laser light source for installations. Short-throw is great for tight spaces / steep angles.
③ Where to put it
- As head-on as possible — flatter angle = sharper, less warp.
- Cover the object with margin; you'll mask the spill.
- Distance ≈ throw ratio × image width (e.g. 1.5 × 3 m = 4.5 m back).
- Raise/lower with lens shift, not tilt. Keep the throw path clear of shadows.
- Light, matte surfaces show best; dark/glossy eat light. Kill ambient light.
- Once aligned, don't move it — mount rigidly; a bump ruins the map.
④ Two or more projectors (edge-blend)
- Aim them so images overlap ~15–25% on the shared edge.
- Projectors tab → pick a preset (2× side-by-side, 3× wide, 2×2…).
- ▶ Open window on each → drag each onto its projector → F.
- Press G for the alignment grid; line the grids up across the seam.
- Tune each projector's Blend width, Gamma and Black for an even overlap.
⑤ 3D objects
3D tab → add the shape (or import .obj) → orbit/slide the projector camera so the wireframe matches reality → Start calibration and drag the 8 corner markers onto the object for an exact solve.
⌨ Shortcuts
Scroll = zoom · Space/middle-drag = pan · Arrows nudge (⇧ ×10). In output: F fullscreen · G alignment grid.
Full guide with projector buying advice, throw-distance math, and troubleshooting: lumen/GUIDE.md
Creytix Lumen — a Creytix Studio Tool. Projection mapping, calibration, cues, MIDI / OSC / DMX.
