SurfaBeam Pro

Overview

SurfaBeam Pro is a projection-mapping app for shaping visuals onto physical surfaces from a phone, tablet or PC. It suits digital artists, DJs and smaller event or retail setups that need flexible casting for a single projector. Its layered mapping tools are useful, but repeatable work calls for Pro: the permanent free tier cannot save, load or export projects.

Key features

Surface warping bends edges into curves, while masks keep chosen areas dark. Each surface can have its own media and mask, with transparent PNGs layered over video. That supports composed visuals across mapped areas, but the one-output limit rules out setups that depend on multiple projectors.

The app imports photos, videos and GIFs from a device gallery. Pro can record and render a show as MP4, making it the more practical option for keeping finished work. Camera effects can track a hand or body, and the music visualizer offers 12 modes for reactive visuals.

Projection connections include USB-C to HDMI, AirPlay and Chromecast, plus the SurfaBeam Link receiver on Android TV or projectors. The warping engine runs on-device, and the maker says the app collects no user data and does not access the camera, microphone or location. Projects transfer as scene JSON files that link to media, so those files must be moved separately; there is no cloud sync.

Pricing

The permanent Free plan costs nothing and includes the mapping toolset, but projected and exported output carries a watermark, an entry gate precedes mapping, and Save, Load and Export are unavailable. It is suitable for exploring the mapping workflow, not maintaining projects or producing unmarked output.

Personal (Windows direct installer) costs $3.99 a month, billed $3.99/month, and includes Save, Load and Export with Pro. It is the lowest stated paid option for Windows users who need project persistence and output without the free-tier restrictions.

Commercial (Windows direct installer) costs $499 a year, billed $499/year, and adds a commercial license. That is the relevant Windows plan for commercial work; the Personal plan does not include that stated license.

Pro through the Apple App Store and Google Play is billed Monthly, with price not stated on maker page. It removes the watermark and entry gate and unlocks Save, Load and Export. Pro through Steam DLC is a one-time purchase with price not stated on maker page; it is for Windows via Steam and requires the free base app. The maker offers no free trial, so the free tier is the way to assess the app before paying.

Platforms

SurfaBeam Pro runs on Android, iOS, macOS and Windows. Its platform list spans phones, tablets and computers, though the stated Personal and Commercial installer plans are Windows-only; the other Pro options are through the mobile app stores or Steam.

Who it's for

It fits digital artists, creators, DJs, homeowners and retail brands that want to map visuals onto real surfaces with one projector. Its casting routes are useful for varied projection setups, and per-surface media gives creators room to build layered scenes. It is a poor fit for productions that need more than one projector output, DMX or timecode.

Pros and cons

Pros

Curved-edge warping, masking and per-surface layers support more than a single flat image.

USB-C to HDMI, AirPlay, Chromecast and the SurfaBeam Link receiver provide several ways to send visuals to a display.

On-device warping avoids cloud processing, and the maker says the app collects no user data.

Pro can save, load and export projects, including recording and rendering a show as MP4.

Cons

The free plan's watermark, entry gate and lack of Save, Load and Export make it restrictive for continuing work.

Scene JSON transfers do not bundle media, so users must move linked files separately; cloud sync is unavailable.

One projector output and no DMX or timecode support limit its use in more demanding event systems.

Alternatives

For a different projection-mapping option, see Projection Mapping Software.

Choose VIOSO if Linux or web support matters; its free plan allows up to 10 saved projects and 250 MB of storage, with watermark link sharing. Consider Screenberry if you want a free non-commercial option for up to 2x 2K video output, and can accept a license that renews every 90 days and requires internet.

Disguise Designer is another option. Ghost Arcade is another option. Christie Mystique offers a free Lite edition limited to one webcam, up to three Christie projectors and flat screens, so choose it when those constraints suit the installation. Map Club offers a free plan with unlimited projects and surfaces, no watermarks or time limits, and all features unlocked.

MadMapper is worth considering if you need DMX support: SurfaBeam Pro does not support DMX, while MadMapper's Try plan has DMX channels blacked out every 30 seconds. HeavyM is a paid alternative with a one-time payment option, a perpetual license and one year of free updates; its listed Live plan supports one video output at a maximum resolution of 1920 × 1200.

Verdict

Choose SurfaBeam Pro for single-projector mapping when curved warping, layered media and multiple casting routes matter more than advanced show control. Its strongest reason to buy is the combination of practical mapping tools and Pro project saving and export across mobile and desktop platforms. Look elsewhere if you need multiple outputs, DMX or timecode, or prefer a workflow that keeps project media together in cloud storage.