SurfaBeam Pro

Overview

SurfaBeam Pro is a projection-mapping app for shaping visuals onto physical surfaces from a phone, tablet or PC. It is best suited to artists, DJs and smaller event or retail setups that need a single projector output. Its mapping and layering tools are useful, but the free tier cannot save or export projects, making paid Pro the practical choice for repeat work.

Key features

Warping lets users bend surface edges into curves, while masks keep selected areas dark. Each surface can carry its own media and mask, and transparent PNGs can sit over video. That gives creators useful control over a composed projection without turning the app into a multi-output system.

SurfaBeam imports photos, videos and GIFs from a device gallery. Pro can record and render a show as MP4, an important advantage for keeping finished work. Camera effects can track a hand or body, and the music visualizer offers 12 modes for reactive visuals.

Projection can go through USB-C to HDMI, AirPlay or Chromecast, or to 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. Despite the camera-effect feature, those privacy claims may merit a closer look from users who rely on tracking.

Projects transfer as portable scene JSON files that link to media, so the media must be moved separately. There is no cloud sync. The app is limited to one projector output and does not support DMX or timecode, which rules it out for productions that need synchronized control or larger projection rigs.

Pricing

The permanent Free plan costs nothing and includes the mapping toolset, but projected and exported output carries a watermark, mapping starts behind an entry gate, and Save, Load and Export are disabled. It is suitable for learning the mapping workflow, not for retaining or delivering finished projects.

On Windows, Personal (direct installer) costs $3.99 a month, billed $3.99/month, and adds Save, Load and Export with Pro. It fits individual creators who need to keep and render projects. Commercial (Windows direct installer) costs $499 a year, billed $499/year, and adds a commercial license for paid work. The maker also offers Pro through the Apple App Store and Google Play on a monthly billing basis, and as a one-time-purchase Windows Steam DLC; both remove the watermark and entry gate and unlock Save, Load and Export. There is no free trial.

Platforms

SurfaBeam Pro is available on Android, iOS, macOS and Windows. The published direct-installer plans are Windows-specific; store versions are available through Apple App Store and Google Play, while the Steam DLC is for Windows.

Who it's for

Digital artists and creators who want to map layered media to one surface or projector output should find the feature set a reasonable fit. DJs, homeowners and retail brands can also use its casting options and visual effects for smaller setups. Event professionals planning multi-projector shows, edge-blended output or DMX/timecode control should look elsewhere.

Pros and cons

• Pros: Per-surface masks and media, with transparent PNG overlays, allow more deliberate compositions than a single flat image.
• Pros: HDMI, AirPlay, Chromecast and SurfaBeam Link give several routes to a projector or receiver.
• Pros: On-device warping and the maker's stated no-data-collection policy may suit privacy-conscious users.
• Cons: Free users cannot save, load or export, and output is watermarked behind an entry gate.
• Cons: Scene files reference media rather than bundling it, so moving a project requires transferring assets separately.
• Cons: One projector output and no DMX or timecode support limit use in larger or synchronized productions.

Alternatives

For a wider choice of projection-mapping tools, browse Projection Mapping Software. Screenberry may suit users who need Linux or web access and can work within its free non-commercial license, which allows up to 2x 2K video output and renews every 90 days with an internet requirement. Disguise Designer is worth considering for pre-visualising and developing projects with its free Designer Starter, which does not require a connection to Disguise servers.

Ghost Arcade is an option for users who want a free desktop app with all features included and no tiers, trial, watermark or expiry. Map Club may be preferable for browser-based work or for users who want its free plan's unlimited projects and surfaces without watermarks or time limits. VIOSO offers a different free-plan trade-off: up to 10 saved projects and 250 MB storage, with a generic projector library and watermark link sharing.

Christie Mystique is another projection-mapping alternative. MadMapper may suit users specifically seeking a free trial of its features, though its trial output is watermarked and has other restrictions. MapMap is a free, open-source option for users who prefer that model.

Verdict

Choose SurfaBeam Pro for single-projector mapping when per-surface media, masks and flexible casting matter more than show-control depth. Pro makes it a more workable tool for recurring projects by enabling saving and export, but the separate media transfer, single-output ceiling and lack of DMX or timecode make it a poor fit for complex event systems.