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🏡 How to Trace a Map of Your House for a Projection Show

To get the best results with projection mapping, you need a digital map of your house. This lets your visuals line up perfectly with windows, doors, and rooflines.

There are three main ways to do this, depending on your setup and skill level.

🔧 Method 1: Use Free Mapping Software (Beginner-Friendly)

One of the easiest ways to trace your house is with free online tools like the one from Digital PressWorks.

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🎯 What You’ll Need:

  • A laptop

  • A projector

  • An HDMI cable

  • The free mapping software

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🪜 Step-by-Step:

  1. Set up your projector – Aim it at your house and connect it to your laptop.

  2. Duplicate your display – In your display settings, set the mode to Duplicate and resolution to 1920x1080.

  3. Open the mapping software – Launch it in your browser.

  4. Trace the house outline – Use your mouse to draw around windows, doors, and rooflines. Use Ctrl+Z to undo.

  5. Save your map – Once you're done, right-click and choose “Save As” to save your map image.

💡 This is a great option for most holiday decorators who want a simple and fast solution.

📸 Method 2: Use Luxedo’s Snapshot Tool

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If you’re using a Luxedo projector, it includes a built-in method for capturing your house layout.

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Steps:

  1. Position the Luxedo projector to shine on your house.

  2. Open Luxedo’s web-based software.

  3. Use the built-in camera to take a snapshot of your house.

  4. Create your show directly within Luxedo’s editor using the snapshot as a guide.

  5. Or: Download the image and send it to a show designer (like me!) for a custom show.

🟢 Perfect for Luxedo users who want either DIY or pro-level results.

🎬 Method 3: Use Adobe After Effects (Advanced Users)

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If you're familiar with Adobe After Effects, you can create a precise house map by projecting directly onto your house and tracing in real-time.

This method gives you maximum control and is ideal for creating advanced shows from scratch.

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What You’ll Need:

  • Laptop

  • Projector

  • HDMI cable

  • Adobe After Effects

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Steps:

  1. Connect your projector to your laptop via HDMI and position it to cover the front of your house.

  2. In After Effects, go to Edit > Preferences > Video Preview, and select your projector as the preview display.

  3. Enable real-time preview by checking the box next to your projector and hitting “OK.”

  4. Create a solid layer, then use masks or shape layers to trace around windows, doors, rooflines, or props—live on the house.

  5. Rinse and repeat as necessary and save your project.

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⚙️ Recommended for creatives with motion graphics experience or those working with professional show designers.

✅ Ready to Turn Your House Map Into a Show?

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Now that you’ve got your map (or know how to make one), here’s what you can do next:

🎓 Just Getting Started?

Learn the full process of setting up a projector show at home.
➡️ Take the Beginner Course

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🛠 Want to DIY Your Show?

Grab themed visuals, animations, and media to build your own holiday show.
➡️ Get Media & Assets

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🎁 Want a Custom Show Designed for You?

Send us your house map—we’ll build a fully personalized projection show.
➡️ Buy a Custom Show

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