What MadMapper license do I need to use MadAI?

To use MadAI , you need a full version of MadMapper, either a temporary or perpetual license, version 5.7 or higher. Then MadAI requires your purchase of credits to be able to prompt the AI for content generqtion.

Is MadAI large language AI model running on my computer?

No, the model computations are running off an AI server over the internet. That’s why you won’t need a beefy computer to run MadAI. However the content generated by MadAI is shader-based, using your GPU to render. Depending on your prompt requests, the complexity of MadAI shaders might be very high, so a powerful computer never hurts.

Can I use MadAi with the demo version of MadMapper?

No. The free demo version of MadMapper does not allow access to the library or login features. Therefore, you won't be able to use MadAI or MadAI credits with the demo.

Do I need an internet connection to run MadAI?

Yes. The sending and processing of MadAI requests goes over the internet. You’ll need a responsive internet connection.

Is MadAI compatible with Mac and Windows?

Yes. Both MadMapper and MadAI are compatible with:

• macOS 11 and later
• Windows 10 and later

Is MadAI compatible with Apple M-series computers?

Yes, MadAI smoothly runs on Apple’s latest M-series chips (M1, M2, M3, etc.) and the most recent macOS versions. The processing of MadAI request is done server-side, not on your computer.

What are the recommended hardware specs?

MadAI itself is lightweight and doesn’t consume much power. However, real-time animations and rendering in MadMapper can be demanding—especially on your GPU. For general use of MadMapper, the recommendations remain unchanged:

• SSD storage
• 8GB RAM min
• A powerful CPU
• A dedicated GPU (especially for larger projects)

Are there educational discounts available?

Students can benefit from discounts only on temporary or perpetual MadMapper licenses, as well as the MadLaser and MadProjectorControl extensions. Educational discounts do not apply to upgrades or MadAI credits.

Which languages are supported?

You can use any language in input. However, please note that the MadMapper software is only available only in English.

Need more help?

• Explore our Tutorials page
• Visit the GarageCube forum to ask questions
• Or reach out directly to our support team

What are MadAI credits?

MadAI credits are used to generate content through prompts.

Do credits expire?

No. Unused credits remain in your account until you use them. They don’t expire.

Does using higher quality or Madness cost more credits?

No. The quality level or style you choose does not affect credit usage. Even at maximum settings, 1 credit always equals 1 prompt.

I can’t find MadAI in MadMapper

Make sure you are using MadMapper version 5.7 or later, and you are logged into MadMapper with the correct account.

To access MadAI:

• In MadMapper, go to the bottom panel
• Open the Tools section
• Find AI / Code Editor in the list
• Click the + (plus) button → Select New Material
• Make sure "Using MadAI" is checked

If the option is still missing, try restarting MadMapper or reinstalling the latest version supported by your license.

MadMapper says the material name is already in use, but I’ve deleted it

This is a known behavior. Simply choose a different material name, even if the previous one was deleted. The name may still be cached.

I can’t connect to the MadMapper Library

Please check the following:

• Are you connected to the internet?
• Are you using the correct password for your account?
• Do you have any firewalls or security software that could be blocking access? Try temporarily disabling them or whitelisting MadMapper

I’ve purchased credits but they don’t appear in MadMapper

• Check your email for the order confirmation
• Log in to your MadMapper account to verify that the order has been placed and successfully paid
• In MadMapper, go to Account (top menu) and make sure you're logged into the correct account
• Try logging out and logging back in

If the issue persists, please contact the support with your order number and MadMapper account ID.

I submitted a prompt but received an error message

• Please share the exact error message with our support team
• Also make sure you’re using the latest version of MadMapper available under your license

I can’t post my material to the library

• Make sure you’re connected to the Library in MadMapper
• Double-check that you are using the correct account
• Restart MadMapper and check for updates

If the issue persists, please contact the support team

MadMapper is crashing

• Make sure you’re using the latest version available for your license
• If the crash persists, please send the crash report (which appears after reopening the app) to our support team

Do I need coding skills to use MadAI?

Not at all. MadAI is designed for everyone, including non-coders. If you're just getting started, you can generate stunning results using simple prompts—no technical knowledge required.

What kind of things can I create or code with MadAI?

MadAI allows you to:

• Generate brand-new shaders
• Remix existing materials
• Create laser materials
• Build and edit 2DFX surfaces
• Publish your creations to the online Library

What are iterative prompts, and why are they useful?

Iterative prompting means building your creation step by step using short, focused prompts.

Here are a few helpful examples:

• “Create a sphere in 3D with lighting”
• “Add camera angle controls”
• “Add depth fog”

Where can I learn how to use MadAI?

Head over to our Tutorials section (at the top of this page) to watch video guides that walk you through everything—from basic prompts to advanced material editing.

Still need help?

If you get stuck or have questions:

• Visit the Forum to ask the community
• Reach out to our support team directly

Do I need MadMapper in order to use MadLaser?

Yes, MadLaser is an extension: you need a full version of MadMapper to use it.

Is MadLaser available on Windows? macOS?

Being an extension of MadMapper 5, MadLaser is compatible with both operating systems.

Which MadMapper licenses are compatible with MadLaser?

MadMapper 5 licenses only are compatible, either a rental or a perpetual license.

Can I buy only MadLaser?

Yes you can but since MadLaser is an extension of MadMapper, you need the full MadMapper 5 software to use it.

Can I try MadLaser?

Yes, a free DEMO version is available as well as rental and perpetual versions.

Can I use the MiniMad for MadLaser?

MiniMad only supports video and light mapping projects so far.

Do you have an Education price for MadLaser?

Yes, please contact our support for more information.

I installed MadMapper but I don’t see the Laser features

Within MadMapper, click on the Account menu / Manage Authorizations and make sure you’re using the right license. The extension is linked to your user account.

I can’t install MadLaser although it’s available with my account

Maybe you don’t own a MadMapper license anymore or your temporary license expired. You do need a MadMapper license to use MadLaser : double-check your existing licenses in the Licenses tab of your MadMapper website user account.

I need help with MadLaser or MadMapper

Before contacting us please refer to the ressources and help available in the MadLaser and MadMapper guides, FAQ, website information and Youtube tutorial videos. Feel free to post on the garageCube forum and MadMapper Facebook users groups too, MadLaser users share their experience there.

In which language(s) is MadLaser available?

Like MadMapper 5, the extension is only available in English so far.

How can I install MadLaser?

After purchasing the MadLaser extension you can download MadMapper 5 from the Download section of your user account. Launch the application then select “MadMapper + MadLaser”, log in with your user account then select the corresponding license.

What are the DEMO version limitation?

The free demo provides all the MadLaser features with watermarked video output and input, DMX channels blackout every 30 seconds and Laser output blacked out every 120s.

What are the hardware requirements to use MadLaser?

The use of MadLaser (e.g. Realtime Video Vectorization) can be very demanding: a 4+ core CPU and a solid graphics card are required. For Laser recommendations please refer to the technical section.

Need more help?

Feel free to post on the garageCube forum or drop us a line through the contact form (our sales/support team is available from Monday to Friday, from 08:00 to 17:00 CET).

Supported Laser devices

MadMapper supports multiple DACs :

• ShowNet
• Helios USB
• Etherdream
• Lasercube
• FB4 (through Pangolin on Windows)
• Moncha DAC
• AVB/Dante

ILDA input recommendation

If you have an ILDA input on your laser, get an Etherdream, Helios or ShowNet=>ILDA interface.

Helios or Etherdream

At this has been asked before, here’s a few hints: Helios (USB - 12 bits XY) ones are affordable with no power supply needed as it is USB powered. But Helios is 12bit precision vs 16bit for Etherdream. Please also note that depending on your country, there might be other interesting brands. It also depends on your budget, and what kind of project you want to do (graphics, atmospheric…).

Recommend Laser device for testing

It depends on the budget and possible projects. For graphics (needs accurate scanning, precise and small beam, so low divergence and good diodes alignment) or for atmospheric. For video projection + laser on top, a small beam (low divergence) may be better. For architectural mapping, atmospheric, clubbing or festival, we would prefer power over sharpness. But for a museum piece for instance it’s better to choose a low power/sharp beam one. An exemple would be the LaserWorld Tarm 3W : good whites (not need to lower blue by 50%), sharp enough and 3W is ok for atmospheric. Note that lot of laser devices look close in term of quality. LaserWorld is nice because they have an ethernet DAC inside (ShowNET) so you don't need an external DAC (ethernet or USB -> ILDA).

Notes about DACs

DACs are the bridge between the software and the laser hardware. They work over ethernet or USB. MadMapper 5.0.0 supports: Etherdream (ethernet), Helios (usb), ShowNET (ethernet), LaserCube (ethernet or wi-fi), Pangolin Beyond (using a software API).

About Etherdream

Etherdream (ethernet - 16 bits XY) needs to run on a clean network without other traffic. For instance, don’t mix Art-Net and Etherdream on the same network or you’ll get disconnections. You can safely put a bunch of Etherdram on the same network though.

About ShowNET

MadMapper supports ShowNET protocol - DAC, so any LaserWorld projector with ShowNET (Tarm are good machines, ie Tarm ShowNET) will work directly with just a network cable (Auto IP works fine). Also prefer putting your ShowNET devices on a network without other traffic for best smoothness. Check your laser device documentation to see how to set the ShowNET dipswitch for the network mode you’re using (DHCP / Auto-IP or static IP).

About LaserCube

We support LaserCube Wifi, Ethernet and usb on all platforms.

Although both protocols are supported, prefer Ethernet over Wi-Fi. Please note that the USB version is Mac only.

About Pangolin Beyond

With FX4 through Pangolin Beyond, you need to be on Windows and have the licence. That's not the option we promote but since many people have lasers with only FB4 DAC integrated (and no ILDA input) we decided to handle it. Be sure Beyond is up to date. Some first Beyond 5 builds were not handling external control. Also MadMapper has to run on the same computer than the one Beyond is running on. Please note that MadLaser can’t work with Pangolin QuickShow. It only works with Pangolin Beyond 5. FB3/ FB4 are proprietary protocols from Pangolin. They made an API to interact with Beyond so MadLaser can control FB3/FB4 laser through Pangolin Beyond. Please note as well that Pangolin Beyond version 5 is required. While MadMapper will propose projection zones for Pangolin Beyond 4, it will not work (Pangolin changed a lot of things in their API in-between).

ShowNET connection help

If your ShowNET device appears as a destination in MadMapper Laser Output destinations but does not connect (status keeps “Disconnected”), verify that you don’t have multiple network interfaces on the same IP address range (ie 192.168.0.xxx / 255.255.255.0). If you have a wifi or another network in the same IP range, either disable your other network adapter or change its IP address, or change the ShowNET pins for “Auto-IP” mode (& your computer interface in DHCP so your system setups an AutoIP address too (169.254.xxx.xxx / 255.255.0.0)

Safety recommendations

Lasers are powerful and dangerous, hence they should be handled with care and safety for the audience in mind. So please comply with your local regulations. Please note that MadMapper / GarageCube / 1024 architecture cannot be hold responsible for misusage of laser equipment. Above all, don’t shoot rays towards your audience, always use a safety switch on your hardware and specify a safety area. Avoid burning your laser hardware by limiting the laser scan rate too.

Need more help?

Feel free to post on the garageCube forum or drop us a line through the contact form (our support team is available from Monday to Friday, from 08:00 to 17:00 CET).

Change Laser colors

If you’re Laser supports RGB you can use the color palette tools located in the laser surface inspector (bottom left, under the surfaces list).

I can’t see my DAC connected to the network

If MadMapper doesn’t see your Laser DAC connected via network (Ether-Dream, Moncha, LaserCube…), verify that you don’t have a FireWall blocking connections. This is a common issue.

I can’t see Pangolin Beyond in the projector’s “Destination”

You must have Pangolin running on the same machine where MadMapper 5 is running. Then File / New / Laser Project. In the fourth tab on the left part ("Manage Outputs"), select the laser project and in its parameters / Destination, choose a Pangolin Projection Zone.

Installation tips

If your laser has ILDA input, use Etherdream or Helios. If it's a LaserWorld with ShowNET interface, just plug a network cable to ShowNET interface. If it's a FB3/FB4 you have to run MadMapper on the same PC than where Pangolin Beyond is running (FB3/FB4 needs Pangolin Beyond with a license & running on the same PC simultaneously - MadMapper talks with Beyond, not with the laser device).

Need more help?

Feel free to post on the garageCube forum or drop us a line through the contact form (our support team is available from Monday to Friday, from 08:00 to 17:00 CET).

Do I need MadMapper in order to use MadProjectorControl?

Yes, MadProjectorControl is an extension: you need a full version of MadMapper to use it.

Is MadProjectorControl available on Windows? macOS?

Being an extension of MadMapper 5, MadProjectorControl is compatible with both operating systems.

Which MadMapper licenses are compatible with MadProjectorControl?

MadMapper 5 licenses only are compatible, either a rental or a perpetual license.

Can I buy only MadProjectorControl?

Yes you can but since MadProjectorControl is an extension of MadMapper, you need the full MadMapper 5 software to use it.

Can I try MadProjectorControl?

Free DEMO versions are only available for MadMapper and MadLaser. However you can rent MadProjectorControl from 1 month to give it a try.

Can I use the MiniMad for MadProjectorControl?

MadProjectorControl is a MadMapper extension that can only be used through MadMapper, it does not run on the MiniMad.

Do you have an Education price for MadProjectorControl?

Yes, please contact us for more information.

I installed MadMapper but I don’t see the Module

Within MadMapper, click on the Account menu / Manage Authorisations and make sure you’re using the right license. The extension is linked to your user account. Then MadProjectorControl is available as a Module, currently named PJLink.

I can’t install MadProjectorControl although it’s available with my account

Maybe you don’t own a MadMapper license anymore or your temporary license expired.

You do need a MadMapper license to use MadProjectorControl : double-check your existing licenses in the Licenses tab of your MadMapper website user account.

I need help with MadProjectorControl or MadMapper

Before contacting us please refer to the ressources and help available in the MadProjectorControl and MadMapper guides, FAQ, website information and Youtube tutorial videos.

Feel free to post on the garageCube forum and MadMapper Facebook users groups too, users share their experience there.

In which language(s) is MadProjectorControl available?

Like MadMapper 5, the extension is only available in English so far.

How can I install MadProjectorControl?

After purchasing the MadProjectorControl extension you can download MadMapper 5 from the Download section of your user account.

Launch the application then select “MadMapper + MadProjectorControl”, log in with your user account then select the corresponding license.

What are the hardware requirements to use MadProjectorControl?

You first need a PJLink-compatible video-projector to be controlled. Regarding your computer, it’s the same requirements as MadMapper 5: please refer to the dedicated section on the MadMapper page / FAQ. There are several topics in this regard.

Need more help?

Feel free to post on the garageCube forum or drop us a line through the contact form (our sales/support team is available from Monday to Friday, from 08:00 to 17:00 CET).

Can I use my projector with the MadProjectorControl extension?

Yes, as long as your projector is PJLink-enabled!

What is PJLink?

It’s a protocol used to control projectors over the network. More information regarding PJLink are available here : https://pjlink.jbmia.or.jp/english/

How does MadProjectorControl work?

The extension will allow to use the PJLink module, directly available in the Modules tab.

Add as many modules instances as projectors you want to control.

My Projector is PJLink-enabled but I can’t make it work

First, all the projectors you want to control must be physically connected to the same ethernet network. Then, they must be configured with an IP address / mask that’s compatible with the computer running MadMapper.

To connect to a projector, you can either rely on PJLink discovery protocol (which is not supported by all PJLink-enabled device) to find all the supported-devices IP addresses (that can take up to 30 seconds after MadMapper has started) and select the one you want to control in Device, or manually input the projector IP by selecting the “Custom” Device.

Do you have a manual for MadProjectorControl?

Yes, a PDF guide is available on the website and in the MadMapper Help menu.

Do you plan to support more video-projectors control protocols?

Yes, we would like to, but nothing has been planned yet.

Feel free to share your request on the garageCube forum.

Can I remotely control Laser projectors with MadProjectorControl?

The extension’s module currently works with PJLink-compatible video-projectors only.

Why doesn’t my video-projector appear in the Device list?

Not all PJLink-compatible video-projector support being discovered on the network.

Why does my video-projector sometimes take a long time to respond to the module’s controls?

In such cases, this is due to the fact that your projector is already busy with another task. It is therefore normal that the reactivity varies.

Why are the info and status sometimes incorrect?

Depending on the brand & model, the quality of the PJLink implementation in the video-projector may vary. High-end brands & models tend to have a better implementation and respond quickly to commands. To the contrary, low-end models may display incomplete info, miss the warming up & cooling down status, and temporally display an incorrect mute status right after being powered-on.

Why does my video-projector still project some light when Muted?

Some low-end models, even though they have a light-source that can shutdown instantly, keep it on and only blank the video-signal, resulting in a dim but visible projection.

Need more help?

Feel free to post on the garageCube forum or drop us a line through the contact form (our support team is available from Monday to Friday, from 08:00 to 17:00 CET).