Looking for a HeavyM alternative?
Two easy tools, two approaches
HeavyM has built its name on being easy, and it is a good piece of software. If you are searching for a HeavyM alternative, it is usually for one of three reasons: you want nothing to install, you would rather your phone found the surfaces than draw them, or you want to start on a free plan. Prism Mapper was built around those three things. Here is how the two compare.
What HeavyM does well
HeavyM is desktop projection mapping software for Windows and macOS. It is aimed at VJs, scenographers, digital artists and teachers, and its drag-and-drop workflow is friendly to people who have never mapped before.
It comes with a visual library, beat-reactive effects, edge blending, MIDI control and, in its higher editions, a timeline plus OSC, DMX and NDI. Recent versions add 3D materials that make shapes look like metal, wood or glass, and AI tools that generate images and videos inside the app.
HeavyM is sold in three editions (Live, Pro and Pro+). You can pay once for a perpetual licence with a year of updates, pay monthly and own it after six months, or rent it for ten days for a single event. There is a free trial to download.
Prism as a HeavyM alternative
Both tools want a first show to take minutes, not days. Prism gets there differently.
The browser is the app
Open Prism in Chrome or Edge on your laptop. There is no download, and your projects save as you go.
The phone does the measuring
Rather than drawing shapes over your objects, you prop your phone by the lens and let a 30-second phone scan find every surface.
Beat first
Even on the free plan, looks react to the beat and the volume. Paid plans add every sound band, drum hits, automation and a timeline.
Made for each surface
AI animations are generated for the shape you selected, so a clip fits a box face or a doorway rather than a rectangle.
Start free, then monthly
A free plan with one projector, then plans from £12 a month (or the local equivalent).
Prism Mapper vs HeavyM at a glance
| Feature | Prism Mapper | HeavyM |
|---|---|---|
| Runs on | Web browser (Chrome or Edge) | Desktop app, Windows and macOS |
| Install | Nothing to install | Download and install |
| Works offline | Needs a connection to open | Yes, once installed |
| Finding surfaces | Phone scan finds them | Draw and place shapes |
| Music reaction | Yes, on every plan | Yes, in every edition |
| AI | AI animations fitted to a surface | Generates images and videos |
| Projectors | 1 (Free, Creator), 4 (Studio), unlimited (Pro) | 1 output (Live), unlimited (Pro, Pro+) |
| MIDI / OSC | Both on Studio and Pro | MIDI on Live; OSC on Pro |
| DMX and NDI | Not supported | On Pro and Pro+ |
| How it is sold | Free plan; monthly plans from £12 | Perpetual licence, rent-to-own or 10-day rental |
HeavyM details from heavym.net (home page and the order page), checked October 2026. Its prices load by region at checkout, so we have not listed them here. Prism details from our plans and manual.
Your first evening with Prism
If you have used HeavyM, most of this will feel familiar. The scan is the new bit.
- 01
Plug in and extend
Connect the projector by HDMI as a second, extended screen. In its own menu, switch off auto-keystone and eco dimming.
- 02
Open the projector window
In Setup, click Open window, drag it onto the projector and click inside it to go fullscreen. The status light should say P1 ready.
- 03
Scan with your phone
Scan the QR code, prop the phone beside the lens, dim the lights and press Start scan. Then pick the objects you want to map.
- 04
Give each surface a look
Click a surface and choose a look. Play some music and watch it move. Bring in your own clips from HeavyM projects on Creator and above.
- 05
Save scenes for the night
Turn your favourite combinations into scenes and step through them with GO, or let them change on the beat.
When HeavyM is the better pick
If you need DMX or NDI, choose HeavyM Pro. Prism does not control lights and does not take live video from other apps.
If you would rather own your software outright than pay monthly, HeavyM's perpetual licence and rent-to-own options will suit you better. The ten-day rental is also handy for a one-off event.
If your venue has no internet at all and you may need to restart the app on site, an installed program is the safer bet. Prism needs a connection to open or reload, though a loaded show keeps running. Read what needs a connection before you choose.
And if you want 3D materials such as metal or glass, or its in-app video export (Pro+), those are HeavyM strengths Prism does not copy.
Is HeavyM free?
HeavyM offers a free trial to download, and its full editions are paid. Prism Mapper has an ongoing free plan for one projector, with a small watermark and the starter looks.
Which is easier for beginners, HeavyM or Prism?
Both are built for beginners. HeavyM keeps things simple with drag and drop. Prism skips most of the drawing because your phone scan finds the surfaces, which helps most with boxes and objects.
Does Prism Mapper react to music like HeavyM?
Yes. Looks react to the beat and the volume on every plan, using your microphone or the computer's sound. Creator and above add every sound band, drum hits, automation and a timeline.
Can I use Prism for paid gigs?
Yes, on the Studio or Pro plan, which include commercial use. Studio also adds up to four projectors, Show mode and MIDI, OSC and keyboard control, and has a 7-day trial.
Try the other approach
Scan a room with your phone on the free plan and see your surfaces move to the beat.
Start creating free