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Cake Mapping Kit

I am often asked “Which projector is best for cake mapping?” or “What equipment should I buy to do cake mapping?” There is no definitive answer to these questions. The needs of each person will depend on many factors.

However, here is a list of the equipment, including projector, I use for my set up which may be a useful starting point.

Each of the links below will take you through to an Amazon page for the item. They are affiliate links which means I earn a small commission if you purchase an item through this link.

Software

Here are some software options you can use for cake mapping.

Some are free and some are paid. I have tutorials for several of there in the Tutorials section.

 

MapMap (free)
VPT (free)
HeavyM (free)

MadMapper (paid)
Qlab (paid)
Resolume (paid)

Projectors

I use short-throw projectors because I position my projectors close to the cake. I like this model because it’s an affordable consumer projector of good quality. It produces rich colours and decent brightness.

2 x BenQ HT2150ST 1080P Short Throw Projector (listed as BenQ W1210ST in the UK)

Other Hardware

This is some of the extra hardware you might need in addition to a projector in order to do cake mapping.

You will need a good laptop or computer to output content to your projector/s. I use a MacBook Pro but you can also use a PC.

 

Apple MacBook Pro (16-inch, 16GB RAM, 512GB Storage) – Space Gray
Mini DisplayPort (Mini DP) to HDMI Cable
Matrox DualHead2Go Digital ME Multi-Display Adapter

Cake Materials

These are the materials you will need if you want to create a dummy cake from scratch.

They are the same dimensions as the cake I typically use in all my tutorials. They also are the best dimensions to be used with all the content I sell in my shop.

 

8” x 8″ x 5″ Polystyrene Cake Dummy
10” x 10″ x 5″ Polystyrene Cake Dummy
12” x 12″ x 5″ Polystyrene Cake Dummy
14” x 14″ x 5″ Polystyrene Cake Dummy
16” x 16″ x 5″ Polystyrene Cake Dummy

White Fondant Icing
White Fondant Icing – Recommended for keeping long term (UK only)

Fondant Smoothing Tool/Polisher
18” Cake Board

 

Camera Equipment

This is the camera I use to shoot my YouTube videos and tutorials.

They are not necessary for cake mapping.

 

Canon EOS 5D MkIII
Canon EF 50mm f/1.2 L USM Lens