Pixel Mapping Basics

Learn to map effects to individually addressable LED pixels.

Goal

Create a pixel map and apply effects to:

• LED strips
• LED matrices/panels
• Custom pixel arrangements

Time: 20-25 minutes

What is Pixel Mapping?

Pixel mapping treats a group of LEDs as a canvas. Instead of controlling fixtures individually, you render effects to a 2D (or 3D) space, and each pixel receives its color based on position.

Step 1: Create a Pixel Map

1. Go to Window > Pixel Map List
2. Click + to create a new pixel map
3. Name it (e.g., "LED Wall")
4. Set dimensions:
   • Width: Number of pixels horizontally
   • Height: Number of pixels vertically

For a single LED strip of 60 pixels:

• Width: 60
• Height: 1

For a 16x16 matrix:

• Width: 16
• Height: 16

Step 2: Map Pixels to DMX

Each pixel needs a DMX address:

1. Open the Pixel Map Editor
2. Select your pixel map
3. Click Auto Address for sequential addressing
4. Or manually assign addresses by clicking pixels

Addressing Modes

• Sequential - Pixels addressed in order
• Snake - Alternating direction each row (common for zigzag LED strips)
• Custom - Manual assignment for irregular layouts

Universe Spanning

Large pixel maps span multiple universes:

• Universe 1: Pixels 1-170 (at 3 channels each)
• Universe 2: Pixels 171-340
• And so on...

Step 3: Position the Pixel Map

For accurate preview visualization:

1. In the Pixel Map settings, set:

   • Position - Where the map appears in 3D space
   • Scale - Physical size
   • Rotation - Orientation

2. Or drag in the Preview panel with the positioning tool

Step 4: Create a Pixel Effect

Effects for pixel maps use spatial nodes:

1. Create a new layer for your pixel map

2. In the Node Editor, add:

   • Input > UV - Provides normalized coordinates (0-1)
   • Generator > Gradient - Creates a horizontal gradient
   • Output > Color Output

3. Connect: UV → Gradient → Color Output

Understanding UV Coordinates

UV provides position for each pixel:

• U (X): 0 at left edge, 1 at right edge
• V (Y): 0 at top, 1 at bottom

Use these to create position-based effects.

Step 5: Animate the Effect

Add movement:

1. Add a Generator > Time node
2. Add the time value to the U coordinate:
   • UV → Split (get U component)
   • Time + U → Fract → HSV to RGB → Output

This creates a moving rainbow across your pixels.

Step 6: Apply Different Patterns

Radial Gradient

1. Use Spatial > Distance from center (0.5, 0.5)
2. Map distance to color

Waves

1. Use Wave > Sine with UV as input
2. Combine horizontal and vertical for interference patterns

Shapes

1. Use SDF Primitives for circles, rectangles, etc.
2. SDF > Circle with UV creates circular patterns

Step 7: Assign to Fixtures

Connect the pixel map to your output:

1. In Pixel Map Settings, assign the Output Universe(s)
2. Ensure Art-Net is configured for those universes
3. Test output to verify mapping

Working with Multiple Pixel Maps

For complex setups:

1. Create separate pixel maps for each element
2. Each can have independent effects
3. Or use the same effect with different UV transformations

Example Setup

• "Back Wall" - 100x50 matrix
• "Floor Strips" - 8 strips of 60 pixels each
• "Ceiling Ring" - 200 pixels in a circle

Pixel Map Tips

Performance

Large pixel maps need more processing:

• Reduce effect complexity for many pixels
• Lower preview quality if needed
• Use efficient node graphs

Color Accuracy

Different LED types vary:

• Adjust gamma in output settings
• Use color calibration if available
• Test with actual hardware

Troubleshooting Mapping

If pixels are out of order:

• Check your addressing mode (sequential vs. snake)
• Verify start address
• Check universe assignments

Next Steps

• Explore spatial nodes
• Learn about SDF effects
• Set up Art-Net output