> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.lightact.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.lightact.com/projection-mapping/3d-projection-mapping-workflow.md).

# 3D Projection Mapping Workflow

A typical 3D projection **mapping workflow** looks like this:

<div align="left"><img src="/files/9qbl4MEeTESiuY0HHAaY" alt=""></div>

A 3D model in the *viewport* is a precise digital twin of the physical projection object you are projecting on. If the 3D model is properly UV mapped and has correct normals, you will be able to apply texture on it.

3D projection mapping workflow follows these steps:

1. **Import and place** precise 3D models of your physical projection objects. If there is more than one, their position relative to each other, needs to be accurate as well. Then set these 3D models as the ***Sources*** of your projectors.
2. **Calibrate your projectors**: if you use *Iris*, you should calibrate the cameras first and then automatically calibrate all your projectors with computer vision. If you don't use *Iris*, then you can use *3DCal* process to calibrate your projectors manually.
3. **Blend** your projectors automatically using *AutoBlend*.
4. **Fine-tune** the projection using varius warp, blend and color correction nodes.

In the next few chapters, we will go through all the steps mentioned above.

## **Set the 3D objects as Content Sources**

In this chapter we will learn how to map objects to a projector. We will use 3 primitives, however in your case, you will most likely use a real 3D model of your projection object.

<div align="left"><img src="/files/QDIlkXy7Z50sfyJzt4sx" alt=""></div>

Insert 3 primitives and place them relatively close to each other

<div align="left"><img src="/files/iMHJjpA9HCQI8kEbR2wR" alt=""></div>

Then, add 2 WUXGA projectors and position them so that they would be aimed towards the 3 primitives and spaced a bit apart.

<div align="left"><figure><img src="/files/4vrbk2rRpVIypTcbsrZL" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure></div>

There are 2 ways to map projector’s sources. The first one is to use the *Content section* in projector’s properties as shown above. You can double click on one of the available sources or use the <> buttons.

<div align="left"><img src="/files/UZDAp64PASeywggxFkQc" alt=""></div>

And the second is to simply drag from the objects to the projector.

<div align="left"><img src="/files/cDtMkxNzXbzgCqoT1ZM9" alt=""></div>

If you select the projector, you will see that the 3 primitives appear in its thumbnail.

{% hint style="info" %}
**Good to know:** For projection mapping, the object’s render mode should be set to **Unshaded**.
{% endhint %}