# ILW LightMapper vs HappyMapper

The clearest difference is rating: ILW LightMapper at 4.3 against HappyMapper's 4.0. ILW LightMapper also leads on device support (4 vs 2). HappyMapper's advantage is update cadence (every 5 days vs every 2 weeks). On price, review sentiment, ratings volume and ads there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. ILW LightMapper sells 2 one-off in-app purchases and HappyMapper sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $2.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

ILW LightMapper holds the better App Store score, 4.3 against 4.0. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 7 and 8 respectively. Written reviews split almost evenly too, at 100% and 100% positive.

ILW LightMapper ships an update every 2 weeks, HappyMapper every 5 days. The most recent releases landed on November 12, 2026 and November 9, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | ILW LightMapper | HappyMapper |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.3 (7 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ilw-lightmapper/id6736877410/reviews)** | [4.0 (8 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/happymapper/id6768839126/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | 7 | **8** |
| Positive reviews | 100.0% of reviews | 100.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 2 weeks | **Every 5 days** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 368 MB | 13 MB |
| Requires iOS | **15.0** | 16.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac** | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Stuart Griese](https://appshunter.io/developer/1773626597) | [Kenny Lu](https://appshunter.io/developer/1823703468) |

## What reviewers say

### ILW LightMapper

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ilw-lightmapper/id6736877410)

Transform sculptures with animated light using this projection mapping tool. Import your videos or use the built-in library to calibrate and apply visuals. Features include multiple grids, corner offsets, and warp painting for precise alignment and dynamic effects.

**Highlights:** Video Import (.mp4 / H.264), Downloadable Artwork Library, Multiple Grids, Corner Offsets & Global Offset Control, Global Warp Painting Tool, Per Grid Masking, Timeline Scrubbing

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Support Development | $2.99 | one-time |
| Support Development | $9.99 | one-time |


### HappyMapper

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/happymapper/id6768839126)

Transform any surface into a dynamic art installation using your iPhone or iPad and a projector. Easily create complex light and motion effects without prior design experience. Share your creations as videos or enjoy them live.

**Highlights:** Draw to Map outlines, Photo Overlay Mapping for complex surfaces, AirPlay support for wireless projection, Screen-Off Playback for battery saving, Unlimited video searches, Video export for sharing

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| HappyMapper Pro | $2.99 | per month |
| HappyMapper Pro | $24.99 | per year |
| HappyMapper PRO Lifetime | $19.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is ILW LightMapper free?

ILW LightMapper is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is HappyMapper free?

HappyMapper is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, ILW LightMapper or HappyMapper?

ILW LightMapper is rated higher. ILW LightMapper averages 4.3 out of 5 from 7 ratings, while HappyMapper averages 4.0 from 8 ratings.

### Do ILW LightMapper or HappyMapper have ads?

Neither ILW LightMapper nor HappyMapper shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, ILW LightMapper or HappyMapper?

ILW LightMapper ships an update every 2 weeks, and HappyMapper every 5 days. Most recently, ILW LightMapper was updated on November 12, 2026 and HappyMapper on November 9, 2026.

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*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*