Canvas2DMX

A Processing library for mapping canvas pixels to DMX lighting fixtures in real time. Define LED layouts, apply colour correction, and send to any DMX backend.

Get Started GitHub

Features

Real-time canvas pixel sampling
Strips, rings, grids, polygons
Custom DMX channel patterns
Gamma & colour correction
GRB chip support
ENTTEC, FT232RL, OLA output
Off-screen buffer support
Live debug visualization

Examples

Basics

Strip Mapping

Offscreen Buffer

Polygon Mapping

Interactive Demo

Quick Start

import com.studiojordanshaw.canvas2dmx.*;

Canvas2DMX c2d;

void setup() {
  size(400, 200);
  pixelDensity(1);

  c2d = new Canvas2DMX(this);
  c2d.mapLedStrip(0, 8, width/2f, height/2f, 40, 0, false);
  c2d.setChannelPattern("grb");  // match your fixture
  c2d.setResponse(2.6);          // gamma for WS2812/WS2815
  c2d.setStartAt(1);
}

void draw() {
  background(0);
  ellipse(mouseX, mouseY, 100, 100);

  int[] colors = c2d.getLedColors();
  c2d.visualize(colors);

  // send via your backend — ENTTEC Pro, FT232RL, OLA, or your own
  c2d.sendToDmx((ch, val) -> dmx.sendValue(ch, val));
}

Full setup guide →

Demo

Made with Canvas2DMX

Installations built using this library — Studio Jordan Shaw

Constellation Range

Six illuminated faceted peaks with aurora gradients responding to Bluetooth proximity — ~2,000 LEDs. Lumière: The Art of Light at Trillium Park and OCAD U Gala 2026

Same Material / Different Time

Anamorphic LED installation — addressable strips transform a tree into a sail through light and perspective

Crosshatch

Kinetic interactive installation — handles alter lighting, shadows, and projected patterns in real time

Signal

Interactive light sculpture driven by open weather data and visitor interaction

Rays

Infrared-interactive public light sculpture celebrating post-pandemic community reconnection — Hamilton

MIT License · Studio Jordan Shaw

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