Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

QLab VS VPT

Compare QLab VS VPT and see what are their differences

QLab logo QLab

QLab, Live show control for Mac OS X.

VPT logo VPT

VPT 8 by HC Gilje, released may 2018. Video Projection Tool (VPT) is a free multipurpose realtime projection software tool for Mac and Windows. VPT 7 was downloaded over 100000 times, so in spite o…
  • QLab Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-08-03
  • VPT Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-07-15

QLab features and specs

  • Flexibility
    QLab supports a wide range of media types, including audio, video, and MIDI, providing a flexible solution for various production needs.
  • User-Friendly Interface
    The software offers an intuitive drag-and-drop interface, making it accessible for both beginners and experienced users.
  • Reliability
    QLab is known for its stability and reliability during live performances, minimizing the risk of technical issues.
  • Powerful Scripting
    Advanced users can take advantage of QLab's scripting capabilities to automate complex sequences and tasks.
  • Comprehensive Support
    The software comes with extensive documentation, tutorials, and customer support, easing the learning curve.

Possible disadvantages of QLab

  • Cost
    QLab can be expensive, especially for higher-tier licenses, which might be prohibitive for smaller productions or individual users.
  • Mac-Only
    The software is only available for macOS, limiting its accessibility for Windows and Linux users.
  • Hardware Dependent
    Optimal performance often requires high-end hardware, which could add to the overall production costs.
  • Learning Curve for Advanced Features
    While basic features are user-friendly, mastering the more advanced functionalities can take time and effort.
  • Limited Collaborative Features
    QLab lacks some advanced collaborative tools found in other production software, which could be a drawback for larger teams.

VPT features and specs

  • User-Friendly Interface
    VPT (Video Projection Tool) offers an intuitive and straightforward interface that allows artists and designers to easily create and manipulate projection mapping projects without requiring extensive technical knowledge.
  • Versatility
    VPT supports a wide range of media formats and allows for multiple projections, making it a versatile tool for a variety of artistic and design applications, from simple installations to complex multimedia projects.
  • Cost-Effective
    As a free and open-source tool, VPT is accessible to creatives with limited budgets, enabling them to explore projection mapping without financial constraints.

Possible disadvantages of VPT

  • Limited Advanced Features
    While suitable for basic projection mapping tasks, VPT may lack some of the advanced features and capabilities found in more commercial solutions, potentially limiting its use for higher-end or complex projects.
  • Learning Curve for Customization
    While VPT is relatively easy for basic tasks, customizing and optimizing projects for specific needs might require a deeper understanding of the tool's functionalities, leading to a steeper learning curve for some users.
  • Platform Limitations
    VPT is primarily developed for specific platforms and may not have the same level of support or compatibility across all operating systems, potentially restricting its usability for some users.

Analysis of QLab

Overall verdict

  • Yes, QLab is considered a very good software solution for live show production and management. Its combination of features, user-friendly design, and dependability make it a top choice for professionals.

Why this product is good

  • QLab, developed by Figure 53, is highly regarded for its robust capabilities in managing live show elements, such as audio, video, and lighting controls. It is known for its intuitive interface, flexibility, and reliability, making it an industry standard for theater, live events, and other performance settings. Users appreciate its powerful scripting features and seamless integration with other production tools.

Recommended for

    QLab is ideal for theater technicians, sound designers, lighting designers, video professionals, and anyone involved in live event production who needs a comprehensive tool for cue management across various media types.

Analysis of VPT

Overall verdict

  • Yes, VPT is widely regarded as a good platform.

Why this product is good

  • VPT (Video Projection Tool) by HC Gilje is appreciated for its innovative approach to real-time video projection. It offers powerful tools for artists and designers, enabling creative and dynamic visual presentations in various environments. Users have praised it for its versatility, ease of use, and the ability to handle complex projection setups effectively.

Recommended for

  • Artists seeking a dynamic tool for video projection
  • Designers working on live performances or installations
  • Educators looking to incorporate engaging visuals into their lessons
  • Technicians handling stage and event productions

QLab videos

QLab V5 Announcement 2022

More videos:

  • Review - #35 - QLab 4 is here!! First-look at the updates.
  • Review - X32 with QLab - MIDI Cue Based Shows
  • Review - Yamaha Audioversity Webinar #6 CL/QL/TF Remote Control from QLab/Python

VPT videos

VPT 7 quickstart

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to QLab and VPT)
3D
62 62%
38% 38
Interactive Presentations
Audio & Music
70 70%
30% 30
Tool
51 51%
49% 49

User comments

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Reviews

These are some of the external sources and on-site user reviews we've used to compare QLab and VPT

QLab Reviews

Exploring the top 10 World of LCD Projector Mapping Softwares
While primarily known as a professional audio, lighting and video playback software, QLab also offers effective projection mapping capabilities. Ideal for theater productions, live events, and installations, QLab allows users to synchronize video content with lighting, audio cues, and other production elements. With its intuitive interface and timeline-based workflow, QLab...
Top 7 Alternatives to MadMapper – Amplify Your Projection Mapping Projects!
QLab is a multimedia playback software originally designed for live theatrical performances but also offers projection mapping capabilities. It allows you to control and coordinate various media elements, including video, audio, lighting, and more. QLab is highly versatile and widely adopted in the field of live events and installations.
Source: www.uubyte.com

VPT Reviews

7 Best Projection Mapping Software 2024 (#1 Video Mapper)
Other options include Resolume Arena, which excels in live performances and offers an ultra-fast video player for real-time video mixing. Resolume Avenue, a sister program to Arena, also provides a reliable visual programming environment with an audio processing engine. HeavyM, on the other hand, is suitable for beginners and small-scale events, offering an online library of...
Exploring the top 10 World of LCD Projector Mapping Softwares
VPT, also known as Video Projection Tool, is an open-source software that has gained popularity for its simplicity and accessibility. With its drag-and-drop interface, users can easily map video content onto surfaces in real-time. VPT offers a range of customizable effects and transitions, making it suitable for both small-scale projects and large-scale installations.

Social recommendations and mentions

Based on our record, VPT seems to be more popular. It has been mentiond 2 times since March 2021. We are tracking product recommendations and mentions on various public social media platforms and blogs. They can help you identify which product is more popular and what people think of it.

QLab mentions (0)

We have not tracked any mentions of QLab yet. Tracking of QLab recommendations started around Mar 2021.

VPT mentions (2)

  • Looking for simple VJ software
    Video projection tool can do that for free. https://hcgilje.wordpress.com/vpt/. Source: almost 4 years ago
  • Lightweight projector mapping software for windows?
    VPT8 might be what you're looking for. Source: almost 4 years ago

What are some alternatives?

When comparing QLab and VPT, you can also consider the following products

Resolume - Resolume is an application for live video performances.

MadMapper - The Mapping Software

Linux Show Player - Sound player designed for stage productions

Modul8 - Modul8 VJ is a revolutionary MacOS X application designed for real time video mixing and...

TouchDesigner - TouchDesigner is a visual development platform that equips you with the tools you need to create stunning realtime projects and rich user experiences.

VDMX - VDMX5 was created from the ground up to meet the demands of realtime video performance.