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Welcome to

SPARCK Logo
SPatial Augmented Reality Construction Kit

A powerful node-based toolkit for projection mapping, multi-projector calibration, and
immersive spatial installations
--
built for Max/MSP.

Get Started Node Reference GitHub

What is SPARCK?

Create, calibrate and run advanced spatial augmented reality and projection-mapping setups – directly inside Max.

Whether you're lighting up a single wall, mapping projections onto complex surfaces, calibrating multi-projector setups or building a multi-projector interactive immersive space, SPARCK brings together real-time 3D rendering, projection mapping, tracking, scripting and multi-display output into one cohesive workflow and provides an intuitive workflow with real-time 3D preview.

  • Multi-Projector Calibration

    Calibrate multiple projectors using OpenCV-based algorithms. Define calibration vertices on 3D models and achieve pixel-perfect alignment with realtime calculated soft-edge blending.

  • Spatial Mapping

    Project onto any surface with Canvas nodes. Support for OBJ, Collada, and 30+ 3D formats with real-time texture baking and shader effects.

  • Node-Based Workflow

    Build complex projection systems visually by connecting specialized nodes. Each node handles a specific task — from input to transformation to output.

  • Real-Time 3D Preview

    Visualize your entire projection setup in the built-in 3DViewer. See projector frustums, calibration accuracy, and content placement before going live.

  • Live Input Integration

    Receive real-time content via Spout and Syphon from engines like TouchDesigner, Unity, Unreal, or Notch. Full support for HAP video and point-clouds via rgb-d videos.

  • QueScript Automation

    Automate shows with SPARCK's built-in scripting language. Trigger cues, animate parameters, and orchestrate complex sequences with precision timing.

Core Capabilities

  • Corner Pin Mapping
  • Mesh Warping
  • Soft-Edge Blending
  • Camera Calibration
  • Texture Projection
  • Motion Tracking
  • OSC Control
  • 3D Transformations

Getting Started

Prerequisites

Make sure you have Max installed and the SPARCK package properly set up before continuing.

Install Max + SPARCK

Download Max from Cycling '74 and install the SPARCK package from the Package Manager.

Create a Patcher

Open Max, create a new patcher, and add the SPARCK CORE from the context menu (right-click → SPARCK → CORE).

Save & Reopen

Save the patcher into a new, empty folder. Close and reopen it — SPARCK will create the project folder structure.

Add Nodes & Calibrate

Build your projection system by adding nodes for input, processing, calibration, and output. Use the Beamer node to calibrate projectors.

Follow the Quickstart Guide

Project Organization

When you save a SPARCK patcher, it automatically creates a portable project structure:

your-project/
├── your_sparck_patcher.maxpat
├── _assets/
│   ├── _textures/          # Images, cubemaps, volumes
│   ├── _videos/            # Video files (HAP recommended)
│   ├── _models/            # 3D models for projection surfaces
│   ├── _shaders/           # Custom GLSL shaders
│   ├── _projectors/        # Projector calibration data
│   ├── _scripts/_ques/     # QueScript automation files
│   └── ...
└── _export/                # Output files

Everything stays self-contained, making projects easy to move between machines.

Learn about File Structure

Node Categories

SPARCK organizes its nodes into logical categories:

Category Purpose Key Nodes
Input Bring content into SPARCK Texture, Video, SpoutReceiver, SyphonReceiver
Canvas & Space Define projection surfaces Canvas, Model, Grid, SkyBox
Mapping Map content to outputs CornerPin, MeshWarp, ViewPort
Calibration Configure projectors Beamer, CalibrationCross
Effects Process and blend SpatialShadery, BlendSoftedge, ShaderPointCloud
Transform Position elements in 3D TfmNode, TfmLookAt, TfmMirror
Output Send to displays Window, SpoutSender, SyphonSender
Utility Scripting and control QueScript, Hook

Browse All Nodes

Use Cases

  • Projection Mapping

    Map visuals onto buildings, stages, sculptures, and architectural elements with precise calibration.

  • Floor Projections

    Create interactive floor installations with multiple overhead projectors and soft-edge blending.

  • Immersive Rooms

    Build 360° immersive environments with synchronized multi-wall projection.

  • Live Performances

    Integrate with live visual engines for real-time show control and cue-based automation.

Ready to Create?

Jump into the documentation and start building your first spatial projection.

Start the Quickstart

Developed by Immersive Arts Space

SPARCK is developed and maintained by the Immersive Arts Space at Zurich University of the Arts (ZHdK). It's designed for artists, designers, and technicians working with spatial media.