Projector Image Alignment: Lens Shift, Keystone and Focus

For the sharpest, brightest image, align optically first and digitally last.

1. Position the projector as square to the surface as you can: centered and level.
2. Lens shift: move the image up, down, left or right without tilting the projector. Lens shift keeps the image rectangular and sharp. Ranges depend on the projector and lens.
3. Zoom (on zoom lenses) to set image size.
4. Focus after the projector has warmed up for a few minutes. Focus on fine text or a grid pattern.
5. Geometry correction (keystone, corner adjustment, curved-surface correction): use only for what you can't fix physically. Heavy digital correction can soften the image.

Tips

• Use the projector's built-in test pattern to align.
• Mark the projector's position (spike tape on the floor or a note on the mount) so it goes back to the same spot after strike or a bump.
• If you use a mask or projection-mapping software, align the projector first, then the software.

Model-specific menus are in your projector's manual. Rentals: see the Broadway Media Stage Projectors guides.