Step-by-step guide on mapping Twinkly devices
Applies to Twinkly Generation I and Generation II devices, Twinkly PRO and Twinkly Plus
What is mapping?
Mapping is a feature of the Twinkly App that uses your smartphone camera to scan each LED bulb in your space, creating a detailed 3D virtual layout of your lights. No matter where your lights are positioned, the app will locate them.
With version 3.19 of the Twinkly App (available on both Android and iOS), the mapping process has been simplified, offering more detailed options for your Twinkly lights. This guide will help you navigate both the updated Simple Mapping and 3-Dimensional features, ensuring you achieve the perfect setup for any installation.
Simple Mapping Overview
Easy Mapping provides a quick, single-scan process that generates a 2D layout of your lights.
- Accessing Simple Mapping:
Select “Layout” to see your current setup (this remains unchanged from previous versions).
To begin mapping, tap “Map Lights”, and you’ll be taken to the mapping strategy selection page.
- Quick Scan Features:
Top Left: Choose your mapping strategy.
Top Right: Close the screen (X button) and return to the layout.
Tripod Symbol (iOS only): Appears when the phone detects stability for an improved scan.
Camera Options: Switch between ultra-wide, wide, or telephoto cameras. Pop-ups will guide you on the best use for each lens (e.g., use a tripod for telephoto to avoid distortion).
Start Mapping: Tap the button at the bottom to begin. A countdown will help stabilise your phone, and the scan progress will be displayed on the button.
- Saving Your Layout:
After scanning, you’ll receive feedback on the LEDs and a preview in the app.
Select “Save and Apply” to keep the layout or “Restart” to redo the scan.
This Mapping mode does not require an Internet connection, so it can be done even after establishing a connection with the Twinkly network.
3-Dimensional Mapping Overview
Multi-View is perfect for more intricate layouts, allowing multiple scans from various angles. This mode includes four strategies:
- Fast cone (available for Pro, Plus, Strings, Candies, Prelit, LightTree devices): The process involving just two steps: one directly opposite the other by 180°. Once completed, the 3D layout is generated directly on the device, without relying on cloud connectivity. This makes the mode available even without an internet connection, including for devices added via direct connection mode (no internet connection required)
- 3-D Shape: Ideal for mapping non-specific 3D objects. (internet connection required)
- Cone: For mapping cone or cylinder-shaped objects like trees. (internet connection required)
- Vertical Surface (PRO Users only)*: Great for walls or facades, creating a continuous 2D layout.(internet connection required)
- Floor-to-Wall: For flat objects on the floor or ceiling (available for Pro Users with Advanced Mapping enabled). (internet connection required)
*The Vertical Surface Mapping option is available exclusively to users who have onboarded at least one PRO or Plus device to their Twinkly account.
Legend of LED Colours After Scanning
- RED: The LEDs have not yet been assigned spatial coordinates.
- ORANGE: The LEDs have been recognised for the first time by the camera and have received XY coordinates.
- GREEN: The LEDs are fully recognised in three dimensions, including depth coordinates.
Incremental Mapping Feature (3-Dimensional Only)
With Incremental Mapping, users can map an object in several sessions. Here’s how it works:
- Pause and Continue Later:
You can pause the mapping process at any step without finalising. Simply press X or the back arrow, and your progress will be saved.
When you return, press “Map Lights” and choose to “Continue Mapping” from where you left off, or start a new mapping session (note: starting new will overwrite your previous steps).
- Improving an Existing Layout:
If you’ve saved a layout but wish to refine it later, you can add more steps. The app will guide you to continue from the last saved point, ensuring a more precise result over time.
Special Feature on Twinkly PRO & Plus: 4G Mapping
Available on iOS and Android App Version 3.19 and later for Twinkly PRO, Plus and Lightwall devices.
The 4G Mapping feature lets you carry out precise mapping even without a Wi-Fi connection, using your smartphone or tablet’s 4G. This handy option makes the mapping process smooth and accurate, no matter where you are.
By default, 4G Mapping is turned on when your setup has more than 6,000 LEDs. However, you can easily enable it for smaller setups by going into the app settings and selecting the "Force OpenLoop Mapping" option. This means you can map objects with fewer than 6,000 LEDs without needing a local Wi-Fi network.
Just a heads up, while using 4G Mapping, your device or object might show as offline (since it’s not on the same network), but the mapping will still work just fine.
How to Achieve the Perfect Mapping
Explore all the step-by-step tips to create a flawless layout for your Twinkly lights. Follow the guide to make sure your setup looks its best! Read more here.
How Can I Map a Previously Registered Device to a Different Twinkly Account?
If your Twinkly device was previously mapped and you're now using a different account, you’ll need to delete the current layout to start the mapping process again.
Here’s how to do it:
- Go to the object's details and tap the trash can icon to remove it. For more details, check out this guide: How to delete a device or group.
- Reset your Twinkly device.
- Perform the onboarding process again.
- Map your lights
How Do Permissions Work for Mapping Based on User Roles?
Only the Owner and Installer roles have access to the Mapping feature. If the device was previously owned by someone else, you'll need to reset the Twinkly device to gain permissions for mapping.
Learn more about the different user roles and their permissions here: Twinkly User Roles.