One of the most common questions I get is — what projector do you use and how do you set it up?

I use the Aaxa Technologies Pico Projector HERE.This gets the job done for a VERY reasonable initial investment. PLENTY of other projectors that work — don’t limit yourself and so long as the reviews are good, you should be fine PLUS this model is being discontinued and being replaced by better projectors, such as the ones listed in my Amazon Shop under Small Appliances. Such as this, and this. Just make sure you understand the capabilities, features, technical specifications (do your research.). Don’t let the price turn you off (this is one of the BEST cookie related buys I’ve ever made — I would recommend one of these before an airbrush). Buy the projector that suits YOUR needs. For example, if you know if you want it use your phone to project, your needs might be different– for instance, you’ll need different cables, and that’s something YOU need to figure out (I can’t tell you).. or call tech support for the projector. Here’s what my setup looks like:

I use 2 cables to connect my projector to my laptop — these will VARY depending on which projector to end up buying. For my particular configuration, I use a mini HDMI cable and micro USB cable (please double check these are what suits YOUR set up before buying, I cannot advise everyone for their particular set up). The “tripod” I use is HERE. Since it’s older and may not be available, I highly recommend investing the Arkon Mount, which is hands down an AMAZING piece of equipment, and you won’t need another tripod again.  Make sure you also check out the photography section of our amazon shop for other great tool recommendations! The projector acts like a second monitor. So if you connect it with your laptop, you can choose to duplicate the screen or extend it. For ease, I duplicate it. I like MicroSoft Word to project whatever text or graphic I want. I use download fonts from all over the internet– do a google search and spend the time sifting through different ones to see what you like. I’ve used some free and some paid ones. I also use google images a lot — remember to give credit if you end up using someone else’s artwork. I often get asked how I angle my projector so that my piping hand does not block the image; please watch this video where I explain:

All this being said– please keep in mind that like your scribe, stencils, airbrush, etc– the project is a TOOL, not a magical “I can now to all designs perfectly” fix. You will still need the right consistency for that specific design and practice a ton! Good luck, and have fun in the process.

Edit Mar 14, 2021
I did a LIVE stream on my setup. Watch it HERE (be sure to “follow” us on Amazon Live!)

Edit 08-Mar-2020: For those of your on a budget, one of our cookie community friends cookies.bymariam told us that this Smart Sketcher Projector is budget-friendly and does great for lettering!

If you DO NOT want to invest in a projector at all, here are some options for you:

• Use the Camera Lucia app
• Use the tissue paper method:
  • https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IYRLVSvS_6o&t=113s
  • https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jUtNr51v_Ys&t=63s
  • https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GSRjdi7hXZE

PS– don’t forget to check out my Amazon Shop for a list of amazing tools that I use almost on the daily! I also have a comprehensive Resources blog post where I share pretty much every source I have on all things cookie related.