How To Mount A Projector Vertically?

Having a projector gives you choices on where and how to watch shows since it depends on how you set it up.

But how far can you take this? Can you mount a projector vertically and watch shows on your ceiling or floor?

The answer is: yes, you can!

However, to mount a projector vertically, you must plan everything out nicely. 

But no worries, we’ve researched it for you. All you need to do is read our guide below!

Materials You Will Need

Although the materials you’ll need depend entirely on your type of setup, here are some most vertical projection setups need.

These include:

• a projector
• a projector mount
• a streaming device
• video cables
• audio cables (optional)
• adapters (optional)
• a mirror
• a fan

By putting all of these together, you’ll be able to create the mentioned setup!

1. Projector

The first thing you need is a projector, of course!

You may already have a projector at home, which should work well enough.

However, if you don’t or consider getting another projector, especially for mounting vertically, you should consider buying a small projector.

A small projector will make it much easier to angle vertically, especially if you have difficulty finding a proper mount.

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A projector compatible with standard tripods is the ideal one to get. 

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Having a projector compatible with a standard tripod solves the problem of finding an excellent vertical mount. You can just buy any short tripod and use it with a compatible projector.

2. Projector Mount

Next, you will need a mount for your projector. 

Mounting will depend greatly on what kind of projector you have, but there are three popular options.

The first is a short tripod if your projector has a screw-on feature. This setup makes it much easier to mount and tilt your projector vertically, whether towards the ceiling or the floor.

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The tripod is also able to turn 360 degrees. Unfortunately, it can only support the weight of a small projector.

The second is to make a custom mount. Some individuals make mounts using malleable materials like metal grids, but you can get creative and use anything from a stack of books to a utensil holder, so your projector is propped up.

The third is to use a specialized vertical projector mount, such as Chief’s VPAUW Vertical and Portrait Projector Mount. This is the easiest, least DIY way to mount a projector vertically, but it can be a bit pricey.

3. Streaming Device

Of course, you’ll need a streaming device. The streaming device will be the source of whatever video or image you’ll be projecting.

It will depend on what you have, but the smaller, the better. After all, it’s much easier to connect to a phone or laptop than a computer several feet away!

You could also use a special streaming device, such as a Roku . This device can make watching content from applications like Netflix and Hulu easier.

4. Cables and Adapters

Now that you know which devices you’ll be using, you’ll need to gather all the necessary cables to connect them.

Most projectors should have an HDMI input port, so a high-quality HDMI cable  is a good piece of equipment to have. 

However, older projectors may only have a VGA input port. If you’re connecting from an HDMI output port on your streaming device to a projector with a VGA input port, you will also need an HDMI to VGA adapter .

If you’re streaming from your phone, you will need a USB-C to HDMI adapter  or a USB-C to VGA adapter .

Finally, you need the corresponding audio cables to connect your audio to a sound system.

5. Fan

As you may already know, mounting a projector in a vertical position can cause several technical issues — the most significant problem is overheating. It is also not usually recommended by projector manufacturers.

It overheats because projectors typically have their vents on their back. The exhaust may get blocked by mounting it vertically, and the device will start to heat up.

Although you should ensure the vents have enough space, a good fan  can also help.

You can use any small desktop fan, especially rechargeable ones.

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6. Mirror (optional)

Finally, you might need a mirror if you want to tilt your projector downwards (which would help with the overheating issue).

But not just any mirror! 

The image will bounce off the mirror and onto the ceiling, so you’ll need a high-quality optical mirror  unless you want a blurry projection. 

How to Mount a Projector Vertically

Now let’s get to how to actually mount a projector vertically.

We’ll divide this section according to the type of mount you use, so skip ahead to the mount you prefer!

Using a Tripod 

If you’re using a tripod, you’ll need a bit of tweaking to mount your projector properly.

Step 1: Attach the Projector

Set up your tripod and screw your projector onto the mount. 

You can then point it towards the ceiling or the floor, depending on what you want your setup to be.

Step 2: Angle the Mirror

If you’re using a mirror, simply angle it towards the surface you want to project onto.

Then, angle the projector, so it’s directed at the mirror.

Step 3: Position the Vents and Fan

Adjust the vents so they allow for optimal airflow.

Then, position the fan, so it cools the projector.

Step 4: Connect the Projector to Your Devices

Connect your projector to your streaming device using the proper cables. 

You may also decide to connect it to your sound system.

Step 5: Adjust the Projector Settings

Lastly, adjust the projector’s keystone settings to align the image with your projecting surface. 

Using a Vertical Projector Mount

Finally, if you’re using Chief’s VPAUW Vertical and Portrait Projector Mount, setup should be quick and easy!

Step 1: Attach the Projector

Set up the vertical projector mount and attach your projector as its manual instructs.

Step 3: Connect the Projector to Your Devices

Plug your projector into your streaming device with the appropriate cables. 

If you want to use a separate audio device, connect the projector to your sound system as well.

Step 4: Adjust Projector Settings

Finally, turn on your projector and adjust its keystone settings. 

This may take a while, but keep adjusting the settings until the projected image matches your projection surface.

Using a Custom Mount (Ceiling Mount)

Using a custom mount can be a bit more tricky, considering it all depends on what kind you’ve created, but there are seven main steps you need to take.

Step 1: Decide Where to Put the Projector

First things first: where will you put your projector?

The best place is a low, stable surface. This could be a shelf, a desk, a bed frame, or even the floor. 

This decreases the risk of accidents since a custom mount may not be as stable as a tripod or vertical mount.

Step 2: Attach the Projector Mount

Next, you need to attach the projector to the custom mount. 

Depending on the mount you created, this could mean anything from propping up the projector to laying it down at an angle.

Step 3: Angle the Mirror

If you’re using a mirror, you’ll need to angle the projector so that it’s facing the mirror.

Then, you’ll need to angle the mirror to reflect the projected image on the surface you want to watch.

This may take a while to get perfect, but it’s a small sacrifice for a good viewing experience!

Step 4: Position the Vents and Fan

If your projector has adjustable vents, you’ll want to position them to allow for the best airflow with your custom mount.

Next, place your fan near your projector so that it blows directly on it.

Step 5: Connect the Projector to Your Devices

Use the proper cables to connect your projector to your streaming device. 

Then, if you’re not using the projector’s built-in speakers, connect it to your sound system.

Make sure to organize all cables to prevent accidents or hassle later on.

Step 7: Adjust the Projector Settings

Finally, you’ll need to go into your projector’s settings and adjust the visuals.

Depending on your setup, you may need to adjust the vertical and horizontal keystone settings until everything is aligned perfectly with the surface you’re projecting onto.