Skip to main content

Follow these 6 simple steps to turn any smartphone into a 3D hologram projector

I have been patiently waiting for the first smartphone that can project hologram images, but apparently every current smartphone already has this ability.

It might not be exactly what you’re thinking, but with a few basic tools and a CD case, your phone will be projecting images in no time. These instructions come courtesy of Mrwhosetheboss via YouTube, and it’s amazingly cool.

Recommended Videos

What you will need

  • CD case
  • Graph paper
  • Tape or super glue
  • Pen
  • Scissors
  • Utility knife or glass cutter
Please enable Javascript to view this content

Step 1

Using a pen and a piece of graph paper, make the following rhombus shape and cut it out with scissors. The dimensions should be 1 x 3.5 x 6 cm. You can actually double or triple the sizes for a better effect, but this is a good start for now.

Smartphone_Hologram_Guide_Screenshot_01ASmartphone_Hologram_Guide_Screenshot_02A

Step 2

Remove the edges from any CD case. Just make sure the case isn’t too scratched up, which would affect the quality of the image.

Smartphone_Hologram_Guide_Screenshot_03A
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Step 3

Trace the rhombus shape on any area of the CD case. Using a utility knife or glass cutter, carefully cut out the rhombus shape. Now use this first piece as a template to easily cut out three additional pieces.

Smartphone_Hologram_Guide_Screenshot_04ASmartphone_Hologram_Guide_Screenshot_05A

Step 4

Connect the four pieces together with either tape or glue. Although glue will give you a cleaner look, tape is recommended since it will be a tedious process to get the glue to hold the thin edges of the plastic. Just make sure to use clear tape so it doesn’t distort the effect. Note: One of the pieces in the image below is slightly broken, but it’s not an issue.

Smartphone_Hologram_Guide_Screenshot_06A
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Step 5

Turn off the lights and place the projector screen on your smartphone and load up a hologram-specific video. You can use this five-minute demo video here or search for “hologram video” via Google or YouTube for other examples.

Smartphone_Hologram_Guide_Screenshot_07A
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Step 6

Enjoy your new hologram projector and amaze your friends.

Robert Nazarian
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Robert Nazarian became a technology enthusiast when his parents bought him a Radio Shack TRS-80 Color. Now his biggest…
Apple retains lead in global smartwatch market, but cracks are growing
A person wearing the titanium Apple Watch Series 10.

Apple maintained its lead as the world’s top smartwatch brand in the year 2024, but did so at the cost of declining market share, while rivals such as Samsung and Chinese labels saw an uptick in their sales. Apple ended the year with a 22% share of the global market, down from 25% in 2023, amounting to a 19% reduction in yearly shipments.

According to Counterpoint’s Global Smartwatch Shipments report, the global smartwatch market shrunk for the first time ever in 2024. “The downturn was primarily due to a decline in Apple’s shipments as the basic smartwatch segment saw lower upgrades amid a slowdown,” says the report.

Read more
New M3 iPad Air live blog: Apple’s refreshed Air has more power
Apple iPad Air M3 2025

Welcome to our new iPad Air launch live blog. Apple has announced the new iPad Air with M3 chip, along with an update to the entry-level iPad.

The new iPad Air comes as somewhat of a surprise, arriving a day before Apple hosts a launch event where we expect to see the new MacBook Air announced.

Read more
Repairable smartwatch one step closer to taking on the Apple Watch Ultra
A promotional image showing the Una Watch.

An unusual repairable, upgradeable smartwatch has taken one step closer to becoming reality after receiving a sizable investment ahead of its crowdfunding launch. It’s called the Una Watch, and is described as being the world’s first “modular GPS sports watch,” and is shown in adventurous situations in the few promotional images on Instagram, suggesting it’s going to take on existing smartwatches like the Apple Watch Ultra, Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra, and various models from Garmin and Polar.

This is where the device’s modularity makes sense. In extreme (and some not-so-extreme) sports it’s easy to damage parts of a watch, but almost all the Una Watch’s components  appear to be easily removed and replaced. On the preview website it’s promised all you’ll need is a single tool to take the smartwatch apart, much like with HMD’s repairable smartphones, and it appears the battery, screen, front panel, and potentially even internal components will be replaceable.

Read more