Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

Resolume VS TouchDesigner

Compare Resolume VS TouchDesigner and see what are their differences

Resolume logo Resolume

Resolume is an application for live video performances.

TouchDesigner logo TouchDesigner

TouchDesigner is a visual development platform that equips you with the tools you need to create stunning realtime projects and rich user experiences.
  • Resolume Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-10-22
  • TouchDesigner Landing page
    Landing page //
    2021-10-03

Resolume features and specs

  • User-Friendly Interface
    Resolume offers a highly intuitive and easy-to-navigate user interface, making it accessible for both beginners and professionals.
  • Real-Time Video Mixing
    The software supports real-time video mixing and effects, allowing VJs and AV artists to perform live without latency issues.
  • Extensive Effects Library
    Resolume comes with a comprehensive library of effects and transitions, providing users a wide range of creative options for their visual performances.
  • Support for Multiple Formats
    It supports various video and audio file formats, making it versatile for different types of media content.
  • MIDI and OSC Integration
    The software supports MIDI and OSC protocols, allowing users to integrate it seamlessly with other hardware and software for enhanced performance control.

Possible disadvantages of Resolume

  • Expensive Licensing
    Resolume can be costly, especially for independent artists or small studios, as it requires purchasing a license for full access to its features.
  • High System Requirements
    The software demands a powerful computer, including a strong GPU and considerable RAM, which might not be feasible for all users.
  • Learning Curve
    Despite its user-friendly interface, mastering all features and functionalities of Resolume can take time and effort.
  • Limited Free Version
    The free version of Resolume comes with significant limitations, reducing its usability for professional purposes without a paid upgrade.
  • Occasional Stability Issues
    Some users have reported occasional crashes and stability issues, which can be problematic during live performances.

TouchDesigner features and specs

  • Versatility
    TouchDesigner can be used for a wide range of applications including real-time graphics, interactive installations, live performances, and data visualization.
  • Real-Time Capabilities
    It excels at creating and manipulating visuals in real-time, making it ideal for live events and performances.
  • Node-Based Workflow
    The software uses a node-based visual programming language, which is intuitive and flexible, allowing for easy manipulation and connection of different elements.
  • High Customizability
    Users can create highly custom visuals and interactions tailored specifically to their needs.
  • Community and Resources
    A strong community of users and a wealth of tutorials, forums, and documentation are available to help new users learn and troubleshoot.
  • Compatibility
    Supports a broad array of input and output devices, as well as different file formats, making it highly interoperable with other tools and technologies.
  • Free Non-Commercial Version
    A non-commercial version is available for free, allowing users to learn and experiment without incurring costs.

Possible disadvantages of TouchDesigner

  • Steep Learning Curve
    The software is complex and can be difficult for beginners to master due to its vast capabilities and depth.
  • Performance Demands
    Creating complex projects can be resource-intensive, requiring powerful hardware to run smoothly.
  • Cost for Commercial Use
    While the non-commercial version is free, the commercial licenses can be expensive, which may be a barrier for smaller studios or individuals.
  • Limited Traditional Documentation
    While there are many community resources, the official documentation can be somewhat lacking in detail for more advanced functions.
  • Specialized Skill Set
    Expertise in TouchDesigner does not always translate directly to other software tools, meaning skills learned can be somewhat isolated.
  • Version Compatibility
    Projects created in different versions may not always be compatible, which can be a problem for long-term projects or collaborations.

Analysis of Resolume

Overall verdict

  • Yes, Resolume is considered to be a good software by many users.

Why this product is good

  • Resolume is praised for its robust features tailored for live VJ performances, video mapping, and real-time video mixing. It offers a user-friendly interface, flexible video playback, and a wide range of effects. The software supports various video formats and has strong compatibility with different hardware, enhancing its appeal to professional and amateur VJs alike.

Recommended for

  • Video DJs (VJs) who require reliable and powerful software for live performances.
  • Artists and visual performers looking for tools to create intricate visual displays.
  • Event and stage designers who want to incorporate dynamic video elements into their productions.
  • Beginners and professionals alike seeking an intuitive platform with a broad community for support and inspiration.

Analysis of TouchDesigner

Overall verdict

  • TouchDesigner is highly regarded in the fields of real-time rendering, multimedia art, and interactive installation design. It provides a robust platform for creative expression and technical execution, making it an excellent choice for those interested in these areas.

Why this product is good

  • TouchDesigner is considered good due to its powerful real-time visual programming capabilities, flexibility in handling interactive multimedia systems, and a supportive community. It allows artists, developers, and designers to create interactive installations, performances, and stage designs. Its node-based approach makes it accessible for both beginners and experienced users working on complex projects.

Recommended for

  • Visual artists
  • Interactive designers
  • Multimedia performers
  • Developers interested in real-time graphics
  • Architects and stage designers looking for dynamic presentation tools
  • Educators and students in new media and digital art

Resolume videos

Resolume 7.6 - Latest Version

TouchDesigner videos

Make mind bending, interactive 3D projects with TouchDesigner and Python

More videos:

  • Review - TouchDesigner Experiments
  • Tutorial - Particle Displacement – TouchDesigner Tutorial 7

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to Resolume and TouchDesigner)
3D
50 50%
50% 50
Interactive Presentations
Audio & Music
100 100%
0% 0
VJ
37 37%
63% 63

User comments

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Reviews

These are some of the external sources and on-site user reviews we've used to compare Resolume and TouchDesigner

Resolume Reviews

7 Best Projection Mapping Software 2024 (#1 Video Mapper)
Other options include Resolume Arena, which excels in live performances and offers an ultra-fast video player for real-time video mixing. Resolume Avenue, a sister program to Arena, also provides a reliable visual programming environment with an audio processing engine. HeavyM, on the other hand, is suitable for beginners and small-scale events, offering an online library of...
Exploring the top 10 World of LCD Projector Mapping Softwares
We love that this video project mapping software website has the training available on their website. Resolume Arena is primarily known for providing VJ (video jockey) and projection mapping capabilities. This versatile software enables users to create live visuals, animations, and effects while seamlessly integrating with other media sources. With its extensive video...
Top 7 Alternatives to MadMapper – Amplify Your Projection Mapping Projects!
Resolume Arena is a powerful projection mapping software that allows you to create real-time visuals and audio-responsive effects. With its intuitive interface and extensive library of effects, Resolume Arena is suitable for both beginners and professionals. The software supports various video formats and seamlessly integrates with popular VJ software.
Source: www.uubyte.com
Top 5 VJ Softwares In 2021
No VJ list is complete without Resolume, so let’s just get this out of the way. Widely regarded as the industry standard VJ tool, Resolume comes in three different options – Avenue, Arena & Wire.

TouchDesigner Reviews

7 Best Projection Mapping Software 2024 (#1 Video Mapper)
Other options include Resolume Arena, which excels in live performances and offers an ultra-fast video player for real-time video mixing. Resolume Avenue, a sister program to Arena, also provides a reliable visual programming environment with an audio processing engine. HeavyM, on the other hand, is suitable for beginners and small-scale events, offering an online library of...
Exploring the top 10 World of LCD Projector Mapping Softwares
TouchDesigner stands out for its immense versatility and its ability to handle interactive multimedia projects. This node-based visual programming environment enables users to create complex projection mapping setups, combining real-time graphics, audio, and video processing. With its robust community support, TouchDesigner is an excellent choice for those seeking to push...
Top 7 Alternatives to MadMapper – Amplify Your Projection Mapping Projects!
TouchDesigner is a powerful visual development platform that enables artists and designers to create interactive installations, immersive experiences, and projection mapping projects. It offers a node-based interface, real-time rendering capabilities, and support for various media types. TouchDesigner is widely used in the media and entertainment industry for its versatility...
Source: www.uubyte.com
5+ best video mapping software for PC
TouchDesigner’s suite of features and open customization makes each project possible, with multiple solutions to tackle every job, whether small or large in ways that fit each scenario and budget.
Top 5 VJ Softwares In 2021
TouchDesigner is a node based visual programming language for real time interactive multimedia content, developed by the Toronto-based company Derivative. It’s been used by artists, programmers, creative coders, software designers, and performers to create performances, installations, and fixed media works.

Social recommendations and mentions

Based on our record, TouchDesigner should be more popular than Resolume. It has been mentiond 31 times since March 2021. We are tracking product recommendations and mentions on various public social media platforms and blogs. They can help you identify which product is more popular and what people think of it.

Resolume mentions (16)

  • NestDrop Midnight Edition v23.15 - PRO VERSION FREE DOWNLOAD
    Resolume ⇒ NestMap ⇒ TouchDesigner ⇒ MadMapper ⇒ Any other software listed on the Spout website. Source: almost 2 years ago
  • Live radio projection gig part 2
    You'll need this + that and some time to learn how to use both. Source: about 2 years ago
  • AI animation is breaking any rule! Transforming myself into many different characters!
    I'm wondering if something could be integrated into something like Resolume. Source: about 2 years ago
  • Recommendations for light sequencing software (music, 2-3 WLED chips over sACN)
    Resolume seems to be more VJ oriented than light sequencing, xLights while functional seems a bit simple and not focused for music, and of course there's GrandMA3 for personal use but that seems way too complex/overkill. Source: about 2 years ago
  • Crossposed on r/synthesizers, hoping for beginner hardware recommendations
    Resolume Avenue and Resolume Wire - this is an expensive piece of software but it’s really great for live performance/VJing and also has a ton of amazing effects, midi integration, Ableton link, etc. Wire is a separate app from them but integrates with Avenue, and it’s a modular environment similar to Vsynth where you create nodes in a visual environment that you connect together to create a patch which shows you... Source: about 2 years ago
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TouchDesigner mentions (31)

  • Ask HN: What Are You Working On? (October 2024)
    Will it be something like TouchDesigner[1] ? I never used it myself, but I follow a lot of creative types who make music visualizations, and art installations with it. I can't find it on Github though, maybe repo is private ? [1] https://derivative.ca/. - Source: Hacker News / 7 months ago
  • NestDrop Midnight Edition v23.15 - PRO VERSION FREE DOWNLOAD
    ⇒ Resolume ⇒ NestMap ⇒ TouchDesigner ⇒ MadMapper ⇒ Any other software listed on the Spout website. Source: almost 2 years ago
  • After Effects for live broadcasting?
    Touchdesigner: https://derivative.ca/. Source: almost 2 years ago
  • Lighting Software with programmable effects?
    Touch Designer is an object oriented environment with a range of ways to manipulate data and plugins for external control (ie - artNET, sACN, dmx dongles) - it is somewhat OS agnostic / MAC/PC. Source: about 2 years ago
  • Method For Generating Graphical Representations from data?
    Python ranges from "decent" to "awesome" and "cutting edge" across a range of use cases. I would put graphics on the bottom tier of Python's strengths. You should look for something built for graphics. My go to is TouchDesigner by Derivative (derivative.ca). They offer a free license, it's all node based for real-time graphics processing, you can generate images with it, and you can script anything in... Source: about 2 years ago
View more

What are some alternatives?

When comparing Resolume and TouchDesigner, you can also consider the following products

MadMapper - The Mapping Software

QLab - QLab, Live show control for Mac OS X.

Pure Data - Pd (aka Pure Data) is a real-time graphical programming environment for audio, video, and graphical...

VPT - VPT 8 by HC Gilje, released may 2018. Video Projection Tool (VPT) is a free multipurpose realtime projection software tool for Mac and Windows. VPT 7 was downloaded over 100000 times, so in spite o…

VDMX - VDMX5 was created from the ground up to meet the demands of realtime video performance.

HeavyM - Simple video mapping software with a huge library of effects.