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TouchDesigner

TouchDesigner is a visual development platform that equips you with the tools you need to create stunning realtime projects and rich user experiences.

TouchDesigner

TouchDesigner Reviews and Details

This page is designed to help you find out whether TouchDesigner is good and if it is the right choice for you.

Screenshots and images

  • TouchDesigner Landing page
    Landing page //
    2021-10-03

Features & Specs

  1. Versatility

    TouchDesigner can be used for a wide range of applications including real-time graphics, interactive installations, live performances, and data visualization.

  2. Real-Time Capabilities

    It excels at creating and manipulating visuals in real-time, making it ideal for live events and performances.

  3. 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.

  4. High Customizability

    Users can create highly custom visuals and interactions tailored specifically to their needs.

  5. 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.

  6. 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.

  7. Free Non-Commercial Version

    A non-commercial version is available for free, allowing users to learn and experiment without incurring costs.

Badges

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Videos

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

TouchDesigner Experiments

Particle Displacement โ€“ TouchDesigner Tutorial 7

Social recommendations and mentions

We have tracked the following product recommendations or mentions on various public social media platforms and blogs. They can help you see what people think about TouchDesigner and what they use it for.
  • Ask HN: What are some cool or underrated tech companies based in Canada?
    Https://derivative.ca/ (Both packages have a shared origin I believe). - Source: Hacker News / 3 months ago
  • Show HN: Ossia Score 3.5.3
    I think this general class of software is called Show Control. There are commercial and open source projects that also do it in some form: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MIDI_Show_Control https://v-control.com/ https://qlab.app/ https://troikatronix.com/ https://derivative.ca/ Plus a variety of Video DJ platforms like VDMX, Arkaos, GrandVJ, which have some of this functionality, and then a lot of free and... - Source: Hacker News / 3 months ago
  • 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 / 11 months ago
  • NestDrop Midnight Edition v23.15 - PRO VERSION FREE DOWNLOAD
    โ‡’ Resolume โ‡’ NestMap โ‡’ TouchDesigner โ‡’ MadMapper โ‡’ Any other software listed on the Spout website. Source: over 2 years ago
  • After Effects for live broadcasting?
    Touchdesigner: https://derivative.ca/. Source: over 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: over 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: over 2 years ago
  • Notch x TD - Real-time local network editing
    It's Notch and Touchdesigner, two of the most used real-time graphic software in the event industry. Source: over 2 years ago
  • Real time reactive visual processing methods?
    He's using touchdesigner. It's a visualization software environment / visual programming language that allows you to map pretty much any kind of input data to visual transformations. Pretty easy to integrate with Eurorack if you have something like expert sleepers modules that allows you to get cv into the computer. Source: over 2 years ago
  • Compiling a video synthesis resource list
    Touch Designer: https://derivative.ca/. Source: over 2 years ago
  • Geometric pattern generation with Panasonic MX50
    Software like Touch Designer or Processing - you could generate stuff live or prerecord loops. Source: over 2 years ago
  • A personal history of visual programming environments (2021)
    SideFX and derivatire started out as one team at first then they split and touchdesigner was born. TD is a powerhouse. https://derivative.ca Then there is https://cables.gl that is all web based and pretty neat to play around with. /best regards yours truly node junkie. - Source: Hacker News / almost 3 years ago
  • Live Coding Video Synth
    TouchDesigner is very popular in this space. https://derivative.ca/. - Source: Hacker News / almost 3 years ago
  • My newest idea in action, 36 3D printed crystals with WS2811 chains behind. Controlled over an Node MCU with either WLED or ArtNet sent from Touchdesigner
    Thanks! This is the first I've heard of TouchDesigner. Source: almost 3 years ago
  • This might be a long shot but does anyone know what this program is? And what the method being used is?
    I believe that is TouchDesigner from Derivative. Source: almost 3 years ago
  • Does anyone know plugin used in this video?
    After Effects is not the tool to generate live responding effects. There is tools like: https://derivative.ca/ for that. Source: about 3 years ago
  • EYESY video synth vs MisMatcher Petite-video glitcher vs Oscillatoscope 2B Gieskes?
    This is what I use, the free version is great and really the only main limitation is your output resolution is capped at 1280x1280 (more than enough for analog video stuff getting started). It has a bit of a learning curve, but there is really no coding (unless you want to write shaders which it supports), it's all just node based and there are a ton of great tutorials on youtube that you can look at before even... Source: about 3 years ago
  • Ask HN: Does anyone here makes sw for kiosks, infotainments or similar?
    The "flow" type programming model reminds me a lot of TouchDesigner (https://derivative.ca/). - Source: Hacker News / about 3 years ago
  • Reddit can too.
    This is actually a save prompt from the realtime multimedia software TouchDesigner. Feels weird seeing this on Reddit! Source: over 3 years ago
  • What is the most engaging coding language to start with...
    Or perhaps TouchDesigner is more your flavour? (sorry linux friends, it's windows and mac only :( but I have seen and heard a lot of good about it). Source: over 3 years ago
  • TouchDesignerโ”‚Audio-reactive visualizationโ”‚This type is one of my favorites because they are hyper-reactive and it seems like you can sense the texture through the screen
    It's a professional framework for making generative installation art -- often using projection mapping -- that is responsive to interaction with the space. TouchDesigner. Source: over 3 years ago

Summary of the public mentions of TouchDesigner

TouchDesigner, developed by Derivative, has carved out a distinct niche in the domain of real-time visual programming and multimedia content creation. It has garnered widespread acclaim for its versatility and robustness, enabling artists and designers to create dynamic, interactive installations and complex visualizations. This node-based visual programming environment empowers users to undertake a diverse array of tasks, from large-scale projection mappings to intricate data-driven visual transformations.

One of TouchDesignerโ€™s most notable attributes is its unmatched flexibility, which is a recurring theme in several recent mentions and discussions across different platforms. Its ability to integrate seamlessly with various data inputs and external control protocols, such as artNET and sACN, makes it highly adaptable for varied creative projects. This adaptability, combined with a powerful suite of features and open customization options, allows users to tailor their projects to fit any scenario or budget, from small installations to expansive multimedia shows.

In the competitive landscape of projection mapping software, TouchDesigner holds its own against other well-regarded tools like Resolume Arena and MadMapper. While Resolume is often favored for live performances due to its ultra-fast video mixing capabilities, and HeavyM is noted for its beginner-friendly interface and pre-built templates, TouchDesigner stands out for its capacity to push the boundaries of artistic expression. This is particularly true for more complex and data-rich installations where TouchDesignerโ€™s real-time rendering capabilities and integration with scripting languages like Python prove invaluable.

The community support surrounding TouchDesigner further enhances its appeal. The program has fostered a strong user base, characterized by active forums and an abundance of tutorials and resources, which beginners and seasoned professionals alike find beneficial for their developmental journey. Despite its steep learning curve, the availability of resources helps users overcome initial challenges, enabling them to fully harness the software's potential.

Furthermore, TouchDesigner is praised for its proponentโ€™s commitment to enabling artistic innovation. It supports a free license for non-commercial use, which is pivotal for independent artists and smaller creative studios looking to explore its capabilities without financial commitment upfront.

Overall, TouchDesigner has established itself as a powerful tool within the realms of visual arts and multimedia design, particularly for professionals seeking to execute complex, interactive projects that go beyond conventional visuals. Its versatility in handling multimedia elements, paired with a robust support network, makes it an enduring choice in an ever-evolving field, continually pushing the envelope in digital artistry.

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Is TouchDesigner good? This is an informative page that will help you find out. Moreover, you can review and discuss TouchDesigner here. The primary details have not been verified within the last quarter, and they might be outdated. If you think we are missing something, please use the means on this page to comment or suggest changes. All reviews and comments are highly encouranged and appreciated as they help everyone in the community to make an informed choice. Please always be kind and objective when evaluating a product and sharing your opinion.