TouchDesigner

TouchDesigner is a node-based visual programming language and real-time development platform for interactive multimedia content. Developed by Derivative, it is used to create live visuals, interactive installations, projection mapping, generative art, and other real-time media applications. The software emphasizes a dataflow approach where functionality is encapsulated in modular building blocks called operators.

The core concept centers on operator families and networks. TOPs handle textures and images, CHOPs manage channels of data and control signals, SOPs deal with 3D geometry, DATs store tabular data and scripts, MATS define materials and shading, and COMP operators serve as containers for complex networks. Networks are constructed by connecting operators in a graph, and Python scripting is available to customize behavior and workflows. TouchDesigner renders in real time on GPUs via OpenGL and supports outputs to displays, projectors, video walls, and integration with game engines. It can ingest video, 3D assets, and live sensors, and can be used to build standalone shows or live pipelines.

TouchDesigner offers extensive interoperability and production features. It supports OSC, MIDI, DMX, Art-Net, UDP and TCP, enabling external control and lighting systems. Inter-application sharing is possible with Spout on Windows and Syphon on macOS, and NDI is supported for networked video. Projects are saved in the .toe format, and components can be exported as .tox for reuse. The platform runs on Windows and macOS, and a free non-commercial edition with restrictions is available for learning and experimentation.