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CutWire Prism
What it is
CutWire Prism is a free, open-source node-based live video mixer for volunteers, streamers and small venues. It mixes two decks with a crossfader, AUTO and CUT controls, per-deck speed and multiple transitions. Sources can include video files, images, slideshows, cameras, screen capture, shaders, HTML, text, Lua, NDI and a phone camera connected by QR. Its Remove BG process uses MediaPipe segmentation to remove webcam backgrounds without a green screen. Prism supports Lua 5.4 scripts and GLSL fragment shaders, including audio-reactive presets. The mixed program can go to a projector window, NDI, a virtual camera or a recording, and Prism can appear as a virtual camera in OBS, Zoom or a browser. OBS can also control it over WebSocket. One-click controls include blackout, pausing the current frame and a Stay Tuned overlay. Prism is available for Linux and Windows; macOS requires a source build and has no virtual camera output. The maker describes it as early and under active development.
For and against
For
- Free and open source under GPLv3.
- Supports a wide range of video and text sources.
- Outputs to projector window, NDI, virtual camera or recording.
- Includes one-click blackout and frame-pause controls.
- OBS can control Prism over WebSocket.
Against
- macOS requires a source build.
- Virtual camera output is unavailable on macOS.
- The maker describes Prism as early and under active development.
The verdict
Prism offers a two-deck live mixer with varied inputs, outputs and emergency controls at no cost. Linux and Windows users can use its listed platform builds; macOS users face a source-build requirement and no virtual camera output.
Who it suits
Prism suits volunteers, streamers and small venues producing live video for events such as school or college programs, churches, theatres, small concerts or local sports broadcasts. It is also aimed at community AV users and clubs.
Plans and prices
Free
Free forever · no account · no trial · no feature tiers
Read 4 Oct 2026 · cutwire.org
On the record
- AI background removal
- A Remove BG process uses MediaPipe segmentation to remove a webcam background without a green screen.cutwire.org · read 4 Oct 2026
- Development status
- The maker describes Prism as early and under active development and invites users to report bugs.cutwire.org · read 4 Oct 2026
- Integrations
- Prism can appear as a virtual camera in OBS, Zoom, or a browser, and OBS can control it over WebSocket.cutwire.org · read 4 Oct 2026
- Intended users
- The maker describes Prism for school and college events, churches, theatres, community AV, small concerts, clubs, streamers, and local sports broadcasts.cutwire.org · read 4 Oct 2026
- License
- Prism is free and open source under GPLv3.cutwire.org · read 4 Oct 2026
- macOS limitation
- Virtual camera output is unavailable on macOS.cutwire.org · read 4 Oct 2026
- Mixing
- It mixes two decks with a crossfader, AUTO and CUT controls, per-deck speed, and multiple transitions.cutwire.org · read 4 Oct 2026
- Outputs
- The mixed program can go to a projector window, NDI, a virtual camera, or a recording.cutwire.org · read 4 Oct 2026
- Panic controls
- One-click controls include Blackout, pausing the current frame, and a Stay Tuned overlay.cutwire.org · read 4 Oct 2026
- Privacy
- CutWire says Prism has no telemetry; its privacy policy says website analytics may collect anonymized page views.cutwire.org · read 4 Oct 2026
- Product
- CutWire Prism is a node-based live video mixer for volunteers, streamers, and small venues.cutwire.org · read 4 Oct 2026
- Scripting and shaders
- Prism supports Lua 5.4 scripts and GLSL fragment shaders, including audio-reactive presets.cutwire.org · read 4 Oct 2026
- Sources
- Sources include video files, images, slideshows, cameras, screen capture, shaders, HTML, text, Lua, NDI, and a phone camera via QR.cutwire.org · read 4 Oct 2026
- Support
- Support is available through documentation, public GitHub issues, and email at [email protected]; the support page says Discord is fastest during a show.cutwire.org · read 4 Oct 2026
- Supported platforms
- Prism is available for Linux and Windows, while macOS requires a source build.cutwire.org · read 4 Oct 2026
