Notch
What it is
Notch is a real-time 3D motion-design tool with GPU-accelerated graphics. Its node graph connects elements in motion-design workflows, while four physically based GPU renderers can be switched without changing a scene, its lighting or materials. Creative tools include compositing, cloners, video processing, physics, materials, particles, volumetrics, JavaScript scripting and networking controls. Interactive integrations include Kinect, tracking SDKs and systems, lidar, TUIO, Blacktrax and Windows Touch. Notch also supports OSC, MIDI, ArtNet, NDI, Spout, streaming protocols, virtual webcam output and an internal Web/HTTP API. The Indie plan is $279 a year for non-commercial use with 1080p export; a free 60-day trial is listed. Other options include VFX at $117 a month and RFX at $216 a month. Notch requires Windows 10 or higher on 64-bit x86 with a discrete GPU. Its free NotchLC plugin supports Adobe video applications on Windows and macOS.
For and against
For
- Four GPU renderers can switch without changing a scene
- Includes compositing, physics, particles and volumetrics
- Supports interactive tracking integrations
- Offers a free 60-day trial
- Free NotchLC plugin supports Adobe video applications
Against
- Requires Windows 10 or higher and a discrete GPU
- Indie costs $279 a year
- Indie use is non-commercial
The verdict
Notch brings real-time motion design, rendering and interactive integrations into one tool. Check its Windows hardware requirement and plan terms against your workflow before choosing it.
Who it suits
Notch may suit motion-design creators who need real-time 3D graphics, compositing and interactive integrations. Its Windows system requirement and listed non-commercial Indie plan are important considerations.
Plans and prices
Playback leasing
Unlimited projects · Unlimited locations
Read 22 Sep 2026 · notch.one
Fixed Installation HD
HD quality · 1 project · 1 location
Read 22 Sep 2026 · notch.one
Render Nodes
per machine · no recurring charges · physical Codemeter network dongle
Read 30 Sep 2026 · notch.one
VFX
video professionals · exports up to 16k x 16k · no Notch Blocks or standalone EXE export · no tracking systems
Read 30 Sep 2026 · notch.one
Indie
hobbyists and non-commercial use · MP4/H.264/H.265 exports limited to 1080p · no NDI or Spout · no Notch Blocks or standalone EXE export
Read 30 Sep 2026 · notch.one
RFX
real-time rendering, shows and interactive installations · USB dongle license · no free Render Node included
Read 30 Sep 2026 · notch.one
Fixed Installation 4K
4K quality · 1 project · 1 location
Read 22 Sep 2026 · notch.one
Playback licensing
unlimited projects and locations · pay for the weeks needed
Read 30 Sep 2026 · notch.one
Fixed Installation Unlimited
Unlimited quality · 1 project · 1 location
Read 22 Sep 2026 · notch.one
On the record
- After Effects
- The Notch for After Effects beta supports Adobe After Effects 22, 23, 24, 25 and 26 on Windows.notch.one · read 30 Sep 2026
- Connectivity
- Notch Builder requires periodic internet access, especially for installation and license activation, while Notch Playback does not require internet access to run after activation.manual.notch.one · read 30 Sep 2026
- Creative features
- The feature set includes compositing, cloners, video processing, physics, physically based materials, particles, volumetrics, JavaScript scripting and networking controls.notch.one · read 30 Sep 2026
- Data location
- Notch states that it is a UK company and that its servers are located in the EEA, with safeguards such as standard contractual clauses for international transfers.notch.one · read 30 Sep 2026
- Interactive integrations
- Supported interactive integrations include Kinect, NVIDIA tracking SDKs, Xsens, OptiTrack, Perception Neuron, Hokuyo Lidar, TUIO, Blacktrax and Windows Touch.notch.one · read 30 Sep 2026
- Latest release
- Notch 2026.2 adds ONNX AI-image processing support, Gaussian Splats and Custom Shaders.notch.one · read 30 Sep 2026
- Node graph
- Its node graph lets users connect anything to anything for real-time motion-design workflows.notch.one · read 30 Sep 2026
- NotchLC plugin
- The free NotchLC plugin supports Adobe After Effects, Premiere and Media Encoder on Windows and macOS Intel or Apple Silicon.notch.one · read 30 Sep 2026
- Privacy contact
- Notch says it will try to respond to questions, comments or enquiries within 48 hours.notch.one · read 30 Sep 2026
- Protocols and APIs
- Notch supports OSC, MIDI, ArtNet, NDI, Spout, RTMP/RTMPS/RTP streaming, virtual webcam output and an internal Web/HTTP API.manual.notch.one · read 30 Sep 2026
- Renderers
- Notch has four physically based GPU renderers called NURA that can be switched in real time without changing the scene, lighting or materials.notch.one · read 30 Sep 2026
- Security measures
- Notch says it uses commercially reasonable technical and organizational measures to protect personal data against destruction, loss, alteration, unauthorized disclosure or access.notch.one · read 30 Sep 2026
- Support
- The pricing comparison lists forum community, Discord community, email support and phone support, with premium support included in RFX.notch.one · read 30 Sep 2026
- System requirement
- Notch requires Windows 10 or higher on 64-bit x86 with a discrete GPU.notch.one · read 30 Sep 2026
- What it does
- Notch is a next-generation, natively GPU-accelerated graphics powerhouse and a 3D motion design tool that works in real time.notch.one · read 30 Sep 2026
