Processing
What it is
Processing is a free, open-source tool for creating visual and interactive work with code, including graphics, animations, and installations. It began as a software sketchbook and a way to teach programming through visual projects, and has grown into a development tool for professionals. Its Development Environment combines a text editor, compiler, and display window for making and running sketches. The default renderer handles 2D graphics, while P3D supports 3D. Community libraries extend the software with capabilities such as sound, computer vision, and advanced 3D geometry. Included utilities cover sketch archiving, font creation, color selection, and movie making. Core libraries support network and serial communication, audio, video, and PDF or SVG export. Processing also has a command-line interface for running sketches from a terminal, including automated and headless setups. It runs locally on macOS, Windows, and Linux. The software does not collect, track, store, or share user data, and its update check can be turned off. Users can ask questions and share work through the Processing Forum.
For and against
For
- Free and open source.
- Supports 2D and 3D sketches.
- Runs on macOS, Windows, and Linux.
- Command-line support includes automated and headless setups.
- Runs locally without collecting or sharing user data.
Against
- Three-dimensional graphics use the P3D renderer.
- Some capabilities depend on community libraries.
The verdict
Processing brings sketch development, creative coding, and command-line execution into one local environment. Its range of libraries and built-in utilities supports varied visual projects across three desktop operating systems.
Who it suits
Processing suits learners and professionals creating visual work with code. Its use in art schools, universities, high schools, computer science programs, and humanities curricula also makes it relevant to educators and students.
Plans and prices
Free
Free and open source
Read 2 Oct 2026 · processing.org
On the record
- 2D and 3D
- Sketches can draw two-dimensional graphics with the default renderer or three-dimensional graphics with the P3D renderer.processing.org · read 2 Oct 2026
- Audience
- Processing is used in classrooms, including art schools, universities, high schools, computer science programs, and humanities curricula.processing.org · read 2 Oct 2026
- Built-in tools
- Included tools provide sketch archiving, font creation, color selection, and movie making.processing.org · read 2 Oct 2026
- Command line
- Processing includes a command-line interface for running sketches from a terminal, including for automation and headless setups.processing.org · read 2 Oct 2026
- Development environment
- The Processing Development Environment includes a text editor, compiler, and display window for creating and running sketches.processing.org · read 2 Oct 2026
- Extensibility
- Community libraries extend Processing with capabilities such as sound, computer vision, and advanced 3D geometry.processing.org · read 2 Oct 2026
- Integrations
- Core libraries support network communication, serial connections to external hardware, audio, video, and PDF or SVG export.processing.org · read 2 Oct 2026
- Privacy
- The Processing software runs locally and does not collect, track, store, or share user data; its update check can be disabled in settings.processing.org · read 2 Oct 2026
- Project history
- Processing started in spring 2001, and the Processing Foundation was started in 2012 to support software development and expand access to learning programming and creative work with code.processing.org · read 2 Oct 2026
- Purpose
- Processing began as a software sketchbook and a way to teach programming fundamentals through visual work, and has evolved into a development tool for professionals.processing.org · read 2 Oct 2026
- Support
- Users can ask questions and share work through the Processing Forum.processing.org · read 2 Oct 2026
- What it creates
- Processing focuses on creating visual, interactive media, including graphics, animations, and interactive installations.processing.org · read 2 Oct 2026
