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TouchDesigner
TouchDesigner · founded 2000
What it is
TouchDesigner is a real-time 2D and 3D interactive animation product for authoring interactive art, media, and visualization. Its integrated environment combines an application engine and user interface, supporting projects from prototypes through polished applications. Control panel features support custom interfaces with mouse, touchscreen, gestural, and multi-person interaction. Derivative describes high-performance media systems, ultra-resolution video playback, custom media servers, and projection mapping using 3D simulation and multi-projector outputs. Listed interoperability includes Ableton Live, Max/MSP, Substance Designer, Notch, vvvv, OpenFrameworks, Resolume, and Unity. Communication options include OSC, MIDI, UDP, TCP, ArtNet, DMX, WebSockets, Serial, and MQTT; listed camera and depth sensor support includes Kinect Azure, Intel RealSense, Ouster LIDAR, and Stereolabs ZED. TouchDesigner supports Windows and macOS; the download page lists Windows 10 or 11 and macOS 13 or higher, alongside GPU requirements. Non-Commercial licenses are for personal, educational, or evaluation use and cannot be used for paid work. Listed plans include Educational at $300 a month, Commercial at $600 a month, and Pro at $2,200 a month. Forum support is listed for all license types; Pro includes six hours of direct support.
For and against
For
- Combines application engine and interface in one environment.
- Supports mouse, touch, gestural, and multi-person interaction.
- Lists multiple media, software, protocol, and sensor integrations.
- Forum support is listed for all license types.
Against
- Non-Commercial licenses cannot be used for paid work.
- Supports Windows and macOS only.
- Listed paid plans start at $300 a month.
The verdict
TouchDesigner brings interactive authoring, media playback, and projection mapping into one environment with broad listed integration options. Choose a license that fits the intended use, since the Non-Commercial option excludes paid projects.
Who it suits
It suits artists and media makers building interactive work, projection mapping, or custom media systems. Users planning paid work should consider the Commercial or Pro terms rather than the Non-Commercial license.
Plans and prices
Non-Commercial
1280x1280 resolution limit · personal use or learning · not for paying projects · 10 keys per account
Read 2 Oct 2026 · derivative.ca
Educational
For schools, faculty and students · not for paying projects · unlimited GPU resolution · forum support
Read 2 Oct 2026 · derivative.ca
Commercial
For paying projects · unlimited GPU resolution · forum support
Read 2 Oct 2026 · derivative.ca
Pro
Commercial features · sync multiple processes or machines · hardware frame-lock · privacy features
Read 2 Oct 2026 · derivative.ca
On the record
- Application building
- TouchDesigner combines the application engine and user interface in one integrated environment, supporting prototypes through polished applications.derivative.ca · read 2 Oct 2026
- Build stability
- Derivative labels experimental downloads as higher risk for bugs and recommends official builds when stability is required for live shows or installations.derivative.ca · read 2 Oct 2026
- Device support
- The site lists camera and depth sensor support including Kinect Azure, Intel RealSense, Ouster LIDAR, and Stereolabs ZED.derivative.ca · read 2 Oct 2026
- Integrations
- Derivative lists interoperability with Ableton Live, Max/MSP, Substance Designer, Notch, vvvv, OpenFrameworks, Resolume, and Unity.derivative.ca · read 2 Oct 2026
- Interface design
- Its control panel features support custom interfaces, mouse and touchscreen controls, gestural inputs, and multi-person interactions.derivative.ca · read 2 Oct 2026
- Media systems
- Derivative describes TouchDesigner as supporting high-performance media systems, ultra-resolution video playback, and custom media servers.derivative.ca · read 2 Oct 2026
- Non-commercial limit
- Non-Commercial licenses are for personal, educational, or evaluation use and cannot be used for paid work with TouchDesigner.derivative.ca · read 2 Oct 2026
- Platform requirements
- The current download page lists Windows 10 or 11 and macOS 13 or higher, with GPU requirements and recommendations for both.derivative.ca · read 2 Oct 2026
- Privacy and IP
- Derivative says Pro includes privacy features to protect intellectual property, and its feature page describes controls that restrict viewing and access to files and components.derivative.ca · read 2 Oct 2026
- Privacy policy
- Derivative's policy says members must provide identifying account details to download, license, purchase products, or participate in forums, and describes how that information is used.derivative.ca · read 2 Oct 2026
- Projection mapping
- The product supports projection mapping using 3D simulation, multi-projector outputs, and an ultra-resolution video engine.derivative.ca · read 2 Oct 2026
- Protocols
- Listed communication options include OSC, MIDI, UDP, TCP, ArtNet, DMX, WebSockets, Serial, and MQTT.derivative.ca · read 2 Oct 2026
- Purpose
- TouchDesigner is a real-time 2D and 3D interactive animation product for authoring interactive art, media, and visualization.derivative.ca · read 2 Oct 2026
- Support
- Forum Support is listed for all license types, while Pro includes six hours of direct support by email or phone.derivative.ca · read 2 Oct 2026
