TouchDesigner
Node-based visual programming tool for real-time graphics, video and interactive installations.
Updated · AppBreakup editorial · Windows, macOS
Is TouchDesigner free?
Free plan, plus paid plans
- Starting price:
- $600 Commercial licence
Checked on TouchDesigner's site Nov 8, 2026
Full TouchDesigner pricing and plansSwitch from TouchDesigner to
All 5
ProcessingOpen source
NodeBoxOpen source
- Verified facts
- 7 of 7
- Alternatives ranked
- 5
- Approved reviews
- 0
- Visits sent from here
- 0
About TouchDesigner
TouchDesigner, made by Toronto-based Derivative, is a node-based environment for building real-time visuals: projection mapping, concert and stage visuals, interactive museum pieces, generative art and custom media servers. You connect operators for 3D, video compositing, audio, data channels and control logic, and everything runs live while you edit. Python scripting is built in for anything the nodes do not cover, and it talks to sensors, MIDI, OSC, DMX and depth cameras. It runs on Windows and macOS and leans heavily on the graphics card. There is a free Non-Commercial edition for personal and learning use, capped at 1280x1280 resolution and missing some operators. Paid Commercial and Pro licences remove those limits, with one-off prices and optional yearly update plans. It is far more capable than beginner tools but has a steep learning curve and needs a strong GPU for serious work.
Best for: Artists and studios building real-time visuals, projection mapping and interactive installations.
TouchDesigner pricing (checked Nov 8, 2026)
Each line is quoted from TouchDesigner's own site, with the page it came from.
| Plan or term | What it says | Checked | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commercial licence | $600 | Nov 8, 2026 | derivative.ca |
| Pro licence | $2,200 | Nov 8, 2026 | derivative.ca |
| Starting price | $600 Commercial licence | Nov 8, 2026 | derivative.ca |
| Pro plan | $2,200 | Nov 8, 2026 | derivative.ca |
| Yearly update plan | $300 a year (Commercial) | Nov 8, 2026 | derivative.ca |
Pros and cons
What works
- Free Non-Commercial edition for learning and personal work
- Real-time 3D, video, audio and sensor input in one node graph
- Python scripting built in
Why people leave
- Free edition is capped at 1280x1280 and drops some operators
- Commercial licences are a significant one-off cost
- Steep learning curve and needs a strong GPU
TouchDesigner vs Processing, NodeBox and Max (Cycling '74)
From each app's listing and the prices verified on its own site. A dash means we haven't verified it yet.
| Attribute | TouchDesigner | Processing | NodeBox | Max (Cycling '74) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pricing | Free plan + paid | Open source | Open source | Paid |
| Verified price | $600 Commercial licence | — | — | — |
| Free plan | Yes | Free app | Free app | No |
| Open source | No | Yes | Yes | No |
| Self-hostable | No | No | No | No |
| Platforms | Windows, macOS | macOS, Windows, Linux | macOS, Windows, Linux | macOS, Windows |
Top TouchDesigner alternatives
See all 5- 1Processing64.8
Free and open source, a good fit if you prefer writing code to wiring nodes.
- 2NodeBox61.8
Free node tool for still and animated generative graphics without real-time demands.
- 3Max (Cycling '74)42.3
Stronger for audio, MIDI and music instruments, with Jitter for real-time video.
- 4HyHydra42.3
Free browser-based live-coding video synth for quick generative and VJ visuals.
- 5
KodeLife42.3Lightweight shader editor for quick GLSL, Metal or HLSL prototyping without building a network.
Why people left TouchDesigner
In reviewers' own words, from reviews of the apps they moved to. These are their opinions, not ours.
No switching stories yet. If you moved away from TouchDesigner, review the app you switched to and tell us why.
Reviews
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TouchDesigner: common questions
What is TouchDesigner?
TouchDesigner: Node-based visual programming tool for real-time graphics, video and interactive installations. Best for artists and studios building real-time visuals, projection mapping and interactive installations. Available for Windows and macOS.
Is TouchDesigner free?
TouchDesigner has a free plan and paid plans.
How much does TouchDesigner cost?
TouchDesigner is free with paid plans. Commercial licence: $600; Pro licence: $2,200; Starting price: $600 Commercial licence; Pro plan: $2,200. Checked on TouchDesigner's own site, November 2026.
Is TouchDesigner open source?
No, TouchDesigner is not open source. Open-source alternatives include Processing and NodeBox.
What platforms does TouchDesigner run on?
TouchDesigner is available for Windows and macOS.
What are the best alternatives to TouchDesigner?
The highest-ranked TouchDesigner alternatives right now are Processing, NodeBox and Max (Cycling '74). See the full ranked list for pricing, platforms and verified facts.
TouchDesigner vs Processing: what's the difference?
TouchDesigner is free with paid plans; Processing is free and open source. Processing is open source and TouchDesigner is not. Only Processing runs on Linux.