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SPECIFICTION
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TouchDesigner

derivative.ca

From $300/mo Free plan WindowsmacOS
Visit derivative.ca
Spec score 7.8 #18 of 37 in Visual Effects Software

What it is

TouchDesigner is real-time software for creating interactive 2D and 3D animation, art, media, and visualizations. It combines an application engine and interface in one environment, supporting work from prototypes to finished applications. Its control panel features can be used to build custom interfaces for mouse, touchscreen, gestural, and multi-person input. The software supports high-performance media systems, ultra-resolution video playback, custom media servers, and projection mapping with 3D simulation and multi-projector output. Listed integrations include 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; supported sensors include Kinect Azure, Intel RealSense, Ouster LIDAR, and Stereolabs ZED. TouchDesigner runs on Windows and macOS; current requirements list Windows 10 or 11 and macOS 13 or higher, with GPU requirements. Pricing is freemium: a free Non-Commercial license is restricted to personal, educational, or evaluation use, while listed paid plans are $300 a month for Educational, $600 a month for Commercial, and $2,200 a month for Pro.

Spec sheet

Purpose
TouchDesigner is a real-time 2D and 3D interactive animation product for authoring interactive art, media, and visualization.Read 2 Oct 2026 · derivative.ca
Free plan
YesRead 20 Sep 2026 · derivative.ca
Integrations
Derivative lists interoperability with Ableton Live, Max/MSP, Substance Designer, Notch, vvvv, OpenFrameworks, Resolume, and Unity.Read 2 Oct 2026 · derivative.ca
Support
Forum Support is listed for all license types, while Pro includes six hours of direct support by email or phone.Read 2 Oct 2026 · derivative.ca
Founded
2000Read 28 Sep 2026 · derivative.ca
Application building
TouchDesigner combines the application engine and user interface in one integrated environment, supporting prototypes through polished applications.Read 2 Oct 2026 · derivative.ca
Build stability
Derivative labels experimental downloads as higher risk for bugs and recommends official builds when stability is required for live shows or installations.Read 2 Oct 2026 · derivative.ca
Device support
The site lists camera and depth sensor support including Kinect Azure, Intel RealSense, Ouster LIDAR, and Stereolabs ZED.Read 2 Oct 2026 · derivative.ca
Interface design
Its control panel features support custom interfaces, mouse and touchscreen controls, gestural inputs, and multi-person interactions.Read 2 Oct 2026 · derivative.ca
Media systems
Derivative describes TouchDesigner as supporting high-performance media systems, ultra-resolution video playback, and custom media servers.Read 2 Oct 2026 · derivative.ca
Non-commercial limit
Non-Commercial licenses are for personal, educational, or evaluation use and cannot be used for paid work with TouchDesigner.Read 2 Oct 2026 · derivative.ca
Platform requirements
The current download page lists Windows 10 or 11 and macOS 13 or higher, with GPU requirements and recommendations for both.Read 2 Oct 2026 · derivative.ca
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.Read 2 Oct 2026 · derivative.ca
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.Read 2 Oct 2026 · derivative.ca
Projection mapping
The product supports projection mapping using 3D simulation, multi-projector outputs, and an ultra-resolution video engine.Read 2 Oct 2026 · derivative.ca
Protocols
Listed communication options include OSC, MIDI, UDP, TCP, ArtNet, DMX, WebSockets, Serial, and MQTT.Read 2 Oct 2026 · derivative.ca

Plans and prices

Educational $300 a month from $300 USD Not for paying projects Read 20 Sep 2026 · derivative.ca
Commercial $600 a month from $600 USD Fully featured · Use in paying projects · Maximum GPU resolution · Real-time H.264/H.265 export · Forum support Read 20 Sep 2026 · derivative.ca
Pro $2,200 a month from $2200 USD 6 hours initial Pro Support Read 20 Sep 2026 · derivative.ca
Non-Commercial Free FREE 1280x1280 resolution limit · personal use or learning · not for paying projects · 10 keys per account Read 2 Oct 2026 · derivative.ca
Educational $300, paid once from $300 USD For schools, faculty and students · not for paying projects · unlimited GPU resolution · forum support Read 2 Oct 2026 · derivative.ca
Commercial $600, paid once from $600 USD For paying projects · unlimited GPU resolution · forum support Read 2 Oct 2026 · derivative.ca
Pro $2,200, paid once from $2200 USD Commercial features · sync multiple processes or machines · hardware frame-lock · privacy features · Pro Support includes 6 hours Read 2 Oct 2026 · derivative.ca

Every TouchDesigner plan and price →

Strong points and limits

Strong points

  • Combines application engine and interface in one environment
  • Supports projection mapping and multi-projector output
  • Offers broad protocol and software interoperability
  • Supports several camera and depth-sensor systems

Limits

  • Non-Commercial licenses cannot be used for paid work
  • Runs on Windows and macOS only
  • Paid plans start at $300 a month

Who it suits

It suits artists, media creators, and developers building interactive installations, visualizations, or media systems. The Non-Commercial license is limited to personal, educational, or evaluation work; paid projects require an appropriate paid license.

Verdict

TouchDesigner brings interactive authoring, media playback, projection mapping, and extensive integrations into one environment. Check the license restrictions and platform requirements against the intended project before choosing a plan.

Where Specifiction places it

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