TouchDesigner
Visual Node-Based Multimedia Interaction Tool
Software Introduction
TouchDesigner is a powerful visual programming development platform primarily used for real-time interactive new media creation. It allows users to create visually stunning works by connecting nodes in a node-based visual programming environment without the need to write code. TouchDesigner can be applied in various scenarios, including creating interactive new media systems, architectural projections, VJ performances, dynamic poster production, and rapid creative prototyping.
01
Functional Components
Operators are the “nodes” in the TouchDesigner network that output data to other controllers. Each controller has its custom parameters. The types of controllers (Operator Families) in TD are divided into six categories: COMPS, TOPS, CHOPS, SOPS, DATS, MATS.
01
COMPS
Components – Object Components (3D objects), Panel Components (2D UI gadgets), and other components. Components can contain other controllers.
02
TOPS
Texture Operators – All two-dimensional image operations.
03
CHOPS
Channel Operators – Dynamics, audio, animation, signal control.
04
SOPS
Data Operators – ASCII text as plain text, scripts, XML, or organized into unit tables.
05
DATS
Data Operators – ASCII text as plain text, scripts, XML, or organized into unit tables.
06
MATS
Material Operators – Materials and Shaders.
In each type of operator, the “generator” controller has zero inputs and creates data, while the “filter” controller has one or more inputs and filters data. Each family of controllers has a specific color, and only controllers of the same family (color) can connect together. Many controllers have property parameters, and some parameters also reference other series of controllers.
02
Application Directions
Visual Composition
TD can process flat materials such as images, videos, and external input video sources. It can also generate many vector organic graphics as your material based on algorithms. Furthermore, it allows interaction and changes with various data (sound, sensors, gesture recognition, etc.). Users can create a wide range of visual designs according to their creative ideas.
3D Composition
Similar to visual composition, but here you can use 3D materials as creative tools. This also allows the work to be output to VR devices.
Interactive Devices
TD natively supports various external devices, including MIDI, Arduino, Kinect, etc. Therefore, users can use these external devices as input or output sources for their creative applications.
Projection Art
TD provides various solutions, adaptable for objects of all sizes for projection. It can also work with Madmapper to create projection art.
Lighting and Live Shows
TD can communicate and interact in real-time with lighting equipment, audio systems, input/output devices, and display control systems, making it suitable for various types of live performances, exhibitions, VJING, etc.
By linking different components in TouchDesigner, unexpected surprises can be obtained. The six families of controllers in TouchDesigner allow designers from different specialties to combine their fields for creation. TouchDesigner has gained the trust of many artist teams and studios, being applied in their artistic creations and commercial projects.