Free Tools to Kickstart Your Creative Computation Journey

Cover by Christian Riekoff

Creative computation is an interdisciplinary approach that merges creativity with computational processes to generate innovative artistic expressions. By leveraging algorithms, data, and programming, artists can create captivating visual art, design, and interactive experiences.

But is it possible to enter the field with little to no knowledge of code, and without spending a fortune on software?

Node tools are visual programming environments that allow users to create complex systems by connecting blocks or "nodes" instead of writing traditional lines of code. Each node represents a function or operation, such as a data input, a filter, or an output. By linking these nodes together, users can create everything from interactive visuals to real-time animations, sound design, and data-driven art.

Whether you're crafting data-driven visuals, designing immersive environments, or developing performances and installations with real-time interactivity, you don't need to break the bank or have any knowledge in coding to get started. Here are some free node-based tools to kickstart your creative computation journey:

1. vvvv

vvvv is a powerful node-based visual programming environment designed for artists, designers, and developers to create real-time video, audio synthesis, and interactive installations. Known for its flexibility, vvvv takes users from sketching, prototyping to final production of a product.

At the heart of vvvv’s power is VL, its integrated visual programming language. VL drives vvvv by combining dataflow, functional, and object-oriented techniques. This gives users granular control over their projects, allowing for advanced logic and multi-threading operations—all within a visual environment. Additionally, vvvv leverages the full .NET ecosystem, and users can easily extend their projects through NuGet libraries, ensuring powerful customization options. Projects can also be exported as standalone Windows executables or Linux Console apps, making distribution simple and efficient. This makes it, compared to other tools, a fully-fledged programming language that comes with its own development environment.

vvvv is free to use. There are no feature limitations. However, vvvv runs on a T.R.U.S.T. licensing model. Which means, once you started earning and using vvvv for commercial reasons, do pay for the commercial use of the software. As the developers say, "if vvvv helps you make a living, then help us make a living by providing vvvv for you."

2. Cables.GL

The magic of Cables is that it runs entirely on your browser. So no matter your operating system, there is nothing holding you back to dive into creating beautiful interactive content. With an easy to navigate interface and real time visuals, it allows for rapid prototyping and fast adjustments. You can easily embed your creations onto the web in just a few clicks.

Drag and drop 3D models, explore their extensive texture and materials libraries, integrate browser APIs, MIDI features, or build VR experiences. Cables was built as a node tool that would work with you, and not against you. Share your work with the team, integrate comments and group operators for easy orientation, even in big projects.

Cables is being developed by undev – a Berlin based creative studio for interactive realtime graphics, data-visualizations and app development. They are passionate coders and designers with a long history in programming for the demoscene.

Lastly, Cables is not only free, but also open source; allowing you to program offline and take your imagination to the next level.

3. TOOLL3

Tooll is a free and open-source, node-based programming environment that targets the sweet spot between real-time rendering, graph-based procedural content generation and linear keyframe animation and editing. Originating from the demoscene, Tooll provides artists and developers with a flexible platform for crafting generative art, procedural animations, and audiovisual experiences.

Tooll is versatile as a platform for creative exploration. Its open-source nature encourages collaboration and experimentation, making it a valuable tool for anyone interested in pushing the boundaries of visual art and technology.

4. TouchDesigner

TouchDesigner is a comprehensive platform for real-time interactive content creation, used by artists, designers, and engineers across fields like multimedia installations, stage performances, and projection mapping. One of its strengths is its flexibility to integrate with hardware like MIDI controllers, VR headsets, or motion tracking systems.

TouchDesigner is favored in the world of live performance art and large-scale multimedia installations. It’s highly customizable, making it suitable for both simple visual explorations and complex, multi-sensory projects.

While there are pricing options for TouchDesigner, the free tier has less than a handful of limitations and will get you al the way to start building your creative and interactive projects.

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It's worth noting that aside from the accessibility of all these software, they also each have a wonderful, supportive community. So in your journey, you won't be alone.

At The NODE Institute, this Winter Season we offer comprehensive beginners classes in vvvv and TouchDesigner over 14 weeks, and a 3-session class dedicated to Cables. Get started on your creative computation journey, guided by experienced instructors and industry experts.