Notch alternatives
Looking for something other than Notch? These 12 tools cover similar ground — from the same real-time & node-based category to tools that can replace or complement it. Compare platforms and licences below.
1 TouchDesigner
Derivative · Real-time & node-based · Windows, macOS · Free non-commercial; paid Educational, Commercial and Pro licences
Interactive installations, generative content and custom show systems.
- Node-based real-time 3D & compositing
- Projection mapping (Kantan, CamSchnappr)
- Sensor input (Kinect, LiDAR, MIDI, OSC)
- Python scripting
2 vvvv
vvvv group · Real-time & node-based · Windows · Free non-commercial; commercial licence
Custom interactive media installations and prototyping.
- Visual programming (vvvv gamma)
- Real-time 3D graphics
- Sensor & device integration
- .NET ecosystem
3 Unreal Engine nDisplay
Epic Games · Real-time & node-based · Windows, Linux · Free to use; see Epic licensing terms
Immersive rooms, domes and LED volumes with real-time 3D.
- Cluster rendering across many projectors/LED walls
- Real-time 3D worlds
- Warp & blend via MPCDI
- Virtual production
4 Ventuz
Ventuz Technology · Real-time & node-based · Windows · Paid licences
Corporate shows and broadcast with real-time graphics.
- Real-time 3D presentations
- Multi-display output
- Interactive touch content
- Live data
5 MadMapper
GarageCUBE & 1024 Architecture · Projection-mapping software · macOS, Windows · Perpetual licence (rental options)
Architectural mapping, LED installations and fast set-ups by small teams.
- Surface & mesh warping
- Edge blending
- LED & DMX/Art-Net pixel mapping
- Spatial scanner
6 HeavyM
Digital Essence · Projection-mapping software · Windows, macOS · Free trial; paid plans
First projection-mapping projects, events, shop windows and education.
- Automatic shape detection
- Built-in effects library
- Music-synchronised sequences
- Projector + scanner workflow
7 disguise Designer
disguise · Media servers · Windows · Software with disguise media-server hardware
Stadium tours, broadcast, large permanent installations.
- 3D stage visualiser
- Projection study & calibration (OmniCal)
- Large multi-server playback
- xR / virtual production
8 WATCHOUT
Dataton · Media servers · Windows · Paid licences
Corporate events, museums and multi-projector shows.
- Multi-display timeline production
- Edge blending & geometry correction
- 3D projection mapping
- Scalable display clusters
9 PIXERA
AV Stumpfl · Media servers · Windows · Paid licences (free version with limitations)
Permanent attractions, theme parks, touring shows.
- Real-time 3D media server
- Projection mapping & auto-calibration
- Timeline & control
- Large-scale multi-output
10 Smode
Smode Tech · Media servers · Windows · Paid licences
Live shows and immersive venues needing real-time content.
- Real-time compositing
- Media server & mapping
- Generative content
- Live show control
11 Hippotizer
Green Hippo · Media servers · Windows · Hardware media servers
Concert touring and live events driven from lighting desks.
- Media-server hardware range
- Lighting-console control
- Mapping & blending
- Touring reliability
12 Resolume Arena
Resolume · VJ software · Windows, macOS · Perpetual licence per major version
Live visuals for concerts and clubs with mapping on stage sets.
- Live VJ mixing & effects
- Advanced Output for projection mapping
- Edge blending
- DMX / Art-Net output