Pure Data

Pure Data is an open-source visual programming language for multimedia, commonly used for audio and music composition and processing. It allows users to create graphical dataflow diagrams for generating and manipulating digital audio signals and MIDI messages.

Pure Data alternatives ➤

What is Pure Data?

Pure Data (or Pd) is a free and open source visual programming language designed for creating interactive computer music and multimedia works. Originally created in the 1990s by Miller Puckette as an extension of his earlier program Max, Pd enables musicians, visual artists, performers, researchers, and developers to create software graphically, without the need for traditional programming.

At Pd's core is a visual dataflow interface that allows users to connect various components for audio and MIDI signal generation and processing — ranging from basic oscillators, filters, and effects to complex synthesizers, samplers, and sequencers. This modular, patchable design makes Pd ideal for both simple and complex audio experiments, compositions, and installations. It also has extensive capabilities for real time audio, video, and graphical processing.

Pd employs an intuitive graphical interface where function blocks or “objects” are connected by patch cords which transmit audio and control data signals between them. Common objects in Pd include oscillators, filters, mixers, midi devices, math operations, and more. Complex patches can be built by connecting elemental components, allowing for advanced signal synthesis and shaping.

Pd possesses powerful real time sound processing and has the ability to integrate custom codecs and hardware interfaces for working with video input/output and sensors for interactive applications. It can integrate with other media programming tools and game engines. Pd supports plugin extendability for additional functionality and comes with deep documentation and an active community.

As an open platform and development environment, Pd is used by musicians for composition and performance, researchers for real time audiovisual processing, and software developers for audio applications. It runs cross-platform on Mac, Windows, and Linux and is released under a BSD-style open source license supporting free usage.

Official Links

Official Website
puredata.info

The Best Pure Data Alternatives

Top Apps like Pure Data

TouchDesigner, Vvvv, Max/MSP, VDMX, VCV Rack, Overtone, Fugio, Isadora, NimSynth, Quartz Composer, Axiom synthesizer, SynthEdit, Nyquist, Hexen Modular Synthesizer, SunVox, Reaktor, SuperCollider, Cabbage Studio, PraxisLIVE, Vuo, Usine Hollyhock, miRack, HISE, Bidule, OpenFrameworks, Shoebot, ChucK, Automatonism, DCubix Twist, Csound, gifSlap, Zupiter, PdDroidParty, Wob FX 2 are some alternatives to Pure Data.

Sugggest an alternative ❐

TouchDesigner

TouchDesigner is a visual development platform created by Derivative used to design realtime graphics, interactive content, and immersive experiences. It uses a flexible node-based workflow that allows for quick iteration and collaboration between disciplines.Some key features and capabilities of TouchDesigner include:Node-based visual workflow - Enables rapid prototyping by...

Vvvv

Vvvv is a flexible and versatile programming environment focused on real-time interactive media, installations, and performances. It uses a dataflow based visual programming language that allows users to connect modules for processing video, audio, graphics, and other types of data flows.Some key features of Vvvv include:Real-time video processing...

Max/MSP

Max/MSP is a visual programming language developed and maintained by Cycling '74 for music, audio, and multimedia. It allows users to create interactive software with minimal programming knowledge by connecting prebuilt software objects together using virtual patch cords.Max/MSP provides an intuitive graphical user interface for building programs...

VDMX

VDMX is a versatile real-time visual mixer and media server software that enables visual designers, VJs (video jockeys), and lighting professionals to create stunning visual displays and effects for concerts, festivals, theater productions, corporate events, club performances, and other live events requiring dynamic imagery.First launched in 2005 by VIDVOX, VDMX...

VCV Rack

VCV Rack is an open-source, cross-platform virtual modular synthesizer platform that emulates a Eurorack modular synth system. Developed by Andrew Belt, VCV Rack allows users to freely create complex synthesizers by virtually patching together modules in an intuitive graphical interface.Some key features of VCV Rack include:Completely free and...

Overtone

Overtone is an open source audio synthesis and signal processing library for the Clojure programming language. It allows developers to leverage the power of functional programming to create and manipulate audio in real time.Some key features of Overtone include:An intuitive API for generating and processing sound using basic...

Fugio

Fugio is an open source visual programming language and toolkit designed specifically for creating real-time interactive graphics, data visualizations, animations, simulations, and video effects. It employs a node and dataflow based workflow that allows users to connect various processing blocks and creative tools to build complex interactive media projects.Some...

Isadora

Isadora is a flexible and intuitive visual programming language designed specifically for artists and performers looking to incorporate interactive elements and realtime effects into their work. Developed by Mark Coniglio and first released in the year 2000, Isadora aims to provide a platform for creative coding that does not require traditional...

NimSynth

NimSynth is an open-source, cross-platform software synthesizer and digital instrument platform developed using the Nim programming language. It aims to make creating and customizing synthesizers and audio effects accessible to musicians, programmers, and enthusiasts alike.Some key features of NimSynth include:Modular, patchable design that allows users to connect oscillators...

Quartz Composer

Quartz Composer is a node-based visual programming language provided as part of the Xcode developer tools from Apple. It allows users to create interactive graphical content, compositions, prototypes and effects by connecting together simple processing modules into complex graphical workflows.Some of the key features and capabilities of Quartz Composer...

Axiom synthesizer

The Axiom synthesizer series by Alesis has a long history dating back to the early 1990s. The first synthesizer in the series was the Alesis Axiom released in 1990, which featured an analog voice architecture and onboard digital effects and sequencing. The Axiom synthesizers quickly became popular for their warm analog...

SynthEdit

SynthEdit is a free, open source modular software synthesizer and effect plugin editor for Windows. It provides a graphical modular interface that allows users to add, edit, and connect various synthesizer and effect components like oscillators, filters, envelopes, sequencers, distortions, delays, and more to create virtual instruments and effects.With...

Nyquist

Nyquist is an open-source computer music programming language developed at the Center for Computer Research in Music and Acoustics (CCRMA) at Stanford University. It is designed for sound synthesis, audio processing, and music composition.Some key features of Nyquist include:Syntax based on the Lisp programming language, making it highly...

Hexen Modular Synthesizer

Hexen Modular Synthesizer is a versatile virtual modular synthesizer application for Windows and Mac. With over 80 different modules to choose from, you can build completely custom synthesizers, sequencers, drum machines, samplers, effects processors and more, limited only by your imagination.At the core of Hexen is its extensive modulation capabilities...

SunVox

SunVox is a highly versatile and intuitive modular software synthesizer, tracker music editor and sequencer. It can be used to create a wide variety of electronic music styles and has support for plugins and VST instruments.Some of the key features of SunVox include:A modular interface allowing users to...

Reaktor

Reaktor is a visual modular programming environment for designing and building audio instruments, effects processors, and interactive music compositions. Developed by Native Instruments, Reaktor allows musicians, producers, and sound designers to graphically connect components like oscillators, filters, sequencers, and more to create fully customized software synthesizers, samplers, effects, and more...

SuperCollider

SuperCollider is an open source audio synthesis and algorithmic composition application originally released in 1996 by James McCartney. It features two main components - a unique programming language designed for real time audio synthesis and processing, and an interpreter for writing applications to control audio processes.The SuperCollider language (often abbreviated...

Cabbage Studio

Cabbage Studio is an easy-to-use integrated development environment for creating interactive audio plugins and standalone instruments. It utilizes the Csound programming language and allows users to create their own virtual instruments and effects without needing to write code.Some key features of Cabbage Studio include:Graphical user interface designer for...

PraxisLIVE

PraxisLIVE is a visual programming language and live coding environment designed specifically for creative coding, interactive graphics, visuals, and more. It provides a flexible workflow using a node-based graphical interface to connect various building blocks including geometry, images, text, simulation, interaction, audio analysis and more.Some key features and capabilities...

Vuo

Vuo is a node-based visual programming language and development environment used to create interactive media applications and processes. It allows users to build complex behaviors by connecting simple building blocks, without needing to write code.Some key features and capabilities of Vuo include:Interactive animations and behaviors - Create reactive...

Usine Hollyhock

Usine Hollyhock is a powerful and flexible real-time modular audiovisual software and framework. It enables users to build customized setups by connecting various modules together, including:Synthesizers and samplersAudio effects like delays, distortions, filtersAdvanced video mixing, mapping, tracking, and effectsTimelines and sequencingMIDI and OSC controlLighting controlAnd many moreThis modular concept...

MiRack

miRack is a virtual modular synthesizer that emulates the look, feel, and functionality of a real-world Eurorack modular synth rig. Developed by AudioDamage, it runs as a VST/AU plugin inside a DAW or as a standalone application.At the core of miRack is a flexible, customizable modular environment that...

HISE

HISE is an open-source cross-platform development framework designed for building virtual instruments, audio effects, and interactive audio applications. It provides an integrated development environment for creating audio plugins and standalone applications featuring custom graphical user interfaces.Some key capabilities and benefits of HISE include:Graphical editor for designing user interfaces...

Bidule

Bidule is an open-source and cross-platform digital audio workstation software and multimedia creation tool. Originally released in 2003, Bidule has developed an active user and developer community over the years.Some key features of Bidule include:Flexible modular routing system that allows complex audio and MIDI routing configurationsSupport for VST plugins...

OpenFrameworks

OpenFrameworks is an open source C++ toolkit designed to assist with creative coding projects. It provides a simple framework for working with graphics, audio, video, networking, and other media functionality using C++. Some key aspects of OpenFrameworks:Cross-platform framework that works on Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, and Android.Open source...

Shoebot

Shoebot is an open-source graphical programming language and environment for creating generative art, designs, animations, and more. It utilizes the Python programming language and provides a node-based visual interface that allows users to easily connect different functions and operations to create dynamic and interactive graphics and animations.Some key features...

ChucK

ChucK is an audio programming language that was created in 2003 by Ge Wang and Perry Cook at Princeton University. It is designed specifically for real-time sound synthesis and music creation, allowing users to manipulate audio parameters in real-time through an easy-to-learn syntax.One of the key features of ChucK is...

Automatonism

Automatonism is a generative art application designed to create abstract artworks automatically. It provides an intuitive interface and set of tools for artists to define rules, patterns, and behaviors which the software then interprets to output unique and unpredictable abstract images and animations.At its core, Automatonism allows users to...

DCubix Twist

DCubix Twist is a desktop virtualization and remote desktop software designed for businesses of all sizes. It allows users to access Windows desktop environments hosted on a server farm remotely from any device. Some key features of DCubix Twist include:Provides virtual desktops that look and feel like a regular...

Csound

Csound is a sound design, music synthesis and signal processing system. It was originally written at MIT by Barry Vercoe in 1985 as a successor to the MUSIC-11 synthesis language. Csound is one of the most widely used software sound synthesis languages today with a worldwide community of users. It is...

GifSlap

gifSlap is a user-friendly website and app that focuses on easy creation of customized reaction GIFs. Users simply upload an image from their computer or take a live photo with their webcam. They then choose one of many wacky animated GIF options like throwing pies, swinging boxing gloves, tossing baseballs...

Zupiter

Zupiter is an open-source data science platform built as an alternative to Jupyter Notebook. It provides a web-based interactive computing environment that allows users to create live code, equations, visualizations and prose. Some key features of Zupiter include:Supports Python kernels for running Python codeBuilt-in version control and rollback using...

PdDroidParty

PdDroidParty is an open-source synthesizer and music creation app for Android devices. It is based on the Pure Data audio programming environment, giving it powerful sound design capabilities and flexibility.Some key features of PdDroidParty include:Intuitive touchscreen interface optimized for AndroidSupport for MIDI and OSC connectivityAdvanced synthesizers, sampling, effects...

Wob FX 2

Wob FX 2 is a versatile software plugin for adding wobble bass effects to music production. As a VST3, AU, and AAX compatible plugin, it can be used in most major DAWs like Ableton Live, FL Studio, Logic Pro, and more.At its core, Wob FX 2 gives you a bank of...