TouchDesigner alternative
TouchDesigner alternative for Mac: Grafit Pro
For Mac users who want one node-based tool for live visuals, sound and projection mapping — native to Apple Silicon, no code required, and one purchase instead of yearly renewals.
Side by side
| Grafit Pro 3.2 | TouchDesigner (Commercial) | |
|---|---|---|
| Platform | macOS only, Apple Silicon native (Swift 6 + Metal) | Windows first; macOS supported |
| Price | Free download, 7 days of everything, then €99.99 once | $600 per licence, 1 year of updates; then $300 a year for updates |
| Free version | 7 days with every feature, then Player mode (projects open and play, no saving) | Non-Commercial edition, free, resolution-limited |
| Code | None required; Metal shaders inside the graph when you want them | Python and GLSL for advanced work |
| Projector output | Built in: corner pin, grid warp, edge blending, masks, LED Wall, Pixel Map → DMX | Built in |
| Machine learning | Tracking, segmentation, depth, pitch, transcription on the Neural Engine, built in | Nvidia tools on Windows; add-ons and Python |
| Examples | 268 projects that play live before you open them | Palette, community files and tutorials |
| Community | Small and new | Very large |
What Grafit does differently
- Made only for the Mac. No port of a Windows-first engine: every pixel is Metal, every model runs on the Neural Engine.
- One app from input to projector. Content, sound and multi-projector output in the same graph — no second program for the wall.
- Typed cables that explain themselves. A cable that cannot land says why; every port of every node is documented in the catalog.
- Sound is an instrument, not only an input. Physical-model synths, a Composer, generative form and harmony, oscilloscope music.
Where TouchDesigner is the better choice
- Windows machines and Nvidia GPUs, or a show that has to run on both platforms.
- Large Python integrations, a big team, or a studio already built around TouchDesigner.
- When you need the size of its community, its tutorials and its third-party components.
Questions
Is Grafit Pro a subscription?
No. Grafit is a free download from the Mac App Store. After a 7-day trial with every feature, one purchase of €99.99 unlocks Grafit Pro for good, with every 3.x update included. No subscription, no account.
Is there a free trial?
Yes: 7 days with every feature, no payment and no card. Start it inside the app with “Start 7-Day Trial”. It is an App Store item priced at zero, so it is tied to your Apple Account.
Does Grafit Pro run on Intel Macs?
No. Grafit is built only for Apple Silicon and needs a Mac with Apple Silicon (M1 or later) with macOS 26.2 Tahoe or later. That is what lets it use Metal and the Neural Engine without compromises.
Do I need to code?
No. Patches are made of nodes and cables. When you want to, you can write Metal shaders right inside the graph, but nothing requires it.
Can Grafit Pro do projection mapping on several projectors?
Yes, without a second app. Advanced Output places slices of your picture on every display and projector, with corner pin, grid warp, edge blending, masks and colour per display. LED Wall builds a panel wall and Pixel Map drives LED strips over DMX.
Try it on your own Mac.
Free download. Every feature for 7 days, no card. Then €99.99 once — or keep playing your projects as a Player.
More comparisons
All trademarks belong to their owners; Grafit Pro is not affiliated with any company named here. Comparisons are factual, dated and link to the official pages — prices of other tools as listed on 26 October 2026. Tell us at work@siaspace.eu if anything is out of date.