Alternatives to Pure Data
Open-source visual programming environment for building interactive audio and multimedia works. The listings below can replace it for an important use case. Each note says what changes if you switch.
The original
Pure Data
Open-source visual programming environment for building interactive audio and multimedia works.
Replacements
Listings that take over the same core job as Pure Data.
SuperCollider
A programmable platform for real-time audio synthesis and algorithmic composition.
SuperCollider is open source and cross-platform but builds sound through a programming language with a client/server design, instead of Pure Data's visual patching.
Csound
A free and open-source audio programming language for sound synthesis and computer music.
Csound is an open-source audio programming language for synthesis that runs on desktop, mobile, server and web, with sound made by writing code rather than patching.
Plogue Bidule
Connect audio, MIDI and processing components in a modular workspace.
Plogue Bidule is a paid, closed-source modular workspace for Windows and macOS that connects audio, MIDI and hosted plug-ins, with no Linux version.
Sonic Pi
A free live-coding music synth where you write simple code to compose and perform music.
Sonic Pi is a free open-source live-coding synth where music is written as simple code, with MIDI, OSC and Ableton Link and a beginner tutorial.
Similar software
Related functionality, not a direct replacement.
VCV Rack
A virtual Eurorack modular synthesizer for Windows, macOS and Linux with a large module library.
Cardinal
Free, self-contained virtual modular synthesizer based on VCV Rack, as a plugin and standalone app.
Carla
A modular audio plugin host that loads LV2, VST2, VST3, AU, LADSPA and DSSI plugins.
JACK Audio Connection Kit
Connect audio and MIDI applications through an audio server.
