Pure Data
Open-source visual programming environment for building interactive audio and multimedia works.
These buttons open the developer's own site, repository or store listing in a new tab. wares.gg does not host downloads.
1 more ways to get Pure Data
Package managers
- Chocolatey
choco install puredata
About Pure Data
Pure Data, usually called Pd, is a visual programming environment for audio and multimedia. Instead of writing code as text, you build programs, called patches, by placing objects on a canvas and connecting them with wires, and the result runs in real time.
It suits musicians, sound designers, artists and students who want to create their own synthesizers, effects and interactive installations. The project website was behind a bot-protection challenge when checked, so only a basic description is given here.
Strengths
- Visual patching with no text code needed
- Real-time audio processing for performance and installations
- Free and open source
Limitations
- Patching has a steep learning curve
- The official site uses a bot-protection challenge that some browser plugins break
Details
- Pricing
- FreeFree and open source.
- License
- Open source, license not stated
- Platforms
- Windows, macOS, Linux
- How it runs
- Downloadable app
- Account
- Not required
- Works offline
- Yes
- Best suited for
- Musicians and artists building custom audio and interactive systems
- Categories
- Audio tools, Developer tools
- Last verified
- Added
- Provenance
- Facts checked against the developer's own pages and store listings, 1 sources on file.
Alternatives to Pure Data
Compare allSoftware that can replace Pure Data for an important use case, and what changes if you switch.
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 necessarily 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.
