6 Alternative Powerful Tools for Creating Live Visuals, Interactive Art & New Media (with Free Trials)

If you’re ready to explore live visuals, interactive installations, or projection mapping, there are some incredible software tools available to bring your ideas to life! From creating real-time 3D graphics and visual effects to immersive light installations, these industry-leading tools offer impressive features for any skill level.

Whether you're looking for tools that focus on VJing, projection mapping, or multimedia stage production, or even a personal project here’s a list of versatile software to take bring your visuals to life—and some come with free trial options for those on a budget.

1. Resolume Arena – Real-Time Video Mixing for VJs and New Media

• Best For: VJs, live events, multimedia artists

• Why Use it?: Resolume Arena is one of the top choices for real-time video mixing and live visuals. Arena’s MIDI and DMX support make it perfect for synchronising visuals with audio and lighting control.

• Free Option: Resolume Avenue offers a free trial, ideal for experimenting with live visuals without committing to a purchase.

• Features to Love:

  • Layer-based video mixing for intricate visuals

  • Projection mapping and warping tools

  • VST audio plugins for seamless audio-visual integration

Explore Resolume Arena here: Resolume 

2. Notch – Real-Time Motion Graphics and VFX for Stunning Visuals

• Best For: Motion graphics artists, VFX professionals, stage performers

• Why Use it?: Notch offers an impressive platform for 3D graphics, VFX, and AR/VR. Designed for real-time editing, Notch is ideal for creating responsive visuals during live performances and interactive installations.

• Free Option: Notch provides a free trial version of its Builder, so you can try out its capabilities.

• Features to Love:

  • Real-time particle systems and 3D effects

  • Node-based interface for streamlined customization

  • Compatible with media servers like d3 for large-scale events

Check out Notch here: Notch 

3. MadMapper – The Go-To for Projection Mapping and Light Art

• Best For: Projection mapping artists, lighting designers, new media, installation creators

• Why Use it?: MadMapper is one of the most popular choices for projection mapping and LED lighting control. Its easy-to-use interface makes it perfect for quickly mapping visuals onto 3D surfaces and controlling lighting.

• Free Option: MadMapper offers a free demo version so you can test its mapping and lighting features.

• Features to Love:

  • Intuitive 3D projection mapping tools

  • LED and DMX lighting control options

  • Extensive shader library for adding depth and texture

Start mapping with MadMapper here: MadMapper 

4. Isadora – Interactive Visuals and Performance Art Tool

• Best For: Interactive artists, theatre designers, multimedia performers

• Why Use it?: Isadora is known for its interactivity, making it a top choice in theatre and performance art circles. Real-time tracking and the ability to respond to sound and motion make Isadora a flexible tool for engaging live experiences.

• Free Option: Isadora has a fully functional 14-day trial for users to experiment with before buying.

• Features to Love:

  • Built-in motion tracking and audio responsiveness

  • Easy-to-use programming interface for custom effects

  • MIDI support and live visual-audio control

Explore Isadora here: Isadora 

5. Modul8 – VJ-Friendly Visual Mixing and Layering

• Best For: VJs, event production, live performers

• Why Use it?: Modul8 is widely used by VJs for its accessible interface and powerful mixing tools, perfect for building multi-layered visuals on the go.

• Free Option: While Modul8 doesn’t have a free version, it does offer a trial.

• Features to Love:

  • Intuitive layer-based interface for mixing visuals

  • Real-time visual effects with MIDI control

  • Aimed at VJs for seamless visual mixing

Try out Modul8 here: Modul8 

6. Millumin – Theater-Grade Visuals, Mapping, and Lighting Control

• Best For: Theater designers, stage tech, projection artists

• Why Use it?: Millumin is built for stage and theater production, allowing artists to synchronize visuals with sound and lighting in real-time with precision.

• Free Option: Millumin offers a demo version so you can explore its features.

• Features to Love:

  • Timeline-based control for integrating visuals with sound and lighting

  • Advanced mapping features with custom warping

  • DMX compatibility for complete lighting control

Bring your stage to life with Millumin here: Millumin 

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A Note from the Synthapix Editorial Team

Whether you're already experimenting with soundscapes and visuals or simply seeking inspiration, we hope this post has sparked new ideas for your projects.

Don’t forget to share your projects with us on our Get Featured page here we’d love to showcase your work to the Synthapix community and beyond.

Join the Synthapix community here.

Stay creative, stay inspired.

— The Synthapix Editorial Team