Creative Coding Tools for Artists and Makers

Creative coding tools turn code into a medium for images, sound and interaction. This hub compares the frameworks, visual programming environments and game engines that artists, designers and developers use to build generative visuals, installations and live performances. It also explains how to set each one up without losing a weekend to configuration.

What you'll find here

C++ frameworks

Guides to openFrameworks and Cinder for artists who need raw performance, direct hardware access and fine control over OpenGL rendering.

Browser-based 3D

Practical coverage of three.js, the JavaScript library that brings WebGL scenes, custom shaders and interactive 3D work to any modern browser.

Visual patching environments

Breakdowns of Max/MSP and vvvv, node-based tools that let you wire audio, video and sensor data together in real time without writing traditional code.

Engines, IDEs and setup

Advice on using Unity and Unreal as artist tools, plus choosing an editor, configuring compilers and organising projects so your creative coding workflow stays fast.