Processing
What Processing is
Processing is a free, open-source development tool for creating visual, interactive media such as graphics, animations and interactive installations. It runs on macOS, Windows and Linux. Its development environment brings together a text editor, compiler and display window for creating and running sketches. The default renderer handles two-dimensional graphics, while the P3D renderer supports three-dimensional work. Community libraries add capabilities such as sound, computer vision and advanced 3D geometry. Built-in tools support sketch archiving, font creation, color selection and movie making. Core libraries cover network communication, serial connections to external hardware, audio, video, and PDF or SVG export. A command-line interface can run sketches from a terminal, including in automated or headless setups. Processing began as a software sketchbook and a way to teach programming through visual work, and has since developed into a tool for professionals. The software runs locally and does not collect, track, store or share user data; its update check can be disabled. Users can ask questions and share work through the Processing Forum.
Who it suits
It suits learners and professionals making visual or interactive work with code. Its use in art schools, universities, high schools and other curricula also makes it relevant to educators.
What it does well
- Free and open source.
- Runs on macOS, Windows and Linux.
- Supports both 2D and 3D graphics.
- Libraries cover audio, video and hardware connections.
- Runs locally without collecting or sharing user data.
What to know first
- The default renderer is for two-dimensional graphics.
- The update check must be disabled in settings if unwanted.
Plans
| Plan | Billed and limits | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Free | Free and open source | Free |
As processing.org lists them, read 2 Oct 2026. The maker's own page has the final word.
Getting started
- Visit the Processing website.
- Download Processing for macOS, Windows, or Linux.
- Open the Processing Development Environment to create and run sketches.
- Use the default renderer for 2D graphics or select P3D for 3D graphics.
- Use the Processing Forum to ask questions or share work.
Verdict
Processing combines a sketch-focused development environment with tools for visual output, libraries and command-line use. Its local operation and cross-platform availability make it relevant for both learning and professional creative work.
Questions
How much does Processing cost?
The Free plan costs nothing. It is listed as free and open source.
Is there a free trial?
No. Processing is listed without a free trial.
Which operating systems does Processing support?
It supports macOS, Windows, and Linux.
Is Processing open source?
Yes. Its Free plan is described as free and open source.
Who supports Processing?
The Processing Foundation was started in 2012 to support software development and expand access to learning programming and creative work with code.
Where can users ask questions?
Users can ask questions and share work through the Processing Forum.
Facts from Processing's own pages
- 2D and 3D
- Sketches can draw two-dimensional graphics with the default renderer or three-dimensional graphics with the P3D renderer. · processing.org, 2 Oct 2026
- Audience
- Processing is used in classrooms, including art schools, universities, high schools, computer science programs, and humanities curricula. · processing.org, 2 Oct 2026
- Built-in tools
- Included tools provide sketch archiving, font creation, color selection, and movie making. · processing.org, 2 Oct 2026
- Command line
- Processing includes a command-line interface for running sketches from a terminal, including for automation and headless setups. · processing.org, 2 Oct 2026
- Development environment
- The Processing Development Environment includes a text editor, compiler, and display window for creating and running sketches. · processing.org, 2 Oct 2026
- Extensibility
- Community libraries extend Processing with capabilities such as sound, computer vision, and advanced 3D geometry. · processing.org, 2 Oct 2026
- Founded
- 2001 · processing.org, 28 Sept 2026
- Integrations
- Core libraries support network communication, serial connections to external hardware, audio, video, and PDF or SVG export. · processing.org, 2 Oct 2026
- Privacy
- The Processing software runs locally and does not collect, track, store, or share user data; its update check can be disabled in settings. · processing.org, 2 Oct 2026
- Project history
- Processing started in spring 2001, and the Processing Foundation was started in 2012 to support software development and expand access to learning programming and creative work with code. · processing.org, 2 Oct 2026
- Purpose
- Processing began as a software sketchbook and a way to teach programming fundamentals through visual work, and has evolved into a development tool for professionals. · processing.org, 2 Oct 2026
- Support
- Users can ask questions and share work through the Processing Forum. · processing.org, 2 Oct 2026
- What it creates
- Processing focuses on creating visual, interactive media, including graphics, animations, and interactive installations. · processing.org, 2 Oct 2026
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