p5.js
Focus: javascript. Shares creative coding and generative art with Processing. A framework, not a desktop app. Adds Web. Rated 4.6 (Processing: 4.5).
FrameworkFreeWeb
4.6Visit
Desktop App
Processing
A free, open-source sketchbook and language for learning to code.
Rating
4.5 / 5
Pricing
Free
Difficulty
Beginner
Works on
Windows, macOS, Linux
Built with love by Shushant Lakhyani. Building bestproductivityresources.com
What is Processing?
Processing is a flexible software sketchbook and a language for learning how to code, aimed at artists, designers, researchers and learners. Its site says the Processing Development Environment is free and open source. It runs on Windows, macOS, Linux and Raspberry Pi, and includes built-in examples, a reference, a getting-started tutorial and books for different skill levels. Community-contributed libraries and tools extend the core software, and there is a community forum.
Pros: what Processing does well
- Free and open source
- Built-in examples to run and modify
- Libraries and tools from the community
Cons: where it falls short
- You need to write code
- Focused on sketches and visuals rather than full apps
Who Processing is for
Artists, designers and beginners who want to learn coding through visual projects.
Who can skip it
People who want a point-and-click design tool.
Processing alternatives
Not sold on Processing? These do a similar job, and each card says what it has in common.
Sonic Pi
Focus: live coding and music. Shares coding for beginners and open source with Processing. Adds Web. Same 4.5 rating.
Desktop AppFreeWeb, Windows
4.5Visit
Algorithmic Art Skill
Focus: claude, claude skills and algorithmic art. Shares generative art and creative coding with Processing. An AI tool, not a desktop app. Adds Web. Rated 4.7 (Processing: 4.5).
AI ToolFreeWeb
4.7Visit
Rnote
Focus: handwritten notes, pdf annotation and infinite canvas. Shares open source with Processing. Rated 4.6 (Processing: 4.5).
Desktop AppFreeLinux, Windows
4.6Visit
BeepBox
Focus: music, chiptune and composition. Shares open source with Processing. A web app, not a desktop app. Adds Web and Offline. Rated 4.6 (Processing: 4.5).
Web AppFreeWeb, Offline
4.6Visit
Markmap
Focus: mind map, markdown and visual notes. Shares open source with Processing. A web app, not a desktop app. Adds Web. Same 4.5 rating.
Web AppFreeWeb, Cross-Platform
4.5Visit
Free alternatives to Processing
Want to spend nothing? These free picks cover similar ground.
navi
Focus: terminal, cli and cheatsheet. Shares open source with Processing. Rated 4.8 (Processing: 4.5).
Desktop AppFreemacOS, Windows
4.8Visit
Scratch
Focus: coding for kids, games and animation. Also in Learning and Brainstorming, like Processing. A web app, not a desktop app. Adds Web and Android. Rated 4.8 (Processing: 4.5).
Web AppFreeWeb, Windows
4.8Visit
Chrome Music Lab
Focus: music, education and experiments. Also in Learning and Brainstorming, like Processing. A website, not a desktop app. Adds Web. Rated 4.7 (Processing: 4.5).
WebsiteFreeWeb
4.7Visit
mpv
Focus: video player, media and subtitles. Shares open source with Processing. Adds Offline. Rated 4.7 (Processing: 4.5).
Desktop AppFreemacOS, Windows
4.7Visit
MuseScore Studio
Focus: music notation, sheet music and composition. Shares open source with Processing. Rated 4.7 (Processing: 4.5).
Desktop AppFreemacOS, Windows
4.7Visit
Awwwards
Focus: web design, inspiration and showcase. Also in Brainstorming and Learning, like Processing. A website, not a desktop app. Adds Web. Rated 4.6 (Processing: 4.5).
WebsiteFreeWeb
4.6Visit
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