(y7) Tutorials & Links

This module contains the best external resources for learning TouchDesigner, ranging from absolute beginner courses to advanced GLSL programming.

Official Resources

Derivative Wiki: The official documentation. The definitive source of truth for every node’s parameters and Python class.
Derivative Forum: The primary space for troubleshooting bugs, asking for network help, and sharing .tox components.
TouchDesigner Official YouTube: Excellent for deep dives, event recordings, and new release features.

Bileam Tschepe (elekktronaut) - Beginner Course: The universally recommended starting point. His pacing and visual clarity are unmatched.
Interactive & Immersive HQ: Elburz Sorkhabi’s channel. Unbeatable for professional workflows, UI building, and enterprise-level architecture.

Paketa12: The absolute master of geometry instancing, feedback loops, and complex vector math without writing code.
Okamirufu Vizualizer: Specialized in biomechanical, organic, and Y2K aesthetics using the POP (Point Operator) family and high-performance GPU workflows.
The Interactive & Immersive HQ / Elburz Sorkhabi: Deep dives into Python integration, advanced UI components, and building sellable applications.
Matthew Ragan: The original “Professor” of TouchDesigner. Highly academic, detailed breakdowns of Python, optimization, and complex systems.

The Book of Shaders: Not TD specific, but the mandatory textbook for learning fragment shaders (which translates perfectly to the GLSL TOP).
Shadertoy: A repository of incredible shaders you can learn to port into TouchDesigner’s GLSL TOP.

Olak (Noisetok): A massive user-driven repository of free, downloadable .tox components extending TD’s functionality.
TouchDesigner Discord (Official): The official Discord server — the most active real-time community for troubleshooting and sharing work.
r/TouchDesigner: Active Reddit community for questions, project sharing, and tutorials.