TouchDesigner 2025: New Operator and Operator Features You Should Know About

We are well into 2025, and if you haven’t carved out some time to explore TouchDesigner’s newest operators and operator features, now’s the moment. With the evolving landscape of interactive and immersive design, Derivative has quietly introduced some powerful updates that could make a serious impact on your workflows. Whether you’re building installations, creating VR experiences, or running shows, these new operators and features are worth your attention. 

OpenVR CHOP: Smarter VR Integration

Virtual reality continues to become more integrated into the world of immersive environments, and TouchDesigner’s OpenVR CHOP just got a handy upgrade. The addition of a ‘Re-Center’ pulse parameter makes it much easier to reset the Head-Mounted Display (HMD) view with precision. This might sound small, but for installations where spatial alignment matters—or where users frequently change positions—this can be a lifesaver. Less fumbling, more immersion.

S Curve CHOP: Fine-Tuned Animation Control

Smoother animation is always the goal, and now the S Curve CHOP makes that easier with the new ‘Remap Length’ parameter. This allows you to precisely control the shape and duration of the S-curve easing function. Whether you’re animating UI, lighting fades, or generative visuals, you’ll appreciate the added control over how fast or slow your transitions play out. Subtle tweaks can make all the difference in creating natural and expressive motion.

Direct Display Out TOP: Ultra-Direct Display Output

Perhaps the most game-changing addition for anyone serious about displays and show control is the Direct Display Out TOP. This operator allows you to bypass the Windows desktop entirely and output straight to connected displays (if you are running Windows 11 Pro for Workstations or Windows 11 Enterprise). Why does this matter? No more worrying about unwanted UI elements, mouse cursors, or OS-level interruptions messing with your perfectly crafted visuals. If you’re running installations or shows where seamless, uninterrupted playback is critical, this operator will be your new best friend.

SocketIO DAT: Smarter, Modern Web Communication

Web connectivity and interactive installations often go hand-in-hand, and the SocketIO DAT got an important modernization this year. Updated to support the latest Socket.IO v3 and v4 protocols, this means more robust and streamlined communication with web servers and apps. Real-time web integration just became more reliable and future-proof—critical as more projects blend browser-based interfaces with local interactive experiences.

Honorable Mentions: More Behind-the-Scenes Power

In addition to the headline features, several other updates deserve recognition for making TouchDesigner even more versatile and connected:

• Orbbec and OAK-D Support: Improved depth camera integration means better tracking and sensing for interactive environments.
• AJA Video Device Support: Expanded to include new models and higher bandwidth formats like 6G/12G SDI, ideal for broadcast and high-resolution workflows.
• OptiTrack Integration: Updates ensure compatibility with the latest OptiTrack SDKs, keeping motion capture pipelines smooth and accurate.
• Sync Out CHOP Enhancements: Added features like bundle options for better network synchronization and precision OSC messaging.
• OpenColorIO Updates: Ensures better support for color management workflows, including newer ICC profiles and color standards.
• RenderStream Improvements: Updated for the latest SDK, making integration with media servers and distributed rendering systems even more reliable.

Wrap Up

These updates, while individually targeted, all point to a bigger trend in TouchDesigner’s evolution: deeper integration, finer control, and smoother pipelines for immersive and interactive creators. If you haven’t tried them yet, we recommend opening up a new project and giving each of these operators a test drive. They might just become your new go-to tools for 2025 and beyond.