Rapid Cut Switching & Mood Design in TouchDesigner

The ‘RAPID CUTS/MOOD DESIGN’ files created in this tutorial are available for download on Patreon. Consider subscribing to gain access to these files and more http://patreon.com/Xtalcalx

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this tutorial walks through the process of building a **rapid, audio-driven video switching system** in touchdesigner, with a strong focus on rhythm, texture, and mood design.

starting from audio analysis, we convert sound energy into clean trigger signals and use them to drive fast, responsive video cuts. the switching logic is refined using math, count, and logic operations, allowing precise control over timing and variation.

on the visual side, the tutorial explores edge-based image processing, multi-stage level adjustments, monochrome conversion, and layered compositing. noise is introduced as a paper-like texture to add physicality, while bloom is used selectively to enhance highlights and atmosphere without losing structural clarity.

the workflow also includes a flexible switch-based output system that cycles between full color, black-and-white, and bloom-enhanced looks. lost background detail from bloom is restored through additional overlay passes, and the final image is refined using crop and level adjustments before export.

this is not a preset-based setup, but a modular visual system designed for live performance, experimentation, and iterative visual exploration.

final output is rendered using out TOP and movie file out TOP.

what you’ll learn
– audio analysis → trigger-based switching
– fast video cut logic using count & math
– edge-driven visual stylization
– paper-like texture using noise
– bloom layering without losing background detail
– switch TOP workflows for multiple visual modes
– clean export pipeline for final renders

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Some visual references featured in this tutorial include works by Noah Dillon and Niko. These images are used strictly for educational purposes to demonstrate visual workflows in TouchDesigner. Images are not redistributed or included in downloadable files and are shown for tutorial demonstration purposes only.

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this tutorial is ideal for media artists, visual designers, and touchdesigner users interested in audio-reactive visuals, motion design, and real-time systems.

thanks for watching.

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