nw_wrld

nw_wrld

nw_wrld is an event-driven sequencer for triggering visuals using web technologies. It enables users to scale up audiovisual compositions for prototyping, demos, exhibitions, and live performances. Users code their own visual modules, then orchestrate them using the project's native UI composer.

Visuals can be triggered via the built-in 16-step sequencer or by configuring external MIDI, OSC, audio capture, or file-upload inputs.

Beta Notice

This project is currently in beta. Downloadable installers are provided via GitHub Releases for macOS, Windows, and Linux, and nw_wrld can also be run from source using this repository. Please note that whilst the project is in beta, there may be frequent breaking changes between releases.

Roadmap

• Isolated sandbox and module-workspace bundling
• Docblock-declared module dependencies with automated runtime injection
• TypeScript migration
• Unit tests, E2E Playwright tests, runtime validations
• Use-case specific User Guides (Ableton, strudel, TouchDesigner, etc.)
• Signed and notarized macOS app builds
• Signed Windows app builds
• Robust Linux & WSL support
• Userdata, Module, and JSON versioning (+ migration scripts)
• Multi-band audio threshold analysis (local processing) for channel triggers
• Advanced default sequencer (Working sampler with audio FX)
• Remote API input source with HTTP/WebSocket client for cloud-based services (audio analysis APIs, ML models, etc.)
• Serial port input support for hardware sensor integration

Features

• Built-in 16-step pattern sequencer - Create rhythmic audiovisual compositions without external hardware
• External MIDI/OSC/audio/file support - Use MIDI, OSC, microphone/loopback audio capture, or uploaded audio files as trigger sources
• Visual module system - Build custom visuals with p5.js, Three.js, D3.js, or vanilla JavaScript
• Hot module reloading - Edit modules and see changes instantly
• Project folder workflow - Self-contained, portable projects with modules, assets, and data
• Flexible method mapping - Trigger any visual method with sequencer patterns or external signals
• Per-track signal settings - Configure per-track thresholds and trigger cooldown for audio and file modes
• Module enable/disable toggle - Disable modules per track without removing configuration

Installation

For Developers

Build from source to contribute or customize:

Prerequisites: Node.js v20+ and basic terminal knowledge

# 1. Clone the repository
git clone https://github.com/aagentah/nw_wrld.git
cd nw_wrld

# 2. Install dependencies
npm install

# 3. Start the app
npm start

Two windows will open:

• Dashboard: Control center for creating tracks, programming patterns, and configuring visuals
• Projector: Visual output window

E2E Testing (Playwright)

npm run test:e2e

• E2E tests launch the real Electron app and control the windows via Playwright.
• Test artifacts (screenshots/traces on failure) are written to test-results/ (gitignored).
• Tests can boot into an isolated project folder by setting NW_WRLD_TEST_PROJECT_DIR.

Project Folders

nw_wrld uses a project folder model. Each project is a self-contained folder containing your modules, assets, and data.

Note: Workspace modules are JavaScript code executed by nw_wrld. Only open project folders you trust.

What's Inside a Project Folder

A project folder holds three things: modules/ (your hot-reloadable visual modules), assets/ (images, JSON, and other resources), and nw_wrld_data/ (tracks, settings, and recordings). For the full annotated layout, see Project Structure below.

First Launch Experience

When you first launch nw_wrld, you'll be prompted to select or create a project folder. The app automatically scaffolds a working project with:

• 22 starter modules - Ready-to-use examples (2D, 3D, text, data visualization)
• Sample assets - Images and JSON data files
• Data storage - Configuration, tracks, and recordings

Portability

Projects are completely portable - copy the folder to share with others, work across machines, or back up your work. Everything needed to run your audiovisual compositions is contained in one folder.

Lost Project?

If your project folder is deleted, moved, or disconnected, nw_wrld will prompt you to reselect it (see Getting Started).

Quick Start

60-Second Test

1. Click [CREATE TRACK] → Name it → Create
2. Click [+ MODULE] → Select Text or Corners
3. Click [+ CHANNEL] to add a sequencer row
4. Click some cells in the 16-step grid (they turn red)
5. Assign a method to the channel (e.g., color or rotate)
6. Click [PLAY] in the footer

You'll see the playhead move across the grid and trigger your visuals. No external setup required!

How It Works: The Big Picture

Signal Sources:
┌──────────────┐
│  Sequencer   │──┐
│  (Built-in)  │  │
└──────────────┘  │
                  ├──▶ Dashboard ──▶ Projector
┌──────────────┐  │    (Control)     (Visuals)
│ External     │──┘
│ MIDI/OSC/    │
│ Audio/File   │
└──────────────┘

Dashboard is where you compose and map triggers; Projector is where visuals render and respond.

Your First Workflow (Sequencer Mode)

Follow the Getting Started Guide for detailed step-by-step instructions.

The built-in sequencer is perfect for testing modules and creating standalone audiovisual pieces without external hardware.

Advanced: External Input Control

For live performance and reactive workflows, you can use MIDI controllers/DAWs, OSC senders, audio input devices, or uploaded audio files.

To set up input routing and switch modes, see Getting Started.

DAW Quickstart (Ableton / FL Studio / Logic / etc.)

Most DAW setups send notes on MIDI Channel 1 unless you explicitly route or change it. nw_wrld supports both a single-channel workflow and a split-channel workflow (method triggers on one channel, track selection on another). For the full channel-defaults walkthrough and best practice, see Getting Started.

Creating Visual Modules

Modules are JavaScript files in your project's modules/ folder. Edit them with any text editor and nw_wrld hot-reloads automatically.

Quick Module Creation

Create or edit a .js file in your project’s modules/ folder and save, and nw_wrld hot-reloads it automatically.

Module File Contract (Docblock + Default Export)

Workspace modules are loaded from your project folder and must follow a strict contract:

• Filename is identity: modules/MyModule.js → module id MyModule (must be alphanumeric and start with a letter)
• Docblock metadata is required: @nwWrld name, @nwWrld category, @nwWrld imports
• Imports are declarative: list what you need; nw_wrld injects safe bindings for you
• Default export is required: export default MyModule

Allowed @nwWrld imports:

• SDK: ModuleBase, BaseThreeJsModule, assetUrl, readText, loadJson, listAssets
• Global libs: THREE, p5, d3, Noise
• Three.js loaders: OBJLoader, PLYLoader, PCDLoader, GLTFLoader, STLLoader

/*
@nwWrld name: My Module (Display Name)
@nwWrld category: 2D
@nwWrld imports: ModuleBase, assetUrl, loadJson
*/

class MyModule extends ModuleBase {
  async init() {
    const imgUrl = assetUrl("images/blueprint.png");
    const data = await loadJson("json/meteor.json");
  }
}

export default MyModule;

See the Module Development Guide for complete documentation including:

• Full module structure and lifecycle
• Method definitions and option types
• SDK API reference and asset loading
• Library usage (p5.js, Three.js, D3.js)
• Advanced patterns and best practices

Built-in ModuleBase Methods

When you extend ModuleBase, you inherit powerful methods for free: show, hide, offset, scale, opacity, rotate, randomZoom, viewportLine, background, and invert. A built-in matrix method is also available as a triggerable method, handled by the projector layout layer: declare and trigger it, but do not call it from module code.

These methods can be triggered via the sequencer or external signal sources (MIDI/OSC/audio/file), giving you instant control over positioning, visibility, transformations, and effects.

See the Module Development Guide for complete documentation of all built-in methods and their parameters.

Two Modes: Sequencer vs External

Switch between modes in Settings → Signal Source.

Sequencer Mode (Default) - Program patterns with a 16-step grid per channel. Perfect for getting started, testing modules, and creating standalone pieces without external hardware. Adjustable BPM (default 120), patterns loop continuously and save with your tracks.

External Modes (Advanced) - Drive channels from MIDI, OSC, live audio input, or an uploaded audio file. For the per-source breakdown and routing details, see Advanced: External Input Control above. Configure global mappings in Settings for consistent control across all tracks.

Switch modes anytime - your tracks, modules, and methods remain the same. Only the trigger source changes.

Starter Modules

Every new project includes 22 starter modules in your modules/ folder, grouped by category:

2D:

• AsteroidGraph - p5.js with workspace JSON data
• Corners - DOM-based corner UI elements
• Frame - Border frame overlay
• GridDots - Animated dot grid patterns
• GridOverlay - Canvas-based grid overlay
• Image - Load images from workspace assets
• ImageGallery - Cycle through multiple workspace images
• MathOrbitalMap - Mathematical orbit mapping
• OrbitalPlane - Orbital mechanics simulation
• PerlinBlob - Noise-driven animated blob
• ScanLines - Animated scan-line overlay

3D:

• BasicGeometry - Three.js primitive geometry example
• CloudPointIceberg - 3D point cloud
• CubeCube - Nested cube visualization
• CubeGrowth - Growing cube animation
• LowEarthPoint - Low earth orbit visualization
• ModelLoader - Load external 3D models
• SpinningCube - Basic Three.js example

Text:

• CodeColumns - Animated code/text columns
• HelloWorld - Minimal working example
• Text - Configurable text display and manipulation
• ZKProofVisualizer - Zero-knowledge proof visualization

Study these modules to learn patterns for 2D, 3D, and text. All are fully editable in your project's modules/ folder.

Project Structure

Your Project Folder (Where You Work)

…

Application Source (For Developers)

…

src/index.js is a thin bootstrap that loads the compiled main process. The Electron main process lives under src/main/mainProcess/ (entry.ts, windows.ts, sandbox.ts, workspace.ts, protocols.ts, lifecycle.ts, and ipcBridge/).

Configuration

Configuration files are stored in your project's nw_wrld_data/json/ directory:

• userData.json - Tracks, mappings, and settings (automatically managed)
• appState.json - Current app state and workspace path (automatically managed)
• config.json - App configuration, aspect ratios, background colors (automatically managed)
• recordingData.json - Recording data (automatically managed)

These files are managed by the Dashboard and typically don't require manual editing.

Troubleshooting

Common quick fixes are below. For the full troubleshooting reference (module, asset, sequencer, MIDI, dev-mode, and Linu