CutWire Prism
CutWire Prism is a free, open-source node-based live video mixer for volunteers, streamers and small venues.
What CutWire Prism is
CutWire Prism is a free, open-source node-based live video mixer for volunteers, streamers and small venues. It mixes two decks with a crossfader, AUTO and CUT controls, per-deck speed and multiple transitions. Sources can include video files, images, slideshows, cameras, screen captures, shaders, HTML, text, Lua, NDI and a phone camera connected by QR. A Remove BG process uses MediaPipe segmentation to remove webcam backgrounds without a green screen. Prism supports Lua 5.4 scripts and GLSL fragment shaders, including audio-reactive presets. The mixed program can be sent to a projector window, NDI, a virtual camera or a recording; it can also appear as a virtual camera in OBS, Zoom or a browser. OBS can control Prism over WebSocket. One-click controls provide blackout, pausing the current frame and a Stay Tuned overlay. Prism runs on Linux and Windows; macOS requires a source build and has no virtual camera output. The maker describes the project as early and under active development.
Good
- Free and open source under GPLv3
- Supports a wide range of video and text sources
- Mixed output can go to NDI or recording
- OBS can control Prism over WebSocket
Watch out
- macOS requires a source build
- Virtual camera output is unavailable on macOS
- Project is described as early and under active development
Who it suits
Prism suits volunteers and small venues producing live video, as well as streamers who need a mixer with varied sources. Its intended settings include school events, churches, theatres, clubs and local sports broadcasts.
Verdict
Prism offers a two-deck mixer, varied input sources and several output options without a paid tier. Mac users should note the source-build requirement and lack of virtual camera output.
Plans and prices
From CutWire Prism's own pricing page, checked 4 Oct 2026.
| Plan | Price | What it gives you |
|---|---|---|
| Free | Free | Free forever · no account · no trial · no feature tiers |
The facts
Each one read from CutWire Prism's own pages, with the date it was checked.
What it does
- AI background removal
- A Remove BG process uses MediaPipe segmentation to remove a webcam background without a green screen.checked 4 Oct 2026
- Development status
- The maker describes Prism as early and under active development and invites users to report bugs.checked 4 Oct 2026
- Integrations
- Prism can appear as a virtual camera in OBS, Zoom, or a browser, and OBS can control it over WebSocket.checked 4 Oct 2026
- Intended users
- The maker describes Prism for school and college events, churches, theatres, community AV, small concerts, clubs, streamers, and local sports broadcasts.checked 4 Oct 2026
- License
- Prism is free and open source under GPLv3.checked 4 Oct 2026
- Mixing
- It mixes two decks with a crossfader, AUTO and CUT controls, per-deck speed, and multiple transitions.checked 4 Oct 2026
- Outputs
- The mixed program can go to a projector window, NDI, a virtual camera, or a recording.checked 4 Oct 2026
- Panic controls
- One-click controls include Blackout, pausing the current frame, and a Stay Tuned overlay.checked 4 Oct 2026
- Privacy
- CutWire says Prism has no telemetry; its privacy policy says website analytics may collect anonymized page views.checked 4 Oct 2026
- Product
- CutWire Prism is a node-based live video mixer for volunteers, streamers, and small venues.checked 4 Oct 2026
- Scripting and shaders
- Prism supports Lua 5.4 scripts and GLSL fragment shaders, including audio-reactive presets.checked 4 Oct 2026
- Sources
- Sources include video files, images, slideshows, cameras, screen capture, shaders, HTML, text, Lua, NDI, and a phone camera via QR.checked 4 Oct 2026
- Support
- Support is available through documentation, public GitHub issues, and email at [email protected]; the support page says Discord is fastest during a show.checked 4 Oct 2026
Where it runs
- macOS limitation
- Virtual camera output is unavailable on macOS.checked 4 Oct 2026
- Supported platforms
- Prism is available for Linux and Windows, while macOS requires a source build.checked 4 Oct 2026
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