Tech Stuff: Quartz Composer
Whether or not you have a PC or Mac (or Linux) machine, this section will be devoted to bringing you neat programs, tips, and tricks from the outer limits of tech. This week, I have an app for the Mac that can make videos both creepy and fun.
The program’s called Quartz Composer and regardless of whether you have Tiger (Mac OSX v10.4) or Leopard (Mac OSX v10.5) the program can be found in your OS boot disc. Its basically a visual programming language where in you literally connect different programming elements in a sort of web-like design as seen here:
The neat thing with the program is the ability it has to replicate strange and interesting video effects that you could only find in more expensive programs (Quartz Composer is free so there’s no cost worry). There are also tons of plug-ins for the program that you can find online that are essentially pre-made programs meant to recreate different effects. Here’s a video made with the Rutt Etra plug-in for Quartz:
The possibilities are endless, especially if you’re a video artist or just like fucking around on your (Mac) computer. Check it out!
