Tekdetek is a free in-browser VJ tool. You connect nodes in a graph to turn camera or video into ASCII art, halftone, glitch, and AI-assisted detection effects, then record MP4 — no install.

Yes. Tekdetek runs in your browser at vikmil.com/tekdetek with no signup.

Which browser works best?

Chrome, Edge, or Firefox on desktop. A GPU helps for real-time WebGL effects.

Can I use Tekdetek for live VJ performance?

Yes — use camera input, keep the node graph short, and rehearse with venue lighting.

How do I record video from Tekdetek?

Add an EXPORT node, connect your pipeline, then use the export controls to save MP4 at 25 fps or a PNG sequence ZIP.

Does Tekdetek work with uploaded MP4 files?

Yes. Select INPUT, choose Upload video file, and prefer H.264 MP4 if a clip fails to play.

What is the difference between luma and AI object detection?

Luma detects bright regions on a grid without downloading models. OBJECTS uses COCO-SSD; FEATURES uses PoseNet — both are heavier on CPU.

vikmil.com · Open Tekdetek app · @tekdetek

Tekdetek user guide

Tekdetek is a free, in-browser VJ and video tool published by VJ Vik Mil (Viktors Mileika). You build a node graph in the page: load a camera or video file, run ASCII and halftone treatments, optional detection boxes, overlay effects, and export MP4 — without installing Resolume, TouchDesigner, or desktop capture software.

This guide is the official written documentation for the public app at vikmil.com/tekdetek/. For parameter-level detail see the node reference; for built-in looks see the preset showcase. Privacy and advertising: privacy policy.

Tekdetek node pipeline from Input to Export — The default mental model: sources on the left, effects in the middle, export on the right.

What you need

Use an up-to-date Chrome, Edge, or Firefox on desktop for the least friction. Safari can work but WebGL and media decode differ by version. JavaScript must be enabled. The first time you activate video, Tekdetek downloads bundled libraries (processing and optional ML helpers) so later visits start faster.

A dedicated GPU helps: real-time ASCII and overlay effects use WebGL. If the preview stutters, reduce ASCII column count, disable OBJECTS/PoseNet detection, or close other tabs. For long MP4 exports, plug in laptop power — thermal throttling lowers frame rate mid-recording.

Step-by-step: your first ASCII clip (5 minutes)

Open /tekdetek/. Dismiss or read the welcome overlay — it summarises version 0.6 beta features.
Click the INPUT node in the pipeline. Press Activate camera or Upload video file (H.264 MP4 is safest).
Confirm the preview appears in the viewport. If black, check browser camera permission or try another file.
Click LOAD PRESET (top right) and pick e.g. “Prism ramp, punchy contrast” — see the showcase for descriptions.
Select the ASCII FX node. Adjust columns (grid resolution) and palette until the read is clear on your footage.
Optional: add OVERLAY and pick a light effect (feedback or CRT at low intensity).
Select EXPORT, start MP4 capture, perform or play the clip, stop export, download the file.

ASCII FX maps each cell of the grid to a character based on brightness and palette.

Step-by-step: detection boxes + ASCII inside regions

Start from INPUT with live camera or file as above.
Ensure an AI DETECT node sits before ASCII. Select it; choose LUMA for lightweight gigs or OBJECTS for labelled boxes (heavier).
Tune luma threshold and grid until boxes track your subject under venue lights.
Select ASCII FX; enable Only in boxes so glyphs render inside detections only.
Add OVERLAY — enable fan or closest lines between boxes for a tracking aesthetic.
Load preset “Luma grid + fan lines” from the showcase if you want a proven starting graph.

How the node graph works

Nodes are boxes; connections carry video forward. Tap or click a node to open its inspector (side panel on desktop, bottom sheet on mobile). Use + ADD NODE or presets to change topology. SHUFFLE randomises parameters — useful for discovery, less so mid-show.

Delete nodes you do not need. Long chains cost GPU time. For live performance, prefer INPUT → DETECT (optional) → ASCII → EXPORT, adding OVERLAY only when the look requires it. Full parameter tables live in the node reference.

Effect families (overview)

ASCII — text-grid and block mosaics with palettes and silhouette modes. Halftone — dither and dot patterns when enabled in your build. Overlay — lines plus 20+ full-frame or in-box effects (glitch, VHS, bloom, slit scan, feedback, etc.). Combine halftone into light feedback for analog texture; stack heavy ASCII on noisy input only after raising contrast upstream.

AI-assisted nodes

LUMA runs locally with no model download. OBJECTS (COCO-SSD) and FEATURES (PoseNet) download weights on first use and increase CPU/GPU load. If a model fails, reload once on a stable connection or fall back to luma. Always rehearse detection under show lighting — dark stages break object confidence.

Presets and saving work

SAVE PRESET / LOAD PRESET use browser storage (localStorage / IndexedDB). Clearing site data wipes them. Built-in presets ship with the app; custom saves stay on your device until you export or share screenshots. Tag @tekdetek with clips you want featured.

Recording and performance

EXPORT encodes the pipeline at capture time. MP4 exports at 25 fps in 0.6 beta without the old short cap. PNG sequence exports zip still frames for compositing in an NLE. Lower preview resolution before long captures if the fan spins up. Disable expensive overlay effects while tuning ASCII, re-enable for export.

Tip: Use the version switcher (0.6 BETA ↔ 0.5 STABLE) in the top bar if beta behaviour differs on your GPU driver.

Troubleshooting

Black or frozen preview: verify INPUT has valid media, check node wiring, reload, try another browser.
Camera blocked: browser site settings → allow camera; close other apps using the device.
WebGL errors: update drivers; simplify graph; try STABLE channel.
ML model stuck loading: network/firewall blocking weights; switch to LUMA detection.
Export dropped frames: reduce ASCII columns and overlay effects; close background apps.

Free ASCII video & browser VJ workflows

Tekdetek is aimed at creators searching for an ASCII video filter online, a free browser VJ tool, or a webcam ASCII effect without a desktop install. Upload MP4 or perform live, wire nodes, export video for Instagram, TikTok, or projection tests. Updates and preset drops: @tekdetek on X.

FAQ

What is Tekdetek? A free in-browser node graph for live ASCII video, halftone, glitch FX, optional AI detection, and recording.

Is it free? Yes — open /tekdetek/, no account required.

Best browser? Chrome, Edge, or Firefox on desktop with WebGL.

Live performance? Yes — keep graphs short, test camera and lighting at the venue first.

How do I record? Use the EXPORT node; MP4 at 25 fps or PNG ZIP sequence.

Uploaded files? Yes — INPUT → Upload video; prefer H.264 MP4 if decode fails.

Luma vs AI objects? Luma is light and local; OBJECTS/FEATURES download models and cost more CPU.

Contact & attribution

Tekdetek is built by Viktors Mileika (VJ Vik Mil), London-based VJ and video engineer. Follow @tekdetek for releases. Commercial enquiries: [email protected].

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