Chris Pirillo

Who is Chris Pirillo?

Chris Pirillo is a tech creator, app maker, and live streamer based in the Seattle area. He has been making things on the internet since 1996. Today he hosts ctrl+alt+create live (a weekly stream and workshop series for non-technical people building software with AI), runs MakerDeck (a 24/7 virtual makerspace on Twitch), and builds Pirillo Arcade (300+ free, browser-based apps).

What does Chris Pirillo do?

Chris Pirillo does geeky things. He builds free browser-based apps at Pirillo Arcade, streams live on YouTube and Twitch, 3D prints live on MakerDeck, hosts ctrl+alt+create live workshops, and ships native iOS, Android, and macOS apps including PenSend. He is the founder of LockerGnome, Inc. He follows his passions.

What is Chris Pirillo's background?

Chris Pirillo founded LockerGnome in 1996 and has been a public technology figure for over two decades. He hosted Call for Help on TechTV from 2001 to 2003, organized the Gnomedex technology conference from 2001 to 2010, and served as a Tech Evangelist for Intel. He is an alumnus of the University of Northern Iowa. Today he focuses on free apps, live streaming, AI-assisted development, and 3D printing community-building.

How do I contact Chris Pirillo?

The fastest way to reach Chris Pirillo is by email at [email protected]. For business and collaboration inquiries, see pirillo.com. For community and live conversation, join his Discord or catch a live stream.

What is Pirillo Arcade?

Pirillo Arcade is Chris Pirillo's free collection of 300+ browser-based apps at arcade.pirillo.com. Every app is free, runs entirely client-side, requires no signup or account, and collects no data. The catalog includes FontCrafter (a popular handwriting-to-font web app, available at fontcrafter.net), CodeSnap (code screenshots), and hundreds more.

What is ctrl+alt+create live?

ctrl+alt+create live is Chris Pirillo's weekly Thursday live stream and recurring in-person workshop series in Seattle. It teaches non-technical people how to build real software using AI tools — sometimes called vibe coding. Events air at ctrlaltcreatelive.com and on YouTube and Twitch.

What is MakerDeck?

MakerDeck is a 24/7 virtual makerspace on Twitch, founded and spearheaded by Chris Pirillo. It streams continuously at makerdeck.net (which points to twitch.tv/MakerDeck) and is focused on 3D printing and the broader maker community. Multiple makers stream their builds on rotation, and chat is fully interactive — nothing is automated.

Where can I find Chris Pirillo on social media?

Chris Pirillo is active as @ChrisPirillo across YouTube, Twitch, X, Instagram, TikTok, Threads, BlueSky, Mastodon, LinkedIn, GitHub, Reddit, Patreon, Substack, and Tumblr. The current canonical list of profiles is maintained at chris.pirillo.com.