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Fractal graphics editor. Drawing futuristic fractals. Fractal graphics programs

fractal graphics

Fractal graphics are based on mathematical calculations. The basic element of fractal graphics is the mathematical formula itself, that is, no objects are stored in the computer's memory and the image is built solely on the basis of equations. In this way, both the simplest regular structures and complex illustrations that imitate natural landscapes and three-dimensional objects.

Fractal graphics programs

Art Dabbler Program

It is best to start your acquaintance with the basics of fractal graphics with the Art Dabbler package. This editor (by Fractal Design and now owned by Corel) is actually a truncated version of Painter. This is an excellent program for teaching not only computer graphics, but above all the basics of drawing. The small amount of memory required (only 10 MB is needed to install it), as well as a simple interface accessible even to a child, allow it to be used in school curriculum. Like the raster editor MS Paint, the fractal editor Art Dabbler is especially effective at the initial stage of mastering computer graphics.

The main attention of the developers of the Art Dabbler package was paid to two factors:

Creation of a simplified interface, the main element of which are toolboxes (here called drawers);

Possibilities of using the package as a training program. To realize this goal, along with the program itself, the "Learn to draw" tutorial and a training film on a CD are included in the package. The drawing lessons offered in them allow you to observe step by step the process of creating color images by experienced artists using the Art Dabbler package.

The menu bar includes six items: standard for most programs - File, Edit and Help, as well as Effects, Options and Tutors, which are present in most graphic programs and do not need additional comments.

Art Dabbler provides a set of effects (Effects menu) that can be used to alter or distort images. For example, the Texturize effect creates textures for paper, canvas, and more, expanding the artist's creative options.

It should be noted that in Art Dabbler all tools are called drawers in the same way as, for example, similar tools are called palettes in Photoshop, and dockers in CorelDRAW. They store brushes, pencils, an elastic band and other tools, to activate them, just click the icon corresponding to them. On the front walls of the drawers, a small number of buttons and a handle are displayed, by pressing which the user gains access to the entire set of operations carried out through it thanks to the opening additional buttons.

Ultra Fractal program

Ultra Fractal- the best solution to create unique fractal images professional quality. The package features a user-friendly interface, many elements of which are reminiscent of Photoshop (which makes it easy to learn), and is accompanied by incredibly detailed and beautifully illustrated documentation with a series of tutorials that walk through all aspects of working with the program step by step. Ultra Fractal is presented in two editions: Standard Edition and extended Animation Edition, the capabilities of which allow not only generating fractal images, but also creating animation based on them. The created images can be visualized in high resolution suitable for printing and save in the program's own format or in one of the popular fractal formats. Rendered images can also be exported to one of the raster graphic formats (jpg, bmp, png and psd), and finished fractal animations can be exported to AVI format.

The principle of creating fractal images is quite traditional, the simplest thing is to use one of the formulas included in the delivery (the built-in browser will help you navigate the possible appearance of the image generated by the selected formula), and then edit the formula parameters in the desired way. And if the experiment was unsuccessful, then the last action is easy to cancel. There are a lot of ready-made fractal formulas, and their number can be expanded by downloading new formulas from the program website. Advanced users can try their luck in creating their own formula, for which the package has a built-in text editor with support for basic templates based on standard fractal formula programming language constructs.

However, one should not think that the mystery of a fractal image lies only in a successful formula. Other aspects are no less important. For example, color tuning, which involves choosing a color option and fine-tuning its parameters. Color adjustment is implemented at the level of solid graphics packages, for example, you can create and customize gradients yourself, adjusting many parameters, including translucency, and save them in the library for later use. The use of layers with the ability to change their blending modes and adjust the translucency allows you to generate multilayer fractals and, by superimposing fractal images on top of each other, achieve unique effects. The use of opacity masks provides masking of certain areas of the image. Transformation filters allow you to perform various transformations on selected image fragments: scale, mirror, crop according to a pattern, distort by swirling or ripples, multiply by the kaleidoscope principle, etc.

Fractal Explorer

Fractal Explorer is a program for creating images of fractals and 3D attractors with quite impressive features. It has an intuitive classic interface that can be customized according to user preferences and supports standard fractal image formats (*.frp; *.frs; *.fri; *.fro; *.fr3, *.fr4, etc.) . Ready fractal images are saved in *.frs format and can be exported to one of the raster graphic formats (jpg, bmp, png and gif), and fractal animations are saved as AVI files.

Fractal generation is possible in two ways - based on basic fractal images built according to the formulas included in the delivery, or from scratch. The first option allows you to get interesting results relatively simple, because it is not difficult to choose a suitable formula, especially since a convenient file browser will allow you to evaluate the quality of a fractal from the database even before creating a fractal image based on it. For a fractal image obtained in this way, you can change the color palette, add a background image to it, and determine the blending mode of the fractal and background layers, as well as the degree of transparency of the fractal layer. Then it will be possible to transform the fractal image, scale it if necessary, determine the size of the image and render it. Creating an image from scratch is much more difficult and involves choosing one of two methods. You can choose the type of fractal from almost 150 options. And then move on to changing various parameters: setting the palette, background, etc. Or you can try creating your own custom formula using the built-in compiler. Before rendering the finished image, you may need to perform automatic correction color balance and/or manual adjustment of brightness, contrast and saturation.

ChaosPro Program

ChaosPro is one of the best free fractal image generators with which you can easily create an endless number of amazingly beautiful fractal images. The program has a very simple and user-friendly interface and, along with the ability to automatically generate fractals, allows you to fully control this process by changing a large number settings (number of iterations, color palette, blur degree, projection features, image size, etc.). In addition, the created images can be multi-layered (layer blending mode can be controlled) and a whole series of filters can be applied to them. All changes applied to the fractals under construction are immediately reflected in the viewing window. The created fractals can be saved in the program's own format, or in one of the main fractal types thanks to the built-in compiler. Or exported to raster images or 3D objects (if a three-dimensional representation of the fractal was previously obtained).

In the list of program features:

Accurate color adjustment, providing smooth gradient transitions of colors into each other;

Simultaneous construction of several fractals in different windows;

The ability to create animation based on fractal images with the definition of key animation phases, which can differ in any variable parameter: rotation and rotation angles, color parameters, etc.;

Creation of three-dimensional representations of fractals based on ordinary two-dimensional images;

Support for many standard fractal image formats that can be imported and edited within ChaosPro.

Apophysis program

Apophysis is an interesting tool for generating fractals based on basic fractal formulas. Fractals created according to ready-made formulas can be edited and unrecognizably changed by adjusting various parameters. So, for example, they can be transformed in the editor, either by changing the triangles underlying the fractals, or by applying the transformation method you like: wave-like distortion, perspective, Gaussian blur, etc. Then you should experiment with colors by choosing one of the basic gradient fill options. The list of built-in fills is quite impressive, and if necessary, you can automatically select the most suitable fill for an existing bitmap, which is important, for example, when creating a fractal background in the same style as other images of a certain project. If necessary, it is easy to adjust the gamma and brightness, change the background, scale the fractal object and clarify its location on the background. You can also subject the result to various mutations in the desired style. Upon completion, you should set the dimensions of the final fractal image and save its rendered version as a graphic file (jpg, bmp, png).

Mystica program

Mystica is a versatile generator of unique fantastic 2D and 3D images and textures that can later be used in various projects, for example as real textures for Web pages, desktop backgrounds or fantastic background images that can be used, for example, when decorating children's rooms. books. The package has a non-standard and rather complex interface and can work in two modes: Sample (focused on beginners and contains a minimum of settings) and Expert (designed for professionals). Created images can be any size and then exported to popular 2D graphics formats. Directly from the program window, they can be sent via e-mail, publish in an Html gallery or create a video clip based on them in divx, mpeg4 formats, etc. The built-in 3D engine of the program can be used to create 3D scenes for computer games such as fantastic backgrounds and landscapes.

Image generation is carried out on the basis of fractal formulas embedded in the package, and the image preparation system is multi-level and includes very detailed setting colors, the possibility of simple transformations of generated elements and a lot of other transformations. These include applying filters, changing lighting, adjusting colors, brightness and contrast, changing the material used in the generation, adding "chaotic" structures to the image, etc.

Three-dimensional graphics (3D)

Everywhere, from advertisements and dynamic intros to disaster simulations, 3D computer graphics and animation. Today, three-dimensional graphics are capable of producing special effects in a matter of days, which, with the help of physical models, transparent photography and optical printers, until recently, were created for months. It is no longer necessary to spend thousands of man-hours on building models, which must then be installed on stage, lit, filmed and combined with the rest of the participants in the episode. It is enough to put one person at the PC to create special effects that give a complete sense of reality.

The modern world is unthinkable without 3D technologies. But three-dimensional graphics have heard a lot of reproaches in their address of complete inapplicability. It is strange to remember that 3D computer graphics once bore the ironic name of "solution in search of a problem."

The method of three-dimensional graphics today works wonders: it has become possible to "remove" television programs exclusively with the help of computer models. The “live” presenter moves freely within the scene, which is modeled using exclusively three-dimensional graphics, walks around objects and can interact with them.

But now 3D computer graphics allows you to enjoy such effects not only on TV screens - our studio will apply the latest achievements in this area to solve current presentation problems. Even an ordinary project presentation can become just such an interactive shooting if not only 3D graphics and animation are involved, but also the Quest3D program. The level reached by the three-dimensional graphics of such presentations is also not inferior to the best gaming products.

No longer a television character, but you yourself can “walk” along the graphic stairs or open the door of a virtual house - just like it happens with a user of a computer game. The picture itself will actively "react" to your actions, changing depending on them. This level of realism was not available until recently, but digital technologies do not stand still, and 3D graphics are constantly being improved, taking into account the changing and increasingly complex demands of modern design. Look into the world of the future with us - three-dimensional computer graphics will bring you closer to it!

bitmap graphics editor vector three-dimensional

Mathematics is literally permeated with harmony, and fractal graphics are a direct confirmation of this. Science is present in the creation of each of its elements, so it reflects all the beauty.

The creator of fractal geometry, Professor Mulderbrot, wrote in his books that the graphics in question are not just repeating images. It is the structure of any being or object on the planet, living or non-living. For example, DNA is the basis, one integration. But if the code begins to repeat itself, then a person appears.

Fundamentals of fractal graphics

What is fractal graphics? It is one or more each of which is similar to the other. That is, the image is composed of identical parts.

The word "fractal" itself can be used if the figure has one or more of these properties:

Non-trivial structure. When a small detail of the whole image is considered, the fragment is similar to the whole drawing. Zooming in doesn't make things worse. The image always remains equally complex.
Each part of the figure is self-similar.
There is a mathematical dimension.
Built with repetition.

Many objects of natural or artificial origin endowed with the properties of fractals. These include the circulatory systems of humans and animals, the crowns and roots of trees, and so on.

Fractal computer graphics are becoming popular because beauty and realism can be achieved through simple construction using the appropriate equipment. You just need to set the correct mathematical formula and specify the number of repetitions.

How to create a fractal graphic element?

The creation of fractal graphics will differ depending on its classification: geometric, algebraic or stochastic. Regardless of the difference, the result will always be the same. Since fractal graphics start with geometry, you should consider its creation with a corresponding example:

Set a condition. This is the shape on which the entire image will be built.
Set up a procedure. It transforms the condition.
Get a geometric fractal.

The null condition is usually represented as a triangle.

To construct an image, two procedures must be applied. First, DrawTriangle. It builds a triangle based on user-specified points. Second, DrawGenerator. It indicates the number of points. Each procedure can be repeated several times or indefinitely. The numerical argument n is used to determine this indicator.

Other actions with fractal graphics

After a fractal graphic element has been created, various additional actions can be performed with it:

Turns and stretches. So increase individual parts drawing, or they take the form desired by the user.
Grouping objects. Usually this function is used to assign the desired scale.
Color conversion. The image can be painted in any shade, set the tone.
Changing the shape of an entire object or individual parts.

It must be remembered that the images of fractal graphics are ultimately impossible to predict. When the triangle is too large, the view will be unrealistic, the user will see only black window. When the desired texture is found, all changes to it must be carried out in a minimal order, constantly maintaining a valid variant.

Programs for generation

There is no such person who would not be attracted to fractal graphics. The programs involved in its creation are presented in large numbers. Therefore, you need to figure out the most suitable for beginners.

The Art Dabbler product is the best option if the user hasn't dealt with their taxes before. Here you can not only master the graphics, but also learn how to draw on a computer. Other advantages include a small amount of occupied memory and an intuitive interface.

Another program is Ultra Fractal. It is already focused on the work of professionals, it will be difficult for beginners to understand it. The interface here is quite complicated, but the manufacturers have implemented it using the example of a regular Photoshop. If the user has dealt with this program, then he will understand the buttons quickly. The peculiarity of Ultra Fractal is that not only fractal graphics are performed here as a standard and regular image, but also animation. Formulas for compilation are attached, but if necessary, the user will be able to use his own.

Existing formats

Fractal graphics formats determine the form and method of storing file data. Some of them include a large amount of information. Therefore, they must be compressed. And to do this not by archiving, but directly in the file. If you choose it correctly, then compression will occur automatically. There are several algorithms for this procedure.

If the application is in front of the user, most of which is sustained in one color, it is reasonable to use the BMP and PCX formats. Here, a sequence of repeating values is replaced.

A diagram that is very rarely, but still used in fractal graphics, is logically placed in TIFF or GIF.

Some formats are universal. That is, they can be viewed in most editors. But if quality is important to the user, then you need to use the original program.

Fractal formats are not supported by browsers. That is why they are transformed if there is a need to upload them to a particular site.

Applications

The use of fractal graphics can be called virtually ubiquitous. Moreover, this area is constantly expanding. On the this moment the following areas can be noted:

Computer graphics. Reliefs are depicted realistically and natural objects. This is used in the creation of computer games.
Analysis stock markets. Fractals are used here to mark repetitions that will later play into the hands of traders.
Natural Sciences. In physics, using fractal graphics, nonlinear processes are modeled. In biology, it describes the structure circulatory system.
to reduce the amount of information.
Creation of a decentralized network. Through fractals, it is possible to provide a direct connection, and not through central regulation. Therefore, the network becomes more stable.

At the moment, the use of fractals in the production of various equipment is practiced. For example, a pipeline has already been launched to create antennas that perfectly receive signals.

Examples

Examples of fractal graphics range from primitive to highly complex repeating elements. The unique feature of this type is that the pattern can be composed exclusively of exclamatory or

Standard, but relatively complex examples of computer fractal graphics are clouds, mountains, sea coasts, and so on. They are often used in the creation of games.

by the most simple example can be called the Koch curve. First, it does not have a specific length, and it is called infinite. Secondly, there is no smoothness here at all. Therefore, it is impossible to construct a tangent.

Pros and cons

Fractal graphics have recently gained their distribution. it is too vague, since there is no normal theoretical basis. The terminology and principles of its use are not fully understood, despite the fact that they are effective and working.

The advantages of fractal graphics lie in several factors:

Small size for scale drawing.
There is no end to scaling, the complexity of the picture can be increased indefinitely.
There is no other tool that will allow you to create complex shapes.
Realism.
Ease of creating work.

The disadvantages of fractal graphics are also present. First, you can't do without a computer. Moreover, the longer the number of repetitions, the more the processor is loaded. Accordingly, only high-quality computer equipment capable of handling complex images.

Secondly, there are limitations in the original mathematical figures. Some images cannot be created using fractals.

Similarities and differences between fractal and vector

Vector and fractal graphics are very different from each other:

Image coding. The vector uses the contours of different geometric shapes, the fractal is a mathematical formula based on a triangle.
By application. The vector is used wherever you need to get a clear outline. Fractal graphics are more specialized and have found their way into mathematics and art.
By analogy. Vector analogues are slides or functions on graphs. In fractals, these are snowflakes or crystals.

Despite the diversity distinguishing features, the image quality combines these two types of graphics. It remains the same regardless of the zoom level.

Three-dimensional, vector, raster, fractal graphics are similar in one thing - they are all widely used in solving various computer problems. To get a really high-quality image, you need to use each of them.

Unique features of fractals

Fractal graphics are unparalleled. She is unique in her kind. Firstly, one small section of it can tell about the whole drawing or image at once. Information about the entire fractal is available, because it is self-similar.

In the center of any image related to this type of graphics, there is an equilateral triangle. All other details of the drawing are either parts of it, or reduced / enlarged copies. That is, one specific element takes part in drawing up the image.

In order to use fractal graphics, no objects stored in the computer's memory are needed. You can start creating, having at hand only one mathematical formula.

Conclusion

Fractal graphics are very realistic. This happens because its details and elements are constantly found in the human environment - mountains, clouds, seashores, various natural phenomena. Some of them remain constantly in the same state, like trees, rocky areas. The rest are constantly changing, like a flickering fiery flame or blood moving through the vessels.

The development of fractal technologies today is one of the progressive areas of science. It is used not only in computer graphics. Perhaps if scientists manage to get to the bottom of their essence, a person will begin to understand this world much better.

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In the world of fractal graphics

Svetlana Shlyakhtina

It is probably difficult to find people who would not be fascinated by the contemplation of fractal graphics - in its mysterious elements, someone may imagine the night flame of a fire, someone - long lashes of swaying algae in the water column, someone - the whole mystery of the Universe.

But one way or another, fractal graphics definitely attract our eyes, and software packages for its creation can become the stepping stone that will allow you to get closer to real fractal creativity, especially since all of them are relatively easy to learn.

Using fractals, not only surreal images can be built, but also quite realistic ones (for example, fractals are often used to create clouds, snow, coastlines, trees and bushes, etc.). Therefore, fractal images can be used in the most different areas, ranging from creating simple textures and background images to fantastic landscapes for computer games or book illustrations. And such fractal masterpieces (as well as vector ones) are created by mathematical calculations, but unlike vector graphics, the basic element of fractal graphics is the mathematical formula itself - this means that no objects are stored in the computer’s memory, and the image (no matter how intricately) is built solely on the basis of equations.

There are not so many programs for generating fractal images on the market, and it is problematic to find them in popular software catalogs. Existing solutions are mostly free and developed by enthusiasts (of course, very unstable), although there are quite solid commercial options. Let's try to cover the most interesting of them.

Ultra Fractal

Developer: Frederik Slijkerman
Program website:
http://www.ultrafractal.com/
Distribution size: 5 MB
Distribution method: shareware (watermark demos: Ultra Fractal Animation Edition - http://www.ultrafractal.com/uf403ani.exe, Ultra Fractal Standard Edition - http://www.ultrafractal.com/uf403std.exe)
Price: Ultra Fractal Animation Edition - $129, Ultra Fractal Standard Edition - $59
Work under control:
Windows 98/2000/XP/2003

Ultra Fractal is the best solution for creating unique professional quality fractal images. The package features a user-friendly interface, many elements of which are reminiscent of Photoshop (which makes it easy to learn), and is accompanied by incredibly detailed and beautifully illustrated documentation with a series of tutorials that walk through all aspects of working with the program step by step. Ultra Fractal is presented in two editions: Standard Edition and extended Animation Edition, the capabilities of which allow not only generating fractal images, but also creating animation based on them. Created images can be rendered in high resolution, suitable for printing, and saved in the program's own format or in one of the popular fractal formats. Rendered images can also be exported to one of the raster graphic formats (jpg, bmp, png and psd), and finished fractal animations can be exported to AVI format.

However, one should not think that the mystery of a fractal image lies only in a successful formula. Other aspects are no less important. For example, color tuning, which involves choosing a color option and fine-tuning its parameters. Color adjustment is implemented at the level of solid graphics packages, for example, gradients can be created and adjusted independently, adjusting many parameters, including translucency, and saving them in the library for later use. The use of layers with the ability to change their blending modes and adjust the translucency allows you to generate multilayer fractals and achieve unique effects by superimposing fractal images on each other. The use of opacity masks provides masking of certain areas of the image. Transformation filters allow you to perform various transformations on selected image fragments: scale, mirror, crop according to a pattern, distort by swirling or ripples, multiply by the kaleidoscope principle, etc.

fractal explorer

Developer:
Sirotinsky Arthur, Olga Fedorenko
Program website: http://www.eclectasy.com/Fractal-Explorer/index.html
Distribution size: 1.46 MB
Distribution method:
freeware (http://www.eclectasy.com/Fractal-Explorer/download.htm)
Price: is free
Work under control:
Windows 95/98/ME/NT/2000/XP

Fractal generation is possible in two ways - based on basic fractal images built according to the formulas included in the delivery, or from scratch. The first option allows you to get interesting results relatively easily, because choosing the right formula is easy, especially since a convenient file browser will allow you to evaluate the quality of a fractal from the database even before creating a fractal image based on it. For a fractal image obtained in this way, you can change the color palette, add a background image to it, and determine the blending mode of the fractal and background layers, as well as the degree of transparency of the fractal layer. Then it will be possible to transform the fractal image, scale it if necessary, determine the size of the image and render it. Creating an image from scratch is much more difficult and involves choosing one of two methods. You can choose the type of fractal (classical Mandelbrot, cubic Mandelbrot, etc.) from almost 150 options. And then move on to changing various parameters: setting the palette, background, etc. Or you can try creating your own custom formula using the built-in compiler. Before rendering the finished image, it may be necessary to perform automatic color balance correction and / or manual correction of brightness, contrast and saturation.

ChaosPro

Developer: Martin Pfingstl
Program website:
http://www.chaospro.de/
Distribution size: 5 MB
Distribution method: freeware
(http://www.chaospro.de/cpro32.exe)
Price: is free
Work under control:
Windows 95/98/Me/NT/2000/XP

ChaosPro is one of the best free fractal image generators with which you can easily create an endless number of amazingly beautiful fractal images. The program has a very simple and user-friendly interface and, along with the ability to automatically generate fractals, allows you to fully control this process by changing a large number of settings (number of iterations, color palette, blur level, projection features, image size, etc.). In addition, the created images can be multi-layered (layer blending mode can be controlled) and a whole series of filters can be applied to them. All changes applied to the fractals under construction are immediately reflected in the viewing window. The created fractals can be saved in the program's own format, or in one of the main fractal types thanks to the built-in compiler. Or exported to raster images or 3D objects (if a three-dimensional representation of the fractal was previously obtained).

In the list of program features:
- accurate color adjustment, providing smooth gradient transitions of colors into each other;
- simultaneous construction of several fractals in different windows;
- the ability to create animation based on fractal images with the definition of key animation phases, which can differ in any variable parameter: rotation and rotation angles, color parameters, etc.;
- creation of three-dimensional representations of fractals based on ordinary two-dimensional images;
- support for many standard fractal image formats, images in which can be imported and edited in the ChaosPro environment.

Apophysis

Developer:
Mark Townsend, Peter Sdobnov, Piotr Borys, Susan Chambless, Ronald Hordijk
Program website:
http://www.apophysis.org/
Distribution size: 1.21 MB
Distribution method: freeware()
Price: is free
Work under control: Windows (all)

Chaoscope

Developer: Nicolas Desprez
Program website: http://www.btinternet.com/~ndesprez/index.htm
Distribution size: 2.5 MB
Distribution method:
freeware (http://www.btinternet.com/~ndesprez/download/chaoscope_0_3_1_setup.exe)
Price: is free
Work under control: Windows (all)

Chaoscope is a program for generating conventional 2D fractal images and obtaining their 3D representations during rendering. Created 2D and 3D fractal images are saved in the program's own formats or exported to bmp format.

Two-dimensional fractals can be generated in two ways. You can open one of the built-in library projects of fractal images and modify it in the intended way by adjusting the parameter values and choosing a color palette. And you can create a new image based on a certain type of fractal - in this case, you will not see any image in the working window, since all parameters characterizing this type are initially equal to zero. Therefore, it is required to determine their values, which is very problematic for an unprepared user manually - there are many parameters, and their specific names (p1, p2, p3, etc.) do not mean anything, and they are not described in Help. It is wiser to go the other way - use the Attractor=>Search command, and the program itself will find the necessary values for a possible fractal image. In this way, using the Search command a couple of dozen times, you can find some interesting option, for further refinement of which you still have to turn to the palettes of parameters and colors. On the last step You may need to perform auto color correction. After that, you can immediately export the fractal image to bmp-format, or visualize it, during which its three-dimensional fractal analogue will be generated.

Mystic

Developer: Thomas Renn
Program website:
http://www.dawntec.com/mystica/
Distribution size: 4 MB
Distribution method: shareware (30 day demo that adds a watermark to images - http://www.dawntec.com/mystica/Download/Mystica.exe)
Price: $15
Work under control:
Windows 95/98/Me/NT/2000/XP

Mystica is a versatile generator of unique fantastic 2D and 3D images and textures that can later be used in various projects, for example as real textures for Web pages, desktop backgrounds or fantastic background images that can be used, for example, when decorating children's rooms. books. The package has a non-standard and rather complex interface and can work in two modes: Sample (focused on beginners and contains a minimum of settings) and Expert (designed for professionals). Created images can be any size and then exported to popular 2D graphics formats. Directly from the program window, they can be sent by e-mail, published in an Html gallery, or created based on them as a video in divx, mpeg4 formats, etc. The built-in 3D engine of the program can be used to create 3D scenes for computer games, such as fantastic backgrounds and landscapes .

Images are generated based on the fractal formulas embedded in the package, and the image preparation system is multi-level and includes a very detailed color setting, the possibility of simple transformations of the generated elements and a lot of other transformations. Among them are the use of filters, changing the lighting, adjusting the color gamut, brightness and contrast, changing the material used in the generation, adding "chaotic" structures to the image, etc.

fractal extreme

Developer: Cygnus Software
Program website:
http://www.cygnus-software.com/
Distribution size: 2.95 MB
Distribution method: shareware (15 day demo - ftp://ftp.cygnus-software.com/pub/fxsetup.exe)
Price: $34,95
Work under control:
Windows 9x/Me/NT/2000/XP

Fractal Extreme is a simple and quite functional (albeit heavily overpriced) program for generating 2D fractal images, which are usually created by converting basic images or independently based on suitable type fractal. Setting the parameters of a fractal image includes adjusting the number of iterations, setting the color palette and the nature of the projection. In addition, the fractal image is easy to scale and crop, as well as fit to the required size. If desired, you can generate fractals randomly using the Options=>Plug-In Setup command. Created images are saved as projects in native format or can be exported to bmp format.

fractal world

Developer: YurkinSoft
Program website:
http://yurkinsoft.chat.ru/rus/fractal_r.htm
Distribution size: 740 KB
Distribution method: shareware (30-day demo - http://yurkinsoft.chat.ru/frac_arc.exe)
Price: 135 rub.
Work under control:
Windows 95/98/Me/NT/2000/XP

Fractal World is a simple full-screen fractal image generator that can be created completely in automatic mode, and defining their initial parameters. The images you like the most are easy to save and use as screen savers for your desktop. The simple interface of the program and its modest size make it possible to recommend its use in educational process when studying by schoolchildren different types charts.

Fractal Snowflake Generator

Developer: a-i-studio.com
Program website:
http://a-i-studio.com/snowflake/
Distribution size: 565 KB
Distribution method: Shareware (demo version with save limit - http://a-i-studio.com/snowflake/fsnowgen_setup.exe)
Price: $10
Work under control:
Windows 98/Me/NT4/2000/XP

Fractal Snowflake Generator is a generator of fractal snowflakes with which you can decorate your personal website on the eve of the New Year or a New Year's card created by yourself, for example in Photoshop. The program not only can work in fully automatic mode, generating snowflakes randomly, but if desired, the generation process can also be controlled by determining the size, proportions, rotation of the snowflake, the colors of the snowflakes and the background, etc. The created snowflakes are in demo version can only be saved as a bitmap by pressing the Print Screen key. After payment appears additional opportunity saving snowflakes as a vector image in formats Adobe software Illustrator, which allows you to further process snowflakes and use them, for example, to create appropriate children's illustrations, backgrounds for Web pages, etc.

The last of the considered species computer graphics - this is fractal graphics. fractal graphics is currently one of the fastest growing promising species computer graphics.

Mathematical basis fractal graphics is fractal geometry. Here, the method of constructing images is based on the principle of inheritance from the so-called "parents" geometric properties descendant objects.

Concepts fractal, fractal geometry and fractal graphics, which appeared in the late 70s, are now firmly established in the everyday life of mathematicians and computer artists. Word fractal derived from latin fractus and translated means "consisting of fragments". It was proposed by the mathematician Benoit Mandel-Brothom in 1975 year to refer to the irregular but self-similar structures that he studied.

fractal called a structure consisting of parts that are in some sense similar to the whole. One of the main properties fractals is self-similarity. The object is called self-similar when enlarged parts of an object resemble the object itself and each other. To paraphrase this definition, we can say that in the simplest case, a small part of a fractal contains information about the entire fractal.

In the center of the fractal figure is its simplest element - equilateral triangle, which was named "fractal". Then, on the middle segment of the sides, equilateral triangles with a side equal to (1/3a) from the side of the original fractal triangle. In turn, on the middle segments of the sides of the obtained triangles, which are descendant objects first generation, line up successor triangles second generation with side (1/9a) from the side of the original triangle.

Thus, small elements of a fractal object repeat the properties of the entire object. The resulting object is called "fractal shape". The process of inheritance can be continued indefinitely. Thus, it is possible to describe such a graphic element as direct.

Changing and combining colors fractal shapes you can simulate images of animate and inanimate nature (for example, tree branches or snowflakes), as well as compose from the resulting figures "fractal composition". fractal graphics, as well as vector and three-dimensional, is computable. Its main difference is that the image is built according to an equation or a system of equations. Therefore, in the computer's memory to perform all calculations, nothing but the formula is required to be stored.

Only by changing the coefficients of the equation, you can get a completely different image. This idea has been used in computer graphics due to the compactness of the mathematical apparatus necessary for its implementation. So, with the help of several mathematical coefficients, you can define lines and surfaces of a very complex shape.

So, the basic concept for fractal computer graphics are "Fractal Triangle". Then comes "Fractal Shape", "Fractal Object"; "Fractal line";"Fractal Composition"; "Parent Object" and "Object successor". You should draw your attention to the fact that fractal computer graphics, as a view computer graphics twenty-first century has become widespread not so long ago.

Its capabilities are difficult to overestimate. Fractal computer graphics allows you to create abstract compositions, where you can implement such compositional techniques as horizontals and verticals, diagonal directions, symmetry and asymmetry, etc. Today, few computer scientists in our country and abroad know fractal graphics. What can be compared fractal image? Well, for example, with a complex crystal structure, with a snowflake, the elements of which line up in one complex structure. This property of a fractal object can be successfully used to compose a decorative composition or to create an ornament. Today, algorithms for the synthesis of coefficients have been developed fractal, which allows you to reproduce a copy of any picture as close as you like to the original original.

In terms of computer graphics fractal geometry irreplaceable in the generation of artificial clouds, mountains, sea surface. In fact, thanks to fractal graphics a method was found for the effective implementation of complex non-Euclidean objects, the images of which are very similar to natural ones. geometric fractals on the computer screen is patterns constructed by the computer itself given program. Apart from fractal painting exist fractal animation and fractal music.

fractal maker is an artist, sculptor, photographer, inventor and scientist all rolled into one. You yourself set the shape of the drawing with a mathematical formula, study the convergence of the process by varying its parameters, choose the type of image and color palette, that is, create a drawing “from scratch”. This is one of the differences between fractal graphic editors and other graphic programs.

For example, in Adobe Photoshop the image, as a rule, is not created from scratch, but only processed. Another original feature of the fractal graphic editor is that a real artist working without a computer will never achieve with a brush, pencil and pen the possibilities that are possible in fractal GR by programmers.

In our today's article, you will learn: how and with what you can draw bewitching mysterious futuristic fractals, and there will be something to do this coming weekend.

A fractal is a complex geometric figure, consisting of parts similar to the whole figure. Some objects from our life have fractal properties, for example, snowflakes, tree crowns, etc. Fractal graphics fascinates with their mystery and definitely attracts our eyes and most people like these drawings - this is how the magic of fractals works on people. Fractal drawings can be similar to surreal and quite realistic. Therefore, fractals are used in various fields: from creating textures and backgrounds to fantastic landscapes for games or illustrations.

Fractals are created not just by the movement of a brush, as real artists create paintings, but by mathematical calculations, the basic element of which is a mathematical formula. This is how simple fractals are built only on the basis of mathematical equations.

There are not as many programs that create fractal images as we would like. As a result, it is difficult to find functional program on the Internet and even in popular software directories, one of which is our website. Therefore, we decided to correct this mistake by writing for our readers this article-digest of programs for generating fractals, which you can also download from our catalog.

Apophysis

Apophysis is an interesting tool for creating fractals based on basic formulas. Fractals created according to such fractal formulas can be changed beyond recognition using various parameters (transformation, color, transformation, gamma, brightness, scale).

Download Apophysis fractal generator.

ChaosPro

ChaosPro is one of the best free fractal generators with which you can easily create many futuristic fractal designs.

The program is quite easy to understand due to a simple and convenient interface and automatic generation of fractals. Having accumulated experience in creating fractals, it will be possible to switch to full control over the generation of fractals with large quantity settings (color, blur, iteration, projection, size, layering of images, filters, etc.).

2D fractals can be converted to 3D fractals using the 3D transform. The program allows you to create animation based on fractal images.

Created fractals are saved as projects in the program's own format or exported to raster images (JPG, BMP, PNG). 3D transformations are saved as 3D objects in POV format, while animations are saved in AVI format.

Download the program for creating fractals ChaosPro.

Fragmentarium

Fragmentarium is a free fractal program whose main beauty lies in the ability to write your own own formulas and on which fractals will be built.

Before trying to write your own formulas for creating fractals, you can use some of the standard formulas that are already loaded into the program.

The program can create 2D and 3D fractals with high resolution and excellent quality. In addition, in Fragmentarium, you can also create fractal animations.

The main criterion for using this program to create fractals is that your computer has a more or less modern video card.

Download the Fragmentarium fractal generator.

Incendia

Incendia is a complete free and multi-processor program for generating 3D fractals.

The latest version of the program has a fairly rich functionality for generating full-fledged three-dimensional fractals, allowing you to generate perfect images with a resolution of 1024 to 8192 pixels.

The program includes 45 varieties of various fractals and big library textures, as well as the ability to export fractals as animation.

Starting with the latest versions of the Incendia program, the Geometrica application comes with it, with which you can export 3D fractals to other 3D graphics editors.

Download the complete Incendia fractal generator.

Ultra Fractal

Ultra Fractal is the best program to create unique professional quality fractals. The program interface is simple and somewhat reminiscent of the interface of the Adobe Photoshop program, especially since the program is accompanied by detailed illustrated documentation.

Created and finished fractal images can be visualized in high resolution, which can be used in printing, and saved in the program's own format or in popular formats bitmaps(jpg, png, bmp, psd), and the animation is exported to video format (avi).

The program already comes with several hammered formulas for creating fractals - this is the most in a simple way creating fractal images for beginners. Subsequently, the created fractals can be edited according to standard formulas to your taste by adding translucency, gradient, layering, masks, scale, distortion or cropping to the fractal.

Download the best fractal generator Ultra Fractal.

XenoDream

XenoDream - this program is an environment for creating a variety of futuristic volumetric structures by combining simple shapes and fractals.

It is not necessary to know fractal formulas to create a 3D fractal, in XenoDream you can create random fractal structures with just one click. With a variety of settings that great amount, you can change the position, size, rotate, add gradients, etc. In addition, you can control the camera by changing its position, focus and tilt, you can also change the light sources and the presence or absence of shadows even for individual shapes.

The program can create fractal animations that are saved as separate images.

Ready-made futuristic fractals can be saved in the program's own format or exported to popular graphic formats (jpg, bmp, psd, tga), three-dimensional objects can be saved in obj, povray inc and Depth Maps formats.

Download the software environment for creating fractals XenoDream.

In this article, we looked at several well-known solutions that today are still being developed and updated. They allow you to generate futuristic fractals. Each program has its own characteristics and directions, so it is impossible to say which one is better.