Generate unusual fractals with Fr0st and Flam3
Fragile Beauty
© Fractal image by Karsten Günther
Few fractal algorithms create as beautiful and ethereal structures as Flam3. The Fr0st GUI helps you master the complex software.
In the early 1990s, computer artist Scott Draves [1] developed a fractal algorithm he called "Flame." The current version is known as Flam3. The appearance of the graphics that the tool produces can be influenced by hundreds of parameters – for non-experts, even if you are interested in mathematics, it is hard to see exactly what these parameters do [2].
The graphical interface fractal Fr0st [3] hides the complexity of Flam3 somewhat, but it still conjures up fascinating results. The tool, which is known as Fr0st for short, is a combination of binary programs and a Python script (see the "Installation" box).
The first contact many users have with the Flam3 algorithm is a GIMP filter that provides a very simple approach to generating a flame structure. Using the filter is easy: In the first dialog box that appears when you choose Filters | Render | Nature | Flame, click Edit and select the basic shape of the fractal structure, then use the other information to manipulate the appearance to your liking.
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