This week there is going to be a series of articles explaining fractals in depth. I will be concentrating on some of the various programs used to make these wonderful fractal images. The first article, [link] I was able to show some of the notable differences in program generation using fractals as a finished result. Please note that there are many, many fractal generation programs available for the different OS (Operating Systems), however, I am merely covering a few.

One of the things about fractals that I find very interesting is that they are infinite (this isn't true if the program you are using allows you to limit the iterations). Meaning, no matter what part of a fractal you could enlarge over and over again, it will contain the same base fingerprint almost like DNA. How that image changes is up to the individual user.

By working on a computer using one of the many programs, the user can easily make changes to the angle, gradient, gamma settings, radius, oversample, quality, buffer depth, size, layers, endless calculations to tweak the image, and post-process…etc. Most people do not realize that it takes a large amount of practice to reach a skill level, which enables many artists to create such wonderful fractals. It can sometimes take a long time to master a particular program and use it well. By using computers, it makes it a lot easier as the computer can assimilate our calculations much quicker producing the desired results faster, and far easier.

I asked my viewers in a poll this morning to tell me which programs they had used, and what they liked about it. Here are the results of those who answered:

63% 29 deviants said Apophysis and/or Ultra-Fractal
22% 10 deviants said OTHER-NOT LISTED (artists used several programs not covered in this article)
9% 4 deviants said ChaosPro and/or Chaoscope
2% 1 deviant said MBF and or Sterlingware
2% 1 deviant said KPT5 FraxExplorer
2% 1 deviant said Xenodream and/or Incendia

You will find that many fractal artists have used and do currently use more than one program to create their fractals. Please also note that as technology improves these programs that more and more artists will try them, and the art of creating a perfect mathematical image...a fractal, will continue to cross new boundaries. There are many programs out there on the cutting edge of technology improvement and can be found in the current 3D programs are such as Apophysis, Incendia, and Xenodream, to name just three. Fractals were at one time commonly 2D images, but with the new technology I just mentioned, 3D images are now possible.

*Note, please be certain you are downloading the correct program for your OS (Operating System). Be sure to check the system requirements before you download and install any program. Some programs do not work well with certain OS.

Fractal Domains (Mac OS 9 OS X 10.2.8 up to the current version of OS X 10.4.)
=0 ACost $20 for a single user--->[link]

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Fractalus 4,03 (Windows 98/ME/NT4/2000)
Free Download--->[link]

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Sterlingware
No longer a free program Cost $25.00 to get the download--->[link]

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Inkblot 2.9 (Thanks to `vulcaniaand =laurengary for the links-Windows 95/98/Me/NT/2000)---> [link]

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Ktaza v0.1 (unable to locate an active link, but did find some fractals uploaded)

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Flarium
Free Download---> [link]

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Apophysis


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Ultra Fractal

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ArtMatic (OS X and OS 9 )---> [link]
Freeware

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FTP (thanks =laurengary for the link) (Win 9x, 2000 and NT)
Freeware---> [link]

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XaosX 3.01 (Windows, Mac OS X, Linux, and other Unix-like systems. Older versions are available for DOS, BeoS, and more)---> [link]


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Fractal Extreme (Windows® XP, 32-bit and 64-bit Windows Vista™, and other Windows variants)
Not Free (15 day trial)Costs $34.95 but users can try before you buy--->[link]

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3D FRACTAL GENERATOR PROGRAMS
Apophysis 3D Hack Version

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Incendia 1.0 (Windows XP Home and Pro, and in Mac using Parallel Desktop) (Being Currently Beta-Tested)


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Xenodream (WIN/MAC)
Costs $29.95 to upgrade the trial version--->[link]



Here are 3 resource links which will be very helpful for those of you who would like to try some of the various fractal generation programs (most links are fully functional)
FIGNATIONS--->[link]
PORTAL 124---> [link] /Chaos_and_Fractals/Software/
FRACTALARTS---> [link]
Please keep in mind this is only a small fraction of what fractal programs are actually available to download.

A big thank you to for proofing this news article for me.

HAPPY FRACTAL WEEK EVERYBODY!!