Formula parameters
The bottom pane on various tabs of the Layer Properties tool window contains parameters that are specific to the selected transformation, fractal formula, or coloring algorithm. There are eight types of parameters:
- Complex parameters consist of a real and an imaginary value. They appear as two input boxes labeled with “(Re)” and “(Im)” after the name of the parameter. Right-click one of the input boxes to open a menu with additional options.
- Floating-point parameters specify a single floating-point value (such as -0.2 or 3.14).
- Integer parameters specify an integer value (such as -2 or 3).
- Enumerated parameters appear as a drop-down box. They are typically used to select one of various behaviors, or to choose between a number of options.
- Color parameters specify a color and are typically used only by direct coloring algorithms. They appear as a color swatch. Click it to adjust the color. Right-click it to open a menu with additional options.
- Boolean parameters appear as a checkbox. They are used to turn options on or off.
- Plug-in parameters provide a way to extend a formula with additional features. See Plug-ins.
- Image parameters, typically used in coloring algorithms, enable importing external images. See Using images.
Many formulas require a bit of experimentation with the parameters to learn how to use them. For new users, it is best to stick to the standard formulas and learn how to use these first.
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Some formulas (such as the standard formulas) contain additional help. To access it, click the Help button. | |
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To copy the formula settings (including parameter values) between layers, click the More button, and then click Copy or Paste. | |
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To reset all parameters to their default values, click the More button, and then click Reset Parameters. |
In some formulas, such as Orbit Traps, parameters are divided into groups by headings.
You can collapse and expand the heading and the parameters below it by clicking on the arrow button. Right-click the heading for a menu with commands to collapse and expand all headings.
Notes
- You can horizontally resize the area reserved for parameter labels, for example to make more space available for long labels. Simply position the mouse cursor just left of a parameter input box so it turns into a horizontal resize cursor, and drag this edge to where you want it to be. Double-click here to reset the label area to the default size.
- Many formulas contain help for individual parameters. Make sure the Fractal Mode tool window is visible and hover the mouse cursor over a parameter to see its help text, if one exists.
- The Explore feature makes it easy to try new parameter values.
- If multiple layers or transformations are selected that do not use the same formula, the list of parameters remains empty.
- You can easily copy complex values from one parameter to another. Right-click a complex parameter and click Copy Complex Value or Paste Complex Value. You can also copy coordinates between the Location tab and a complex parameter in this way. To copy a color parameter, right-click it and click Copy or Paste.
Next: Explore
See Also
Animating parameters
Fractal formulas
Working with fractal formulas