Changing formula parameters

Look at the Tool Windows on the right side of your screen and click on the Formula tab of the topmost (Layer Properties) window.

Under the formula name at the top (in this case, Newton) you will see settings (Drawing Method, Periodicity Checking, Additional Precision, and Maximum Iterations) which appear for every fractal formula. The parameters specific to this particular formula are listed below the dividing line (in this case: Exponent (Re), Exponent (Im), Root (Re), Root (Im) and Bailout value).

Ultra Fractal transparent Changing formula parameters
Ultra Fractal tip Changing formula parameters
While Guessing, the default drawing method, is the fastest method of rendering fractals, it often introduces artifacts into the image. You may wish to choose either the Multi-Pass or One-Pass Linear options for accurate rendering.

The Exponent parameter determines the number of “arms” of the Newton fractal structure. The default value is “3″ so the fractal has three arms. Try entering different values in the Exponent (Re) parameter.

  • When you have finished experimenting, enter 4 in the Exponent (Re) parameter. Your fractal will look like this:

Ultra Fractal newton4 Changing formula parameters

 
Ultra Fractal forfun Changing formula parameters
Try entering negative numbers and other values (e.g. .5, 1.2, and .0385) in the various parameters and see how they twist and fracture the structure.

At this stage, you may want to change the size of the fractal window. To do this, click on the Image tab of the second (Fractal Properties) tool window.

  • Make sure the “Maintain Aspect Ratio” option is checked and then enter a new value in the width field.
 
Ultra Fractal tip Changing formula parameters
You can customize the default fractal window size by clicking Options on the Options menu and selecting the Defaults tab.

Next: Applying a coloring algorithm

Changing formula parameters