The next step in creating a fractal is to apply a Coloring Algorithm to the fractal structure. Here's where the real fun begins!
- Click on the Outside tab of the Layer Properties tool window.
 Coloring Algorithms |
The default coloring algorithm is called "None" and it simply assigns a color to each pixel. Let's load an algorithm which will give us some more creative control over the image.
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Click the Browse button on the Outside tab which brings up the "Select Outside Coloring Algorithm" browser. |
- Click on the Standard.ucl file in the left pane and then on the Orbit Traps algorithm in the right pane.
- Click Open to apply this algorithm to your fractal.
| The Orbit Traps Coloring Algorithm |
Just as on the Formula tab, there are several settings on the Outside coloring tab (Color Density, Transfer Function, Solid Color, Gradient Offset, and Repeat Gradient) which appear regardless of the algorithm chosen. The parameters below the dividing line are specific to the Orbit Traps algorithm.
- Click on the arrow at the right of the Transfer Function setting and select Log from the drop-down list.
- Click on the arrow at the right of the Trap Shape parameter and select egg from the drop-down list.
Your fractal will now look like this:
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 There are so many options available with the Orbit Trap coloring algorithm. It would be well worth your time to work through them, observing what effect each change, and each combination of parameters, has on your image. |
You may notice, now that we have selected this combination of parameters, the black lines that bisect each of the arms of the fractal. This is due to the precision of Ultra Fractal's calculations. We can circumvent this effect by making a small adjustment on the Location tab.
- Click on the Location tab of the Layer Properties tool window, and enter .01 in the Rotation Angle setting.
This rotates the fractal imperceptibly and eliminates the black lines.
