Learn Cyclomat

A general convention is to order from lower to higher frequencies, but the order does not actually matter. Try different combinations of numbers and observe how each ratio yields a characteristic visual symmetry.

Adjust the radius slowly

Change the radius of the second arm. Watch how the aspects of the shape stretch and contract. Small changes create subtle variations within the same family.

Tune the line style

Use line width, blur, color and opacity to bring character and presence to the shape.

Outcome

A clean, closed geometric shape using two arms

beginner

Increasing Complexity

Add depth with more arms and direction changes

Add a third arm

Increase the arm count to 3. The third arm adds a new layer of detail to your shape, creating finer geometric structures.

Change spin direction

Set one arm to spin in the opposite direction. Co-rotating arms creating outward arcs and inner detail. Counter-rotating arms create patterns that fold back on themselves in beautiful ways.

You will observe symmetry change when flipping spin direction. If this is bothersome try Gear Size mode, under Settings.

Experiment with phase

Shift the phase of each arm. Phase controls the starting angle. It is the difference in phase between arms that creates novelty.

Phase is one of the most powerful parameters. Don't skip it.

Change the wheel shape

Normally the pen is controlled by circular motion. Change the wheel shape by reducing curvature and selecting polygonal sides to influence the art in new ways.

Try selecting a number of sides that is a multiple of the shape symmetry.

Outcome

A more intricate pattern with three arms and varied spin

intermediate

Layers & Color

Build rich compositions with color and transparency

Duplicate your layer

Take your current shape and duplicate the layer. Now you have two identical shapes stacked on top of each other, so make some interesting changes to the copy.

Try changing the line width or color, or alter the shape geometry. Or try a new frequency ratio that complements the original layer.

Change the palette

Assign different colors to each layer. Choose colors that complement each other — warm and cool combinations work especially well. Or use the palette generation feature.

Try a vibrant color on top of a muted one for visual depth.

Apply blending modes

Change the blend mode of the top layer. Screen, multiply, and overlay each create different interactions between the layers.

For light artwork, Multiply and Darken are useful to model ink pens. For dark artwork, Screen or Lighten have a similar effect.

Adjust opacity

Lower the opacity of one or both layers to adjust the balance or "mix" between them. Semi-transparent layers create a sense of depth and luminosity.

Opacity can be applied at the Cycloid or Layout levels.

Adjust blur

Try increasing blur to produce inner or other blur, control depth-of-detail, or achieve other effects with blending.

Blur can be applied at the Cycloid or Layout levels. Blur is a heavy operation, so go easy!

Outcome

A multi-layered artwork with color and blending

advanced

Keyframes

Create colorful shape variations with smoothly interpolating parameters.

Define your first keyframe

On a new layer, set up a cycloid you like - it's settings <em>are</em> the first keyframe! Of course, what's the sound of one keyframe clapping?

Create a second keyframe

Duplicate the first keyframe, and change the geometry, line width, color, blur, etc. Make the changes significant enough to see a clear transformation.

Changing radius and phase between keyframes creates dramatic morphing effects.

Add more keyframes

Add additional keyframes to create fades or unusual sweeping effects. Each keyframe is a waypoint — the shape flows from one to the next.

Three to five keyframes is the sweet spot for mesmerizing shape effects.

Repeat for Layout

All the above methods for keyframe design can also be used at the Layout level.

Often used to copy, scale and repeat the primary shapes. Produce gridded, circular, spiral, or mixed layouts.

Outcome

A mathematically precise shape series that transitions smoothly between defined states

advanced

Motion & Animation

Bring your shapes to life with animated transitions

View with animation

Your still artwork was already prepared to animate, so open the Animate section and switch to the animation view.

Adjust primary animation controls

Change the duration of the loop and the entropy of the resulting animation.

Use the cycle intensity to increase or decrease the overall speed of the animation.

Preview the animation

Play or scrub through the animation. Cyclomat shows exactly what will be rendered at any point.

Adjust advanced settings

Control the degree of animation applied to various parameter groups, enable looping and more.

Try turning off all but one of the intensity controls at a time, and play the video in order to see its effect.

Export

In order to see complex animations play smoothly, export to a video file.

Try exporting a small sample first to verify settings.

Outcome

An animation that smoothly evolves the artwork parameters in surprising and mesmerizing ways

Ready to explore further?

The gallery showcases what's possible when you combine these techniques.

Browse the gallery Export your artwork