Learn Cyclomat
Follow these guided tutorials to go from your first shape to complex layered compositions. Each lesson builds on the last.
Your First Shape
Create a complete, symmetric form
Start with two arms
Open Cyclomat and set the number of arms to 2. This is the simplest configuration that creates interesting shapes.
Set arm frequencies
Determine frequency ratios by setting arms to whole numbers like 3 or -5. Negative values reverse the direction of spin.
Adjust the radius slowly
Change the radius of the second arm. Watch how the shape stretches and contracts. Small changes create subtle variations within the same family.
Outcome
A clean, closed geometric shape using two arms
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. Counter-rotating arms create patterns that fold back on themselves in beautiful ways.
Experiment with phase
Shift the phase of each arm. Phase controls the starting angle, and even small changes can dramatically transform the shape's structure.
Outcome
A more intricate pattern with three arms and varied spin
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.
Change the palette
Assign different colors to each layer. Choose colors that complement each other — warm and cool combinations work especially well.
Apply blending modes
Change the blend mode of the top layer. Screen, multiply, and overlay each create different interactions between the layers.
Adjust opacity
Lower the opacity of one or both layers. Semi-transparent layers create a sense of depth and luminosity that solid colors cannot achieve.
Outcome
A multi-layered artwork with color and blending
Shape & Layout Keyframes
Create colorful shape variations with smoothly interpolating parameters.
Define your first keyframe
Set up a shape you like, which becomes the first keyframe. This is your starting state — the shape the animation begins with.
Create a second keyframe
Duplicate the first keyframe, and change the frequency, radius, or phase values. Make the changes significant enough to see a clear transformation.
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.
Outcome
A mathematically precise shape series that transitions smoothly between defined states
Motion & Animation
Bring your shapes to life with animated transitions
Select the Animated view
Your artwork was already ready for animation, all you have to do is switch the viewing mode
Adjust primary animation controls
Change the duration of the loop or control the degree of order or chaos in the resulting animation.
Preview the animation
Play or scrub through the animation. Cyclomat can show you exactly what will be rendered at each point in the animation.
Adjust advanced settings
Control how much random animation is applied to various parameter groups, or configure advanced settings.
Outcome
An evolving animation that remixes still artwork in surprising and mesmerizing ways
Ready to explore further?
The gallery showcases what's possible when you combine these techniques.