Introduction to Fractal Ferns

In this tutorial we explore the many ways you can be creative with fractal ferns.

Tutorial: Drawing with the Fern Tool

This guide will walk you through using the Fern tool, a classic fractal generator that creates beautiful, intricate foliage with a single click. This tool uses a famous algorithm known as the "Barnsley Fern" to plot thousands of points into a realistic fern shape.

How to Draw a Basic Fern

The Fern tool acts like a stamp. Unlike the Tree or Mountain tools, you don't need to drag your mouse.

  1. Navigate to the Shape tab in the controls panel.

  2. Select Fern from the Mode dropdown menu.

  3. Click anywhere on the canvas. A fern will instantly appear with its base at the point you clicked.

Customizing the Fern's Appearance

You can control the look of your ferns using the parameters in the Shape tab.

  • Fern points: This slider controls the density of the fern by setting the number of points used to draw it.

    • A low value (e.g., 500) will create a light, sparse fern.

    • A high value (e.g., 5000+) will create a very dense and lush fern.

  • Fern size: This controls the overall height of the fern relative to the canvas.

  • Non-tree scale MIN/MAX: These sliders, found further down the panel, add a slight random size variation to each fern you draw. This is useful for making a forest of ferns look more natural, as each plant will be a slightly different size.

The "Space Fern" Variation

This is a special mode that adds more variety to your ferns.

  • Default Behavior (Checkbox Off): Every fern you draw will have the exact same perfect, mathematically generated shape.

  • "Enable Space Ferns" (Checkbox On): Checking this box introduces slight, random variations to the shape of each fern you create. This makes every fern unique, just like in nature, and is highly recommended for creating organic-looking scenes.

Coloring Your Ferns

The color of each fern is determined by the settings in the Color tab, under the Coloring for Non-Tree Objects section.

  • Single Color Mode: If this option is selected, every fern you draw will use the single Object Color you have chosen.

  • Cycle Global Palette Mode: If this option is selected, each new fern you click to create will be assigned a random color from your currently active Global Color Palette. This is a great way to create vibrant, multi-colored fantasy landscapes.

Tips for Creating Lush Scenery

  • Create Depth: Use the Set transparency for new objects option in the Color tab. Draw some larger, more transparent ferns in the background, then draw smaller, opaque ferns in the foreground to create a sense of depth.

  • Build Undergrowth: Click rapidly in an area to build up a dense thicket of ferns. Combine this with the Path tool to create trails winding through the foliage.

  • Complete the Scene: Ferns are the perfect companion to the Tree and Vine tools for building a rich, complete forest environment.