In layman’s terms a Fractal is a fragmented geometric shape that can be further sub-divided into pieces that look very similar to the larger part. Mathematically Fractals complex equations that are recursive or iterative in nature.

Fractals have been researched by the 17th century mathematicians. The term Fractal was given by Mandelbrot. The more complex ones are  Benoît Mandelbrot & the Mandelbrot Fractal Set is named him.

Another popular fractal set is the Julia set. When a Fractal is magnified, it is expected to show a replica of the original larger image.

Gnofract 4D is a free software to create Mandelbrot Set & Julia set fractals among others. This includes the Fractint, UltraFractal and your own custom formulas. Genofract 4D is a free easy to use fractal image creation software that provides true color rendering, antialiasing, unlimited undo, and a quick and easy interface.

While it’s not as powerful as, say, Fractint, it can draw some interesting images which most fractal programs can’t produce. These are made bycutting 2D “slices” through a four dimensional object called the Julibrot.

What sets it apart from other fractal programs (and makes it “4D”) is the way that it treats the Mandelbrot and Julia sets as different views of the same four-dimensional fractal object. This allows you to create images which are a cross between the two sets and explore their inter-relationships.

The images are automatically created by the computer based on mathematical principles within Gnofract 4D software. It allows you to treat a fractal which has more than one parameter as a four-dimensional object and interactively view slices of this object from arbitrary angles, giving rise to some very unusual images.

It contains a Fractint-compatible formula compiler, allowing it to draw an unlimited number of fractal types, using numerous coloring options. Base fractal can be displayed in millions of ways, using many coloring algorithms, including old favorites like biomorph, powerful options like Orbit Traps, and unique methods like Hot and Cold. Display multiple fixed points, critical values, or other regions using the “fate” option.

More reading on Fractals:

Mandelbrot Fractals overview

Try rendering Mandelbroth’s Fractal free

ChaosPro, a freeware 2DFract fractal generator for the Microsoft Windows operating system

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