Fractal Noise (Pro only)

The Fractal Noise effect creates textures and objects that cannot be described using simple geometric shapes. Use this effect to create organic-looking backgrounds, displacement maps, and textures, or simulate things like clouds, lava, or vapor.

Evolution creates subtle changes in the shape of the fractal. Animating these controls results in smooth changes of the noise over time, creating an effect such as passing clouds or flowing water. Evolution uses progressive revolutions that continue to change the image with each added revolution, unlike typical revolutions that refer to a setting on the dial control that remains constant every 360°. Therefore, the appearance at 0° is different from that at 1 revolution, which is different from that at 2 revolutions, and so on. To return the Evolution setting to its original state (for example, to create a seamless loop), use the Cycle Evolution option.

You can specify how much the fractals evolve over a period of time by setting keyframes for Evolution. The more revolutions within a given amount of time, the more rapidly the noise changes. Large changes in the Evolution value over a short period of time may result in flashing.

To create a seamless loop, use Cycle Evolution, and set Evolution keyframes at full revolutions with no degrees--partially completed revolutions may interrupt the loop.


Fractal noise can resemble ambient fog (left), worm holes in outer space (center), or atomic clouds (right).

Related Subtopics:

Controls for the Fractal Noise effect
Transform, Complexity, and Sub Setting controls for the Fractal Noise effect
Evolution controls for the Fractal Noise effect
Creating a seamless loop