Orbit Traps

The Orbit Traps coloring algorithm is an extremely versatile general 

purpose coloring algorithm. It can be applied to almost any fractal 

formula with good results, on both the Inside and Outside tabs.

Orbit Traps works by examining the value of z (as calculated by the 

fractal formula) for each iteration. It tests how close z is to a fixed 

shape (the orbit trap), and colors the pixel according to the closest 

distance, for example.

The possibilities are almost unlimited because there are so many combinations of parameters 

available. It is a good idea to take some time to explore the different options in here.

The following parameters are available: 

Specifies the shape of the orbit trap. Some options may not look too exciting 

with the default settings of the other parameters, but try changing Trap 

Trap Shape

Coloring and Trap Mode in that case. Not all options work equally well with 

all fractal types.

Specifies the diameter or size of the trap. Larger values usually create 

  Diameter

decorations further away from the center of the fractal.

Specifies the order for the trap, such as the number of leaves for the pinch 

trap shape. It depends on the trap shape how this is interpreted. Larger 

  Order

values usually give more complex traps.

Specifies the frequency of ripples or waves (where applicable). Larger values 

  Frequency

create "busier" trap shapes with more frills.

This parameter selects what information is gathered at each iteration. This is 

Trap Coloring

later filtered and combined to produce the final color.

Selects how the values gathered at each iteration are interpreted to produce 

a color. For example, the magnitude at the closest distance to the trap shape 

is used if Trap Coloring is set to magnitude, and Trap Mode to closest. 

Experiment to see which combinations work well together. Some trap modes 

Trap Mode

only work well with specific trap coloring settings, for example.

The trap only option will show the trap shape only. This is useful for 

learning how the other options work.

Specifies the width of the trap area, used for most trap modes.

  Threshold

Specifies the center of the trap shape. Values other than (0, 0) will distort 

the trap shape into the direction of the trap center. Use the 

eyedropper

 to 

Trap Center

select good values for this parameter.

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