First things first: The following list is not a software repository, but rather a —somewhat— curated directory of freeware fractal generators. Visitors will find brief reviews providing a general overview of how these applications work and their basic capabilities. Most entries include screenshots, allowing people to preview the interfaces before installation. (Note: I took some of the screen captures years ago on older operating systems which I no longer use, so appearances may differ on current machines). If you wish to download and try any of them, I provide links to their respective web pages.
“Freeware” doesn’t mean “public domain,” unless developers explicitly state so themselves. In any case, they retain all rights to their products. The list does not include shareware or other distribution types; I moved those to the Software section of Fractal.nfo (on this same website). Online apps are on that page as well.
This is by no means an exhaustive list. I found these applications while browsing the Internet and have been using them for many years now. Initially, it was a Windows-only index, but eventually I added Mac and Linux programs as I was able to test them myself. Later on, I began including Android apps as well.
I moved older packages that no longer run on today’s computers to an Outdated subsection (these programs worked on Win9x/NT/Me/Vista without long file name support). I’ve also added a Legacy page for software applications whose developers retired from their official websites, yet some third party collections may still list them or even offer them for direct download (caution is always a good advise when downloading from unofficial sources). If you’re concerned about working with older generators, check the last revision date first, or skip those two sections altogether.
Linux users can try to run Windows-based software using Wine or other similar program loaders. Users of Mac with Intel processors can try Apple’s Boot Camp to install a copy of Windows to run Windows generators, while those with M-series chips can try a compatible virtual machine (VM). The same applies to Windows users who want to try non-Windows apps. These suggestions are for advanced users only. I cannot guarantee that the programs will run without issues, or even load at all. So proceed at your own risk. Do not attempt if you don’t know what you are doing or if in doubt (if you lack experience basically). I’m not responsible for any problems that may arise.
The list includes fractal generators, music software, and a few utilities; they are organized in alphabetical order. If you choose to download any of them, follow the links to their respective web pages. These will usually lead to information, screenshots, sample images, parameter files, and tutorials on how these programs work. If there is no URL —either because the website no longer exists or has been offline for some time— try to contact the developers via email or another method.
There are surely more fractal generators and related applications out there, already known or waiting to be discovered, from the archaic QBASIC apps (now often in the public domain) to advanced GUI multimedia shareware or commercial suites, from the earliest experimental tools to the “under development” ones, not to mention those bundled with graphics editor packages or as stand-alone plug-in extras (one of which I’m also including in this list). It’s simply difficult to review them all, and nearly impossible to keep a directory like this up to date… at least for a single person with an ever-shrinking amount of free time. So don’t forget to use your favorite search engine with terms such as “fractal” and “software” to find many more.
Important: This site focuses on fractals as an art medium and not as a math subject. Therefore, these applications are primarily intended for creating visual images and music compositions, not for analyzing fractals as mathematical models or conducting in-depth experimentation, though some could certainly serve both purposes.
A special note for programmers: some of these generators are open source, or their code is available via the developers’ websites or upon request. Look for such indications in the reviews if interested.
This list was last revised and updated on Sunday 2025.08.12.
Contents
Use the following links to navigate through the pages and categories:
Software index:
More info…
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