Apophysis ~ v2.09
OS: Win
author: Mark Townsend
url: http://www.apophysis.org
Apophysis is a program used to design flame and IFS fractals. While originally created as a utility to be used with Ultra Fractal (UF), it spun off and became a stand-alone program in a class of its own. It’s still one of the most popular fractal generators around. It can export images in several different formats or export parameters as UPR file to render in UF. Open source (GPLv2).
Latest version in SourceForge: https://sourceforge.net/projects/apophysis/
Last revision: 26 April 2013. – jrs + jlm
Apophysis 7x
OS: Win
author: Mark Townsend, Ronald Hordijk, Peter Sdobnov, Piotr Borys & Georg Kiehne
url: https://sourceforge.net
Apophysis 7x is the 64-bit brother of old (and still good) Apophysis by Mark Townsend. As such, it can do everything the old one is capable of and then some. Yet, I find it somewhat slower than the classic version —and it gets slower while zooming in— as it used to happen with the old one too. The program starts with a random batch of images (a different set each time) that you can transform at will, or you can begin from scratch. Once a picture is done, you can render it within the program and save it in various image formats, or export the parameters as UPR file to render in Ultra Fractal, a good choice for larger-size outputs (for users of that other generator). Source code available.
Last revision: 18 October 2014.
Apophysis AV ~ v1.0.2
OS: Win
author: Alice Vital
url: https://sourceforge.net/projects/apophysis-av/
And yet, here is another take on the beloved fractal flame generator, Apophysis. This version includes the same features of the previous ones, along with other improvements (including, apparently, some easter eggs); check documentation for details. What matters most to me is that it reads old parameter files just fine and renders images accurately. I would say, then, that it’s safe to switch to this newer version, extending Apo’s life some more. Open source (GPLv3).
Last revision: 23 July 2022
ChaosPro ~ v4.0.249
OS: Win
author: Martin Pfingstl
url: http://www.chaospro.de
Chaos Pro features multiple windows and multi threading (calculates multiple fractals at the same time). Can create 3D views and animations. Compatible with Fractint (including most of its formulas) and Ultra Fractal parameters, transformations, palettes and formula files. Also supports alpha channels. A most-have for those interested in Ultra Fractal but looking for something less expensive (freeware). It will also run on any Win-compatible operating system.
Last revision: 21 November 2011
Double Fractal ~ v2.9
OS: Win
author: Joao Paulo Schwarz Schuler
url: http://www.schulers.com
Double Fractal has grown up since its previous version. This one is greatly improved, with more controls and access to the main parameters and coloring palettes. Also new fractal formulas. Good for simple explorations; includes documentation. Can save pictures to BMP files and export to POV-Ray.
Last revision: after 2001.
Final Fractal ~ v1.09
OS: Mac
author: Matthias Kretschmann
url: Mac AppStore
Final Fractal brings an interesting look to 2D fractals, adding a lighting effect that creates a sense of depth and gives images a 3D look. The free version only allows users to explore the classic Mandelbrot set, adjust details while doing zooms (if the image doesn’t refresh after zooming, simply drag it a little bit and it will redraw automatically), choose between nine color maps, tweak a few options, change the light angle and spread, or even deactivate it if you prefer a more traditional look. Disabling the embossing effect will result in faster zooming, so there’s that benefit too. You can’t save parameters or export images in the free version; for that and additional features, including the ability to record zoom movies, you need to pay a fee of only US$1.99 for the upgrade, an excellent value undoubtedly.
Last revision: 30 November 2022.
Fract-o-Rama ~ v1.7.1
OS: Win/UNIX
author: John F. Dumas
url: http://fractorama.com/
Fract-o-Rama is an application for both power fractalists or for those who have some mathematical background on fractals because this is a tool to generate any kind of fractal figure imaginable. You have to literally write down the formula directly before going any further. In that sense, it’s very flexible, but may be intimidating for beginners. Source code and documentation available.
Last revision: 12 December 2007.
Fractal Architect X ~ v5.8.0 (69)
OS: Mac
author: Steven Brodhead Sr. (Centcom Inc.)
url: https://www.fractalarchitect.net
Fractal Architect X is a versatile 2D and 3D fractal flame generator with a lot of options and too many windows for my liking. That doesn’t mean it isn’t good or difficult to use. While the interface can be confusing at first, it’s actually quite intuitive once you get the hang of its tools, especially if you’ve used similar flame generators before. It starts with a set of random images that you can modify, combine or layer together, or you can even create a sequence of images or variations into a movie. Users can save pictures in various image formats (with a maximum size of 1024×768 pixels for the free version), or export parameters to later import into Apophysis 7 or Flam3. A version for iOS is also available.
Last revision: 2024.
Fractal Forge ~ v2.8.2
OS: Win
author: Uberto Barbini
url: https://sourceforge.net
Formerly known as True Mandel, Fractal Forge is an excellent Mandelbrot and Julia set exploration tool notable for its fast calculations, even of deep zooming shots. This version improves the animation tool. The program comes with a dozen fractal formulas, several drawing algorithms and lots of color palettes (called color sequences) that are easy to modify. In current Windows OS versions, it reports some errors occasionally (incompatibilities more than bugs), but other than that, everything’s working fine. Open source (GPLv2).
Last revision: 25 August 2002.
Fractal Fr0st~ v1.4.0
OS: Win
author: Vitor Bosshard
url: https://launchpad.net/fr0st
Fractal Fr0st is a flame fractal generator that is simple to use. It’s similar to the well known Apophysis, though it doesn’t seem to include a batch function to automatically generate a series of images to start your journey. Instead, it begins with a blank canvas (so to speak), and you start adding xforms to manipulate at will. From there, you can navigate through other tabs to modify parameters, adjust the colors using an intuitive gradient editor, tweak some image settings, or even animate it. Parameters can be saved as .flame files, and images can be rendered in PNG format. The rendering process is pretty fast… though it depends on the size you want the picture to be and the available memory. Open source (GPLv3).
Last revision: 14 May 2011.
Fractal Therapeutic Project ~ v0.4
OS: Win
author: Stephen C. Ferguson, Joseph Trotsky, and Petrus van Pelt
url: http://www.wack.ch
FTP has tried to hide all the scary things about fractal creation behind a user-friendly interface. Because it’s also intended to be used as a therapeutic tool, it only comes with a minimal set of formulas and filters. Yet, beneath it lies the same power as all other Ferguson’s software, with brilliant color algorithms and tools. Beyond its medical finality, it’s also a good fractal generator for beginners and children because it’s extremely easy to use. As such, it has surpassed its initial goal.
Last revision: February 2001.
Fractal Way ~ v3.7
OS: Mac
author: Nikolai Denislamov
url: Mac AppStore
Fractal Way is a generator with a simple yet flexible interface. The free version includes three modes: one for plotting Mandelbrot set fractals, one for Julia set fractals, and a third one that displays both windows simultaneously, with a crosshair pointer that lets you see the Julia transformation in real time for every point you select in the Mandelbrot figure. The color palette includes some interesting tools that will let you customize colors and apply a few extra filters. Images can be saved as bookmarks, but the free version doesn’t allow exporting them in any way (screenshots are a different story). It’s fun to use, but this limitation makes it only suitable for casual exploration.
Last revision: 2023.
FractalEcho ~ v1.0.35
OS: Mac
author: Roger Bauchspies
url: Mac AppStore
Among the free fractal generators, FractalEcho may be one of the least useful. It only renders the classic Mandelbrot set, with a single color map that cannot be modified (though it can be rotated), a zoom level that is too limited to be practical for exploration, and a minimal set of parameters that can hardly be adjusted to produce noticeable changes in the figure. Even the images in the included gallery cannot be viewed in larger sizes without paying for the Pro version. I’m listing it because at least it’s reasonably fast, and has an interesting feature: the window size can be changed to several useful orientations (landscape, portrait, compact, and adjustable, each with various preset dimensions). which I think is a nice feature.
Last revision: 5 June 2025.
Fractally ~ v1.0.1 (6)
OS: Mac
author: Craig McPheeters
url: Apple Store
Fractally is a simple fractal generator designed with one purpose in mind: to explore the Mandelbrot and Julia sets. As such, it lacks the niceties of other more robust applications, so don’t expect to create stylish pictures with it. Nevertheless, it’s very easy to use and surprisingly fast, and is an excellent tool for understanding the transformation process from Mandelbrot to Julia. The only “parameters” users can specify are iteration level (up to 2048 only, not very useful) and, with just a mouse click, color schemes. It has a zoom level limit of 1012 which is pretty shallow if you ask me. Images can be saved as bookmarks and exported in PNG format. Of notice: After saving an image, be sure to move the file to another folder or change its name because the program won’t save another picture if one exists in the same location (or that’s been my experience). If you don’t do that, you may think everything’s been saving fine, only to discover later that you only have a single image (the program gives no warning). For an in-depth look at the app, visit its website [click here].
Last revision: 2022.
FractalNow ∼ v0.8.2
OS: Win/BSD/Linux
author: Marc Pegon
url: https://sourceforge.net
FractalNow is a neat fractal generator that is quite fast in rendering complex images. It doesn’t come with a lot of formulas or other special algorithms for a thousand effects, but does its job pretty well. What I find quite efficient is the automatic anti-aliasing applied when exporting pictures; I think it does a better job than most generators. I usually render images 3-5 times larger than I actually need them, and then downsample them in a graphics editor for the same effect because the result are always better; not needed with this one. Props on that. Open source (GPLv3).
Last revision: 28 October 2017.
Fractalscope ∼ v1.6.3
OS: Win/Linux
author: John Westwood
url: https://sourceforge.net/projects/fractalscope/
Fractalscope is a cross-platform fractal generator with an interesting interface: all modifiable parameters, including color settings, are right in the main window by way of tabs (not exactly an exclusive feature). You can choose from 14 fractal formulas to begin your exploration, and then go zooming wherever you want using the mouse’s scroll wheel. As you move the cursor over the main image, a secondary window on the lower right will display the corresponding Julia fractal. I’m not sure if, right now, that’s just for fun as I couldn’t find a way to render that Julia instead. Hopefully that’s something the developer will implement in the future. Although the program is surprisingly fast, the anti-aliasing tool can slow down the computer while its working, especially when rendering images at maximum size. If you want an image larger than 2048×1346, use the included Poster tool. Open source (GPLv3).
Last revision: 15 March 2025.
Fractice ~ v1.0.6
OS: Win
author: Chris Korda
url: https://fractice.sourceforge.net/
Fractice is a small and pretty fast fractal generator that can render classic Mandelbrot, Mandelbar (a.k.a. tricorn) and Newton fractals. It is capable of deep zooming and recording movies. I love two features in particular. The first one is how it keeps accessible, on a vertical bar to the left of the main window, thumbnails —functioning as bookmarks— of all images you render, so that you can click any of them any time you want to go back to that stage for further development or fine-tune parameters. The second one is the way it lets you manage color palettes, which you can also export to or import from other programs. When you save parameters, all bookmarks will be saved in the same file, an excellent choice for those of us hyperactive explorers that move around from point to point continuously. Images can be saved as bitmap files (BMP), or even sent to print as poster sizes directly (I haven’t used that option yet). Source code available.
Last revision: 17 March 2010.
Fracton ~ v3.2.3
OS: MacOS 11.0 or later
author: Michael Frazier
url: http://www.fracton.org
Fracton is a very nice freeware 2D and 3D generator for MacOS that lets you design your own fractal formulas. It can also import FractInt formulas, parameters and colors, in case you come from that camp or are willing to try the vast collection of FractInt-related files out there. I actually like the coloring window (not shown) since it lets you edit the color palette in a very easy and intuitive way, somewhat similar to that of GF4 and PowerFrac, which I also like a lot. It can also export some 3D parameters to be used in 3D rendering programs. Deep zooming anyone? Yep, Fracton can do that too. The included documentation is pretty good, and it’s in PDF format.
Last revision: April 2025.
Fraqtive ~ v0.4.8
OS: Win/MacOS/Linux/FreeBSD
author: Michał Męciński
url: https://fraqtive.mimec.org
Fraqtive is as small but interesting and fast generator that can render several different variants of Mandelbrot and Julia fractals, on 2D and some simple 3D views. Its interface is pretty simple and quite intuitive, so you can start working like a “pro” right away. It doesn’t come up with a lot of parameters or filters to play with, but you can still input some variables directly. The coloring settings are super easy to understand, and it comes with some basic animation options as well. Images can be generated at any size, and you can apply anti-aliasing from within the program. Parameters are saved as bookmarks with thumbnails for easy identification; color parameters can also be saved as presets. Use the mouse to zoom in or out, and the arrow keys to move up/down, left/right. Undo and Redo are also available using the Navigate Back or Forward buttons in the toolbar. Open source (GPLv3).
Last revision: 29 January 2015.