FLAKE TOOL
Version 0.37





OVERVIEW
LICENSE
SUPPORT
FLAKE is a parametric tool for creating complex symmetrical patterns and generative textures based on vector custom shapes. Built with p5.js, it uses a grid-based layout and a parameter-driven approach inspired by Signed Distance Function techniques: the distance from each point to the center of a tile is used to control the scale, color, and transformation of shapes across the canvas.

The tool offers a wide range of creative features:

  • A library of geometric vector shapes to get started quickly.

  • Support for custom vector shapes via drag-and-drop: Just drop your own SVG file onto the canvas. You can experiment with icons, glyphs, or abstract forms. The tool will transform and adapt the shape on loading and instantly implement it into the pattern.

  • Use of raster images as masks (PNG, JPEG, WebP): Drop an image onto the canvas, and FLAKE will analyze its brightness and transparency to modulate the scale and distribution of shapes in the pattern.

  • Preset system: The tool includes 30 various examples to explore and learn from. You can also export your own presets as a file, saving the combination of parameters and settings, including your custom SVG shapes and raster mask, and load them back at any time to revisit or iterate on previous compositions.

  • Dynamic animation of shapes, smoothly changing their size and color based on noise functions, allowing you to create looped motion art.

  • Customizable color palettes and blend modes for rich visual diversity.

  • A built-in randomization engine with fine-tuned control for fast exploration and unexpected results.

  • Flexible grid and symmetry options for building both orderly structures and chaotic textures.

FLAKE provides flexible export options, and its main advantage is the ability to export graphics in scalable SVG format, perfect for print and further editing. Animations can be exported as MP4 video files or as sequences of PNG or WebP frames, which can be later compiled into videos using tools like FFmpeg or similar.
The tool is available as a free version – fully functional but with watermarks on exported graphics, so you can thoroughly evaluate its capabilities before committing. Without a valid license key, the tools can only be used for evaluation and testing. To remove watermarks and obtain full usage rights, please purchase a license key at Gumroad:
https://antlii.gumroad.com/l/flake-license-key

By using any tool at https://antlii.work, you agree with the Terms of Use and License Agreement. For full details, including usage rights for Personal, Commercial, and Extended Licenses, examples of permitted applications, please view the complete License Agreement here:
https://antlii.work/license

Some technical tips regarding the use of the tool:

  • SVG Export: Exporting to SVG format has some limitations and issues:

    - Exporting may take some time, especially for complex scenes with a high number of shapes. It’s possible you’ll see a “Page Unresponsive” warning - don’t worry, this is expected. Just give it time to complete the export;
    - Only the standard Normal blend mode is fully supported;
    - The XOR blend mode works partially, but only with solid fill;
    - Other blend modes will automatically fall back to Normal;

    This is due to inconsistent support for blend modes in vector editors and SVG viewers/browsers. If needed, similar effects can be recreated manually.

  • Video Export: During export to video, the process may stop due to insufficient memory, especially with high resolution or long videos. If this happens, try reducing the resolution or length of the video. For large or high-resolution videos, consider exporting as a PNG sequence and later converting it to a video using the FFmpeg library.

    When exporting to MP4 format, a library-related lag can lead to performance drops, causing the program to slow down noticeably after capturing and exporting the animation. Refreshing the page resolves this issue.


  • Mobile Support: The program is not designed to run on mobile devices.

  • Screen size: A minimum resolution of 800x600 is required.

Please let me know if you're running into any issues or discover a bug while using the program.


CHANGE LOG:

0.37 (2025.05.02)
  • Tweaked the rotation angle multiplier for shapes to improve it's behavior.
  • Updated the UI for Random settings.
  • Minor adjustments in presets.

0.36 (2025.05.01)
  • Flake Tool is officially released.
  • Added license key system: unlock full features and support development.

0.35 (2025.04.30)
  • Updated the Mask parametric mode and featuring new controls to its algorithm.
  • Improved the Swirl mode with base control options and overall enhancements to behavior.
  • Minor additions to the Random Mode settings.

0.34 (2025.04.28)
  • Added various easing modes for Freq and Scale Ease parameters.
  • Minor improvements to the Mask algorithm system.
  • Updated Random UI features.
  • Added a few new presets.

0.33 (2025.04.23)
  • Added support for using raster images in Mask mode, enabling the creation of dither/texture-based effects.
  • Introduced a set of new presets showcasing updated features.

0.32 (2025.04.21)
  • Implemented a more efficient algorithm for generating and snapping points to the virtual grid.
  • Minor adjustments to several functions, presets, and parameters.

0.31 (2025.04.19)
  • Added SVG export functionality — now you can export your graphics as vector files. (Note: this feature has some limitations; a pop-up will provide details when you attempt export)
  • Implemented a new pop-up notification system to display messages about events, errors, and important actions within the tool

0.30 (2025.04.16)
  • Added a new "Random" feature that allows randomization of nearly all adjustable parameters in the tool
  • Added Mixed mode to Color style to mix fill/stroke color types
  • Minor updates to presets and parameter values

0.29 (2025.04.13)
  • The Ease mode has been split into separate controls and moved to the Scale and Frequency accordingly
  • Added a new Layers parameter to the Noise Frequency, allowing control over how many color slots are used in the base frequency pattern
  • All presets have been completely updated, with several new ones added

0.28 (2025.04.10)
  • Introduced a new grid snapping feature that aligns shape coordinates to a virtual grid along the X/Y axes
  • Improved the main algorithm with several minor bug fixes
  • Updated the built-in presets
  • Made subtle UI adjustments

0.27 (2025.04.09)
  • Added an Import/Export system to save and load your custom program settings
  • Included a bunch of various ready-made presets
  • Fixed several minor bugs

0.26 (2025.04.06)
  • New shape types added
  • Improved rotation control for shapes on the canvas

0.25 (2025.04.05)
  • Grid parameter can now be set independently for both axes (X and Y)
  • Ease mode has been reworked — it now allows smoothing both shape size and noise frequency
  • Added a new Rotary Effect mode for the Swirl transformation

0.24 (2025.04.04)
  • Added stroke width parameter and scaling control relative to the shape size
  • Updated export monitoring and control system

0.23 (2025.04.03)
  • Added shape rotation transformation relative to the center of the canvas
  • Reworked the Mask mode functionality
  • Minor adjustments to the Swirl mode

0.22 (2025.04.02)
  • Implemented the ability to color graphics based on color palettes:
    - Palette Sequence: solid colors from the palette;
    - Palette Transition: gradient transition between two colors from the palette;
  • Added color blending modes
  • Added an easing mode for scaling transformation from center
  • Minor improvements to the pattern generation algorithm

0.21 (2025.03.30)
  • Added export functionality for animation (MP4, File Sequence)
  • Introduced options for display settings in the browser
  • Minor UI updates

0.20 (2025.03.28)
  • Improved stability for real-time animation
  • The motion animation has been enhanced with new features:
    - Scaling effect from the center, both infinite and looped
    - Cyclic noise animation
  • The main generation algorithm has been updated

0.19 (2025.03.27)
  • Enhanced main generation algorithm with new features:
    - Introduced two transformation modes: symmetry control and inversion
    - Added an angle adjustment parameter for branch manipulation
  • Added the ability to select from various geometric shapes
  • Updated UI with controls for uploading custom shapes

0.18 (2025.03.26)
  • Modification in the flake generation algorithm
  • Added a swirl transformation effect
  • Introduced symmetry mode

0.17 (2025.03.25)
  • Improved the flake shape generation algorithm
  • Implemented a masking feature for shapes
  • Added Grid Mode for creating basic patterns
  • Introduced a global rotation parameter
  • Added the ability to select a fill mode for shapes (Standard, XOR)
  • Small changes for Background Mode

0.16 (2025.03.19)
  • Released as a Work-in-Progress (WIP) Tool
  • Updated main parameters and functions (range settings, cleanup, renaming, etc.)
  • Improved algorithm for converting custom SVGs using Paper.js

0.15 (2025.03.17)
  • Updated all dependencies to the local repository
  • Replaced noise functions with Simplex noise
  • Refactored the size calculation algorithm

0.10 - 0.14 (January 2025)
  • Initial prototype development


CREDITS:

I would like to acknowledge the use of several third-party libraries and materials within this project and express my sincere gratitude to their creators for making these resources available:

  • The p5.js Creative Coding Library, a product of the collective efforts of an incredible team;
  • The Tweakpane interface library, ingeniously developed by Hiroki Kokubun;
  • The Paper.js project allowing to make magic with SVG format;
  • The Simplex Noise algorithm developed by Jonas Wagner;
  • The p5.capture library by tapioca24 for recording animations;

2025 ︎︎︎ ANATOLII BABII