Table of Contents

Graphical Transform Editor

The graphical Triangle viewport can be used to modify the selected matrix’s values (shown as a triangle).

A triangle is a convenient way of showing the selected matrix’s parameter values and allowing you to easily modify its values

2D Triangle mode:

Triangle Editor
Triangle Editor

3D Tetrahedron mode:

Tetrahedron Editor
Tetrahedron Editor

Transformation Matrix Concepts

Each Transform has:
- Pre Matrix
- Post Matrix
- Optional extra Variation Matrix instances

These are all classic Computer Graphics transformation matrices.

In Fractal Architect, fractals are either 2D or 3D.

2D fractals have 2D transformation matrices, while 3D fractals have 3D transformation matrices.

The Graphical Editor’s representation for the Matrix:

2D Matrix
Represented by 1 Triangle. Manipulating the triangle, changes the matrix.
3D Matrix
Represented by either 1 tetrahedron, or 3 triangles, one per XY, YZ, or ZX tetrahedron face.
You can use either the Triangle or Tetrahedron editing mode to change the Matrix.

2D Fractal Menu

This is the Editor’s menu for 2D fractals.

Which Matrix
Select either Pre or Post Matrix.
Rotate About
Select either Triangle or World.

3D Fractal Menu

This is the Editor’s menu for 3D fractals.

Which Matrix
Select either Pre or Post Matrix.
Rotate About
Select either Triangle or World.
Mode Selector
Choose either: 2D Triangles, Tetrahedron, or 3D Axis.
Face
For Triangle mode, choose either: XY, YZ, or ZX face to edit.

Using the Triangle Editor

Triangle Editor
Triangle Editor

Triangle Editor Toolbar

Undo
Undo the last change.
Redo
Redo the last undone change.
Add to Favorites
Add the current state of this fractal to Favorites.
Info
View the fractal info.

Adjusting the Size and Location of Triangles

If the triangles are either too small or too big to work with, the zoom magnification can be adjusted by:

Note: The grid background will become darker during the drag to signify that you are modifying the viewport’s size and location - not the triangle.

Resetting the Viewport

You can reset the Viewport’s Size and Location to the original setting by:

Moving the Triangle - Matrix Translation

Press the interior of the triangle and drag it.

Rotating the Triangle - Matrix Rotation

Use the standard rotation gesture with 2 fingers to rotate the triangle.

Shrinking/expanding the Triangle - Matrix Scaling

Two ways:

Adjusting location of just one of the Triangle’s endpoints - Matrix Skew

Press and drag with 1 finger one of the triangle vertexes.

Undo

If you accidentally do the wrong operation, just tap on Undo button.

Using the Tetrahedron Editor

2D transforms are shown as a 2D triangle. 3D transforms are represented as a 3D tetrahedron. A tetrahedron is a solid object with 4 triangular faces (3 of these are editable).

Using either the mouse or trackpad, the graphical Tetrahedron viewport is used to modify the selected matrix’s values (shown as a 3D tetrahedron).

The tetrahedron is a convenient way of showing the selected 3D matrix’s parameter values and allowing you to easily modify its values.

The tetrahedron has 4 vertexes called:

Tetrahedron vertex colors
Tetrahedron vertex colors

Note how 3 of the vertexes have colored lines (that are the same color as its vertex). These lines can be grabbed with the mouse and dragged to rotate the tetrahedron.

Tetrahedron Editor Toolbar

Undo
Undo the last change.
Redo
Redo the last undone change.
Orient
Go to 3D Axis mode to adjust the tetrahedron’s orientation, which becomes the 3D Axis of rotation/scaling.
Add to Favorites
Add the current state of this fractal to Favorites.
Info
View the fractal info.

Changing Viewport Zoom Magnification

If the tetrahedron is either too small or too big to work with, the zoom magnification can be adjusted by:

This operation does not change the 3D transform, just the camera’s zoom.

Moving the center of the window relative to the tetrahedron

Press outside of the tetrahedron and drag your finger. The camera center will move around the view.

This operation does not change the 3D transform , just the camera’s location.

Camera - 3D Axis

Tetrahedron vertex colors
Tetrahedron vertex colors

Adjusting the Camera’s orientation lets you view the tetrahedron from any orientation. The background skybox image gives you some feedback on the camera’s orientation.

Important !! The camera’s orientation sets both the rotation axis and the 3D plane in which the vertexes are moved by editing operation.

Tetrahedron Editor Toolbar

Undo
Undo the last change.
Redo
Redo the last undone change.
Editor
Go to Tetrahedron editing mode.
Add to Favorites
Add the current state of this fractal to Favorites.
Info
View the fractal info.

Change Camera’s Orientation First

The Camera Orientation is very important. It defines an arbitrary axis of rotation for the tetrahedron (see rotation below). It also defines the plane about which the tetrahedron will be translated by mouse dragging.

The Tetrahedron editor view shows a simple skybox image scene in the background. This scene helps you to “see” the camera’s orientation. (So you know if you are looking down/up/left/right)

The camera’s orientation (rotation) relative to the tetrahedron can be changed.

  1. Select 3D Axis Adjust mode using the Menu > 3D Axis.
  2. Press and drag with 1 finger adjusts the current Camera’s orientation relative to the tetrahedron.
  3. Go back to Tetrahedron editing mode using Menu > Tetrahedron.

Moving the Tetrahedron - Matrix Translation

Press the interior of the tetrahedron and drag it.

Rotating the Tetrahedron - Matrix Rotation

Use the standard rotation gesture with 2 fingers to rotate the tetrahedron.

Shrinking/expanding the Tetrahedron - Matrix Scaling

Adjusting location of Tetrahedron’s vertexe- Matrix Skew

Press and drag with 1 finger one of the tetrahedron vertexes.