In geometry, fractals are shapes that can be divided into parts where each part is a smaller-size version of the original shape. Fractal Labs is a tool that helps you explore those fractals in your browser. Fractal Lab uses Javascript combined with WebGL (Web-based Graphics Library). WebGL makes it possible for modern browsers to render high-quality 3D effects and 3D graphics (which are often interactive like Fractal Lab).
Some instructions to get you going with Fractal Lab: You can move around the object using WASD controls, and you can rotate the camera with your mouse. If you use the Fractal Rotation options, you can even move inside your object:
If you then increase the iterations, more details will be shown. In order to get the highest quality rendering possible, you have to un-check“preview”. This option uses a lot of resources, so be careful. In general, please note that Fractal Lab can be quite resource-heavy, and there is even a warning on the page that generating the 3D content might force your computer to “hard reboot”. Playing around with Fractal Lab is fun for a while. But it is really most useful for people who work with or really understand the mathematical concept of fractals, and have the motivation to become acquainted with this web application and make full use of its features.
For more information on Fractal Lab, you can view an introductory video here.
Fractal Lab is free and works best with newest versions of Google Chrome and Firefox Beta4.
