Pattern Repetition

Learn how to create repetitive geometric patterns, including grid systems, random variations, and animation effects

Overview

• Use a distance field and a mask to shape the image.

Learning Objectives

• Master methods for creating grid systems
• Learn to use the fract function to create repetitive effects
• Understand how to add random variations to each grid cell
• Master procedural pattern generation techniques

Prerequisites

• coordinate-transformation
• simple-circle

Inputs

• float u_time — Time in seconds.
• vec2 u_resolution — Canvas size in pixels.

Key Concepts

• Distance to center builds a distance field.

vec2 p = vUv - 0.5;
float d = length(p);

• Convert distance into a mask.

float mask = 1.0 - smoothstep(r, r + aa, d);

How To Implement (Step-by-step)

• centered = repeated - vec2(0.5)
• cross = max(horizontal, vertical)

Self-check

• Does it compile without errors?
• Does the output match the goal?
• Are key values kept in [0,1]?

Common Mistakes

• Clamp t into [0,1] when needed.
• Don’t use raw pixels without normalization.
• Make sure edge0 < edge1 for smoothstep().
• Change frequency by scaling before fract().