Creating IFS Fractals with GIMP

James Coll

20 Jun 2025 • 2 min read

In the GIMP open source image manipulation program, there is a plug-in that uses IFS (Iterated Function System) fractals. Using the IFS fractal plug-in is not only useful with creating plant-like shapes as well as strange and imaginative shapes but can also provide a better understanding of the fractal shapes being made by experimenting with the parameters. For more information on how to use this powerful plug-in, go to https://docs.gimp.org/3.0/sl/plug-in-ifscompose.html .

The Sierpiński Triangle with a reddish gradient. It is the default parameter in the IFS fractals plug-in.

A closer look at this fractal will reveal it's self similar qualities.

Using lighting effect and enhance the color gradient.

Using the emboss and blur filters can give a sense of realism.

IFS fractals can also resemble plants. An off-white background color and adding a canvas filter can compliment the botanical qualities of the image.

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A video made with still images.