Flow Field Art Generator

Draw flowing strokes that follow image contours, light and color, with seamless looping motion.

Try this sample

Use an image Start blank Randomize

Runs locally No upload

Flow Field result made from the bundled sample

The botanical sample rebuilt with colored strokes following its petals and stem.

Facts

Category: Texture
Works with: Image or blank canvas
Exports: PNG / JPEG / Video
Runs in: Your browser, and the SHADR iPhone app
Your images: Processed on your device, not uploaded
Cost: Free in the browser

Let the image grow into a field of drawn marks.

Flow Field is a free browser tool that draws a picture as thousands of strokes that flow along the contours, light and colour of a photo.

Start

Use your own image, start blank, or open the bundled sample.

Shape

Build the result with Density, Flow Guide, and Intensity, then refine the remaining controls in real time.

Export

Render PNG / JPEG / Video output and download it directly to your device.

Use it for

Generative drawing studies
Organic campaign backgrounds
Plotter-like textures for print and motion

Key controls

DensityTune from 120 to 2400.
Flow GuideChoose Along Contours, Follow Tone, and Free Flow.
IntensityTune from 0% to 100%.

All controls4

Base ImageChoose Auto, Abstract, and Image.

On the Web

Export motion as video instead of Live Photo.

In the iPhone app, Live Photo export is available.

Get the iPhone app

How Flow Field works

A flow field is a map of directions across the canvas; each stroke follows the direction under it. Here the strokes are drawn in 4 styles (Strokes: Ink Marks, Watercolor, Charcoal pencil or Hatching), and Flow sets the pattern of the flow (Drift, Vortex, Radial or Facets). Density (120–2400), Length (28–220px) and Weight (1–18px) set how many strokes there are and how they look; Intensity, Turbulence and Diffusion (0–100%) shape and soften the flow.

Composition places the drawing in the frame (Breakout, Center, Full Bleed or Negative Space), and Palette sets the colours (Studio, Bone black, Cobalt Blue, Cinnabar, Earth Tones or Custom). Turn on Live Preview to watch the strokes move; the motion can be exported as video in the browser, and as a Live Photo in the iPhone app.

Choosing a photo

Photos with clear contours and a range of light and colour give the strokes something to follow. The tool can also start from a blank canvas.

Settings worth changing first

Strokes (4 styles) and Flow (4 options).
Density (120–2400, default 1400) and Length (28–220px, default 64px).
Weight (1–18px, default 3px) and Diffusion (0–100%, default 58%).
Palette (6 options) and Composition (4 options).

Presets

Contour Threads, Painted Flow, Airy Strokes and Ink Streamlines.

Before you start

What is a flow field?

A flow field is a grid of directions. Drawing in it means every stroke starts somewhere and follows the direction under it, which produces smooth, curving lines. It is a common technique in generative art.

How do I change the look of the strokes?

Choose a style under Strokes (Ink Marks, Watercolor, Charcoal pencil or Hatching), then set Length (28–220px) and Weight (1–18px). Diffusion (0–100%) controls how much the marks diffuse.

Can I make it move?

Yes. Turn on Live Preview and set Speed (0–100%). In the browser you can export the motion as video; Live Photo export needs the iPhone app.

What can I export?

PNG or JPEG at 1600, 2200 or 3200 pixels on the long edge, or video. The photo is processed in the browser and is not uploaded.

What changes on the Web?

Export motion as video instead of Live Photo.

Continue with SHADR on iPhone after you create in the browser.

Get the iPhone app