Lissajous Generator
Create parametric Lissajous curves with three audio modes — frequency-driven, FFT-modulated, and Stereo XY — plus temporal smoothing and high-resolution output.
The Lissajous Generator creates parametric curves based on the equations that govern oscilloscope XY displays. These shapes are naturally suited to laser projection — smooth, continuous paths with no sharp corners to stress scanners.
What Are Lissajous Curves?
Lissajous figures are the patterns formed when two signals are plotted against each other on X and Y axes (like an oscilloscope in XY mode). Simple frequency ratios produce recognizable shapes — a 1:1 ratio draws a circle or ellipse, 2:1 draws a figure-8, and more complex ratios create intricate knots.
Quick Start
Open Animation Studio and add a new layer
Select Lissajous from the shape type dropdown in the Properties panel
Choose a preset — Figure-8, Butterfly, or Knot are good starting points
Upload audio and select an audio mode to make the shape react to music
Audio Modes
The Audio Mode row shows None, Stereo, Freq, and FFT. The three reactive choices work as follows:
Frequency-Driven Mode
Audio frequency bands (bass, mid, high) directly modulate the X frequency, Y frequency, phase, and amplitude of the Lissajous equations. The shape morphs in real time as the music changes.
- Bass → amplitude (size pulsing)
- Mid → Y frequency (shape complexity)
- High → phase (rotation and drift)
FFT-Modulated Mode
The raw FFT frequency spectrum is wrapped around the curve, creating spikes that radiate outward from the Lissajous path — similar to how the Sine Wave tool works. Bass energy adds a global pulse to the entire shape.
Stereo XY Mode
Professional oscilloscope-style visualization that maps your audio's left channel to X and right channel to Y — exactly how a real oscilloscope displays stereo XY signals.
Features exclusive to Stereo XY mode:
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| 8x Resolution | 512 samples vs 64 for high-fidelity waveform rendering |
| Auto-Normalization | Maximizes signal amplitude to fill the display |
| Blanking Detection | Suppresses stray lines during silent passages |
| Configurable Interpolation | 1–4x smoothing for curve quality |
| Independent Channel Gain | 50–200% per channel (L/R) with polarity invert |
| Phosphor Persistence | Afterglow trails with proper decay (no additive glow) |
For the cleanest Stereo XY output, use 96kHz or 192kHz WAV files. Higher sample rates mean more XY data points per frame and sharper shapes.
Presets
The preset selector includes these 10 options:
- Circle
- Ellipse
- Diagonal Line
- Figure-8 (Infinity)
- Pretzel (2:3)
- Butterfly (3:4)
- Triple Loop
- Knot (3:5)
- Star 5-Point
- Complex (5:7)
Multi-Layer Presets
The Lissajous panel also includes one-click multi-layer presets that build a complete animated composition across several layers:
| Preset | What it builds |
|---|---|
| Harmonic Morph | 3 layers morphing frequencies (4s loop) |
| Phase Dance | Shapes with morphing phases (4s loop) |
| Draw Cascade | Staggered draw-in (scanner-friendly) |
| Breathing | Circles that morph in amplitude (4s loop) |
Preset layers count against Animation Studio's 10-layer limit — if a preset needs more slots than you have free, remove layers first.
Temporal Smoothing
The Temporal Smoothing slider (0–100%) controls how smoothly the shape transitions between audio-driven states. Low values create jittery, percussive reactions; high values create flowing, liquid motion.
Resolution
The Points slider controls curve resolution — up to 1024 points for ultra-smooth curves. Higher resolution means more scanner load, so the real-time PPS estimate updates as you adjust.
Further Reading
Spirograph Generator
Create mathematical spirograph figures with progressive draw-in animation, rainbow coloring, seamless loops, and live point-rate estimates for ILDA laser export.
Sine Wave Tool
Create oscilloscope-style audio-reactive sine wave shapes with traveling animation, rainbow coloring, harmonic stacking, and the Oscilloglow projection mapping effect.