Spirograph Generator
Create mathematical spirograph figures with progressive draw-in animation, rainbow coloring, seamless loops, and live point-rate estimates for ILDA laser export.
The Spirograph Generator creates hypotrochoid and epitrochoid curves — the mathematical figures produced by nested rotating circles. These generate intricate, symmetrical patterns that are naturally suited to laser projection.
Quick Start
Open Animation Studio and add a new layer
In the Properties panel, select Spirograph from the shape type dropdown
Choose a preset from the Library selector — try 5-Point Star or 3-Petal Rose to start
Press Play to see the progressive draw-in animation
⌘/Ctrl + Click the Spirograph tool button in the Assets sidebar to instantly stamp a 40×40 centered spirograph shape.
Basic vs Pro Mode
Basic Mode
Designed for quick results with intuitive sliders:
| Slider | What it controls |
|---|---|
| Complexity | Number of lobes/petals — higher values create more intricate patterns |
| Shape | Move the pattern from rounded to pointy |
| Size | Overall diameter of the pattern |
| Curve Type | Inside or Outside rolling-circle geometry |
| Draw Animation | Instant drawing or a reveal lasting up to 10 seconds |
| Rotation | Static through fast continuous spin; Snap to Loop matches the layer duration |
| Color Mode | Single, Rainbow, or Audio when a track is loaded |
Pro Mode
Full mathematical control over the spirograph equations:
- Fixed Circle (R) — outer circle radius
- Rolling Circle (r) — inner circle radius
- Pen Distance (d) — distance from the rolling-circle center
- Resolution — 200–2000 points, with the current PPS estimate and load warning shown below it
The mathematical relationship between R, r, and d determines the shape. When R/r is a simple fraction (like 3/1 or 5/2), the pattern closes cleanly.
Presets
The Library selector includes 15 built-in presets:
| Preset | Description |
|---|---|
| 5-Point Star | Classic five-pointed star pattern |
| 7-Point Flower | Seven-lobed flower |
| Trefoil | Three-lobed figure |
| Complex Web | Dense multi-lobed pattern |
| Simple Ellipse | Open, easy-to-read curve |
| Dense Spiral | Tightly packed spiral |
| 3-Petal Rose | Three-petal rose curve |
| 8-Point Burst | Eight-point radial burst |
| Cardioid | Heart-shaped single-lobe curve |
| Nephroid | Rounded double-lobed curve |
| Rainbow Flower | Flower with animated rainbow color |
| Spinning Star | Star with continuous rotation |
| Draw Reveal | Pattern configured for a progressive reveal |
| Morphing Bloom | Flower that changes shape and color over time |
| Audio Reactive | Pattern color driven by the loaded audio track |
Click the Randomize button to generate visually interesting random patterns.
Multi-Layer Presets
The Spirograph panel also includes one-click multi-layer presets that build a complete animated composition across several layers:
| Preset | What it builds |
|---|---|
| Rainbow Center | Centered rainbow spirograph with spin (4s loop) |
| Triangle Breathe | 3 spirographs breathing in/out (4s loop) |
| Draw Cascade | Nested shapes that draw in sequence (4s loop) |
| Audio Spectrum | 3 spirographs reacting to Bass/Mid/Treble |
| Morph Dance | Morphing shape with rainbow (8s loop) |
Preset layers count against Animation Studio's 10-layer limit — if a preset needs more slots than you have free, remove layers first.
Progressive Draw-In Animation
The spirograph reveals itself progressively during timeline playback — like watching a pen trace the curve in real time.
- Draw duration sets how long the reveal takes
- The layer and global timeline auto-extend to fit the draw duration
- Combine with rotation animation for spinning spirographs that reveal as they turn
Rotation Animation
Enable continuous spinning with a configurable speed (in π radians/second). The spirograph rotates smoothly while maintaining its shape — effective for hypnotic background loops.
Rainbow Color Mode
Toggle Rainbow to apply full-spectrum HSL coloring along the curve path. Each segment of the spirograph gets a different hue, creating a prismatic effect that works well on both screen and laser.
Perfect Loop Detection
The generator automatically calculates the mathematically exact loop duration — the point at which the curve returns perfectly to its starting position. This ensures seamless, flicker-free looping on laser hardware.
Not all R/r/d combinations produce closed curves. The loop indicator shows whether the current parameters will loop cleanly or spiral indefinitely.
Point-Rate Check
Real-time PPS estimates and scanner-load warnings appear as you adjust parameters. Higher resolution increases the exported point count and the required PPS at a given frame rate. Compare those values with the intended hardware's stated test condition; they do not certify hardware or venue safety.
See Understanding PPS for details on point-rate ratings and test conditions.
Further Reading
Audio-Reactive Features
Author laser motion to an uploaded audio track, preview the result, and export the fixed animation as an ILDA sequence.
Lissajous Generator
Create parametric Lissajous curves with three audio modes — frequency-driven, FFT-modulated, and Stereo XY — plus temporal smoothing and high-resolution output.