Turbulent Noise Generator
The Turbulent Noise generator creates animated procedural noise patterns using mathematical algorithms. These patterns can be used for backgrounds, textures, or organic-looking motion.
Overview
Turbulent Noise generates smooth, organic-looking patterns that evolve over time. Different noise algorithms produce distinct visual characteristics, from smooth clouds to cellular structures.
Animation Settings
Noise Type
| Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Perlin Noise | Classic smooth noise with gentle gradients. Creates cloud-like, organic patterns |
| Simplex Noise | Similar to Perlin but with fewer directional artifacts. Slightly more natural appearance |
| Worley (Cellular) Noise | Creates cell-like patterns resembling bubbles, stones, or biological structures |
Noise Properties
Base Frequency
| Range | Default | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 0.1-8.0 | — | Scale of the noise pattern |
- Lower values (0.1-1.0) create large, sweeping features
- Higher values (2.0-8.0) create finer, more detailed patterns
Think of this as "zoom level" - lower frequencies are zoomed in, higher frequencies show more detail.
Octaves
| Range | Default | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1-6 | — | Number of noise layers combined |
Each octave adds finer detail at half the scale of the previous:
- 1 octave - Simple, smooth noise
- 3-4 octaves - Good balance of smoothness and detail
- 6 octaves - Maximum detail, more complex patterns
More octaves create richer textures but may reduce contrast.
Visual Adjustments
Brightness
| Range | Default | Description |
|---|---|---|
| -1.0 to 1.0 | 0 | Overall brightness offset |
- Negative values darken the pattern
- Positive values brighten the pattern
- Zero leaves brightness unchanged
Contrast
| Range | Default | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 0.0-4.0 | 1.0 | Intensity of light/dark differences |
- Below 1.0 - Flatter, more muted patterns
- 1.0 - Natural contrast
- Above 1.0 - More dramatic light/dark separation
- High values (3-4) - Extreme contrast, approaching black/white
Evolution
Evolution Speed
| Range | Default | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 0.1-10.0 | — | How fast the pattern changes over time |
- Low values (0.1-1.0) create slow, subtle movement
- Medium values (2-4) create gentle flowing motion
- High values (5-10) create rapidly changing patterns
The noise pattern smoothly morphs from frame to frame based on this speed.
Random Seed
Controls the starting state of the noise generator. Same seed with same settings produces identical patterns.
Noise Type Comparison
| Property | Perlin | Simplex | Worley |
|---|---|---|---|
| Appearance | Smooth clouds | Smooth, less grid-like | Cellular, bubble-like |
| Best for | Backgrounds, fog | Organic textures | Stone, cells, bubbles |
| Performance | Good | Better | Good |
| Character | Soft gradients | Natural flow | Distinct boundaries |
Workflow Tips
Smoke/Fog Effect
- Use Perlin or Simplex noise
- Low Base Frequency (0.3-0.8)
- 3-4 Octaves
- Low Contrast (0.5-0.8)
- Slow Evolution Speed (0.5-1.5)
Bubbling/Cellular
- Use Worley noise
- Medium Base Frequency (1-2)
- 2-3 Octaves
- High Contrast (1.5-2.5)
- Medium Evolution Speed (2-4)
TV Static
- Use Simplex noise
- High Base Frequency (5-8)
- 1 Octave only
- Maximum Contrast (3-4)
- High Evolution Speed (8-10)
Flowing Water
- Use Simplex noise
- Medium-low Base Frequency (0.8-1.5)
- 4-5 Octaves
- Natural Contrast (1.0-1.2)
- Medium Evolution Speed (2-3)
Abstract Background
- Any noise type based on desired look
- Very low Base Frequency (0.2-0.5)
- 2-3 Octaves
- Adjust Brightness for mood
- Very slow Evolution Speed (0.2-0.5)
Combining with Mapping
Turbulent Noise is especially effective with creative character and color mapping:
- Character density mapping - Dense characters for bright areas, sparse for dark
- Gradient color palettes - Smooth color transitions follow the noise patterns
- Dithering - Character dithering adds texture to the noise output