Particle Life
Interactive particle simulation where colors attract and repel into lifelike cells.
Each color attracts or repels the others by a random rule matrix — cells and creatures emerge. Move your cursor to stir them; Randomize for new life.
About Particle Life
Particle Life gives each colored particle a random rule for how strongly it attracts or repels every other color. From those simple asymmetric forces, astonishingly lifelike structures self-assemble: cells with membranes, chasing predators, gliders and pulsing colonies. Set the number of colors and particles, tune the interaction radius, force and friction, drag your cursor to stir the soup, and reshuffle the seed to discover an entirely new artificial ecosystem, then export a high-resolution PNG.
How to use Particle Life
- Press Play. Start Particle Life and watch the animation evolve in real time. Use Pause and Step to inspect it frame by frame.
- Adjust the rules. Use the side panel to change the parameters — the simulation responds live, so you can steer the emerging pattern.
- Explore variations. Press Randomize for a new starting point, or copy the share link to reproduce an exact result.
- Export. Pause on a frame you like and download it as a high-resolution PNG.
Frequently asked questions
What is Particle Life?
Particle Life gives each colored particle a random rule for how strongly it attracts or repels every other color. From those simple asymmetric forces, astonishingly lifelike structures self-assemble: cells with membranes, chasing predators, gliders and pulsing colonies. Set the number of colors and particles, tune the interaction radius, force and friction, drag your cursor to stir the soup, and reshuffle the seed to discover an entirely new artificial ecosystem, then export a high-resolution PNG. It runs entirely in your web browser on GeoPatternLab, free and with no sign-up.
Is Particle Life free to use?
Yes. Particle Life on GeoPatternLab is completely free, with no sign-up or download required. Create as much art as you like and export it directly from your browser.
How do I download my Particle Life artwork?
Use the export buttons in the toolbar to save your work as a high-resolution PNG image. Files download straight to your device.
Does Particle Life work on phones and tablets?
Yes. Particle Life is fully responsive and works with touch input on phones and tablets as well as with a mouse or trackpad on desktop.
Can I use Particle Life artwork commercially?
Yes. Artwork you create with Particle Life is yours to use for personal and commercial projects, such as wallpapers, prints, textiles, and teaching materials. See our Terms of Use for full details.
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