quadrateFX

Generate random patterns of vector tiled rectangles in After Effects, simulating the data visualization method also known as treemapping. NEW: Use a custom layer for splitting and sampling

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Description




quadrateFX is a tool for Adobe After Effects, specifically designed to generate random patterns
of tiled vector rectangles, simulating the data visualization method also known as treemapping.



NEW in v1.50 - Luminance-Based Quad Splitting

The luminance-based splitting feature in quadrateFX v1.50 allows users to generate quads that dynamically adapt to the brightness of a selected source image. Instead of random placement, the script analyzes the luminance values and recursively divides the composition into quads, ensuring that darker areas remain larger, while brighter areas are subdivided into smaller quads. This results in a structured, image-like composition that captures the source’s contrast and detail. Users can fine-tune the process using parameters such as grid resolution, split randomness, sample radius, exaggeration, and luminance threshold, offering precise control over the final aesthetic.

Here are a few examples of luminance-based quad splitting

quadrateFX - v1.50 - example


quadrateFX - v1.50 - example

Besides the luminance-based quad splitting you can also generate quads in a randomised pattern.
Here are a few of the settings available.
Setting the total number of the generated boxes is as easy as moving a slider.
quadrateFX - number of boxes

You can adjust the size randomness % of the generated boxes
quadrateFX - randomness

You can also adjust the horizontal versus vertical boxes generation ratio.
quadrateFX - hor/ver ratio

quadrateFX

There is a handy effect slider to adjust the color selection percentage for each box,
between colors A and B dynamically.
quadrateFX - AB colors

quadrateFX can also generate a text layer for each box. You can select between 12 dynamic text types ranging from
the layer's position X and Y values to random HEX codes. Below are a few examples.

quadrateFX - text options

Working with large number of boxes can make After Effects behave quite slow and sluggish.
Especially, when working with extruded 3D layers you must be prepared to wait a while for After Effects to interact,
render or preview the composition.

The image below was created by using quadrateFX and generating over 1.000 rectangles.

quadrateFX - 3000 boxes


You can use quadrateFX to generate large complicated textures to be used as a displacement map on 3D modelling software.
The image on the right was rendered in 3D Studio MAX and Vray.

3D displacement



quadrateFX has also the ability to generate an additional solid layer, with all the primary boxes as masks. Its intended use is to function as a source layer for third-party plug-ins such as Videocopilot's Element3D.


quadrateFX + Element3D



Custom effect controls let you control, adjust and animate any aspect of the generated boxes.

quadrateFX - effect controls




If you like this tool, please visit:
www.realcreations.gr

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Version History

1.50 -

Feb 16, 2025

-added: functionality to use a custom layer as a source for splitting the quads (with X+Y grid, sampling radius, split randomness, exaggerate and luminance settings)
-added: functionality to sample the luminance values or the RGB color values
-removed: support for After Effects CS6 and CC
-updated: the UI to reflect all of the above changes
-updated: license framework to v4.3.2 + fix for empty error on startup

1.10 -

Nov 23, 2019

- added: support for After Effects 2020
- added: support for MacOS Catalina
- optimized: more compact UI
- optimized: redesigned progress bar that is more accurate, more informative, and works both in window and in dockable panel mode.

1.05 -

Dec 26, 2018

optimized: quadrateFX is now fully compatible with After Effects CC2019

1.04 -

Nov 24, 2018

added: option to generate a solid layer with all the generated boxes as masks
fixed: setting the text-type to "Extrusion Depth" on 2D separated layers no longer displays an error
fixed: the "affect luminosity by size of boxes" was reversed. It now works as intended.
fixed: quadraFX no longer uses the "Tahoma" font as the default font for every text layer it generates. It will now use whatever font is selected in the After Effects Character Panel upon generation.

1.0 -

Sep 4, 2018

initial release

Compatibility

After Effects

2024, 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020, CC 2019, CC 2018, CC 2017, CC 2015.3, CC 2015, CC 2014