Patternodes is a tool for creating generative design, vector patterns or animations. This is done using a node-based interface where you define a sequence of connected nodes that describe the design, each representing graphical elements, changes or repetitions. You might call this parametric design or visual scripting for 2d graphics.
The node sequence is completely non-destructive, so you can change any step in the sequence at any time without having to redo anything. This makes it easy to tweak repetition counts or element properties and instantly see the end result. The parameters that control each node can also be connected to other nodes, establishing complex relationships where one property controls another. And finally all of these node parameters can be animated using keyframes in a timeline.
Patternodes is designed from the start to stimulate playful use and experimentation, therefore the result is always shown in the preview view updating in real time. There is also extensive inline help features, warnings, sample files and even a manual to help you use the software.
Inspiration
There is a collection of projects that could work as inspiration for what you could use Patternodes for here on Behance:
"... once you get the hang of it, Patternodes is much easier to create ever more complex patterns, even animated ones, than any other pattern-creating app or plug-in I've ever reviewed."
"All in all, once you climb the initial learning curve, creating patterns with Patternodes will surely become much easier than with any other illustration application"
Recent news and updates for Patternodes 3. Follow us on Twitter @lostminds_sw for more news and updates
2022-07-28
Patternodes 3.0.8 released
Another small update of Patternodes 3 has been released with some additional little fixes and improvements:
Changes and improvements:
Nodes with a min-max value range (like the Apply Function node) now have a node menu option to quickly reverse the range.
Value parameter pairs with aspect locked no longer break the aspect ratio if you change the values to zero and back.
Fixes a bug in Change Pivot Node when calculating element group pivot points.
Fixes a bug when calculating element group pivot when changing element offsets in an already offset group.
Added warning and explanation if the Value Cap node is set to an invalid range of values.
2022-07-21
Patternodes 3.0.7 released
A new update of Patternodes 3 has been released with some fixes and a couple of improvements to the Element Text node:
Changes and improvements:
Added option to use Size as Font size instead of height for single characters in the Text Element node, and clarified how this works in text box mode and multi-charater texts.
Fixes custom blend modes not being applied correctly to path element strokes.
Fixes a Element Text node bug causing some characters (like *) not to be centered correctly in single character non-textbox mode.
2022-05-19
Patternodes 3.0.6 released
A new version of Patternodes 3 have been released with the following fixes and improvements:
Added an Import Image menu item as an alternative method of adding import nodes via selecting a file.
Fixes a crash when trying to apply a group pack node on a single element.
Fixes a bug where deleting a node with connections between parameters in the node would leave loose connections behind.
Fixes an issue where the locked aspect of recently imported image sizes would not be correct if the parameter was changed.
Added node warning messages explaining Group Distribute and Group Pack nodes have no effect with a single element input.
Fixes some formatting in the node reference and a bug showing parameter options in the help text that should be hidden.
2022-04-11
Patternodes 3.0.5 released
A new updates of Patternodes 3 have been released, with some additional fixes and improvements:
When a node has a warning related to missing input or output connections the socket now gets a visual mark to help show where the problem is.
Changed preferences interface so changes are applied immediately.
Fixes an error message about incorrectly triggering on exports.
Added some improved error messages for export issues.
2022-03-08
Patternodes 3.0.3 and 3.0.4 updates
Two small updates of Patternodes 3 have been released, with some additional fixes and improvements:
Fixes issues with Change Clip node not correctly being able to invert some clipping paths.
Fixes value parameters sometimes staying disabled after input connections are removed.
The Change Clip node now doesn't show the Apply To mode control since it's not relevant.
Smoother handling of remotely deployed license unlocking, not showing the trial mode notice while the license is verified.
Prevents a flicker of node warning messages as new nodes are added on connections.
Fixes a Random Value node issue where the min value would be left disabled after off turning +/- range.
Thanks to everyone sending feedback, reporting bugs and issues so we can get them fixed!
2022-02-16
Patternodes 3.0.2
Today another small update of the new Patternodes 3 has been released, with some additional fixes:
Fixes incorrect size of exported SVG elements when exporting with a scaled export size.
Fixed a crash using apply to Single mode in Change Replace node.
Fixes an issue where exported GIF animations would sometimes get incorrect color palettes on macOS 11 and earlier.
Optimization of value function graph UI updates.
2022-02-10
Patternodes 3.0.1 and 2.4.13 updates
After the release of Patternodes 3 and the influx of new and upgrading users there's now a first little update fixing some issues with the new version. There's also a new update of Patternodes 2 now available, backporting a couple of bugfixes found during the development of Patternodes 3, to ensure that Patternodes 2 is a stable as possible for the users who want to keep using that.
3.0.1 Fixes:
Fixes macOS App Sandbox blocking file system access to export animations as numbered files in some cases.
Fixes Repeat Grid node spacing aspect in Hex pattern mode while allowing still input.
Fixes clicking disabled parameter fields still selecting them for preview edit.
Fixed Change Pivot node not correctly finding automatic pivot locations for some asymmetrical shapes.
2022-02-08
Patternodes 3 released
The third generation of the macOS parametric design application Patternodes has now been released. Click below for more information, or download and try it out for free now!
Patternodes is a tool for creating graphical patterns, animations or illustrations. This is done using a node-based interface where you define a sequence of connected nodes that describe the design, each representing graphical elements, changes or repetitions.
Main changes and new features of Patternodes 3
Improved animation features. New keyframe-based Animation timeline and new Time Function node for animated noise and repeating functions.
Improved drag editing. Improved support for selecting and editing node parameters by clicking and dragging in the preview.
Redesigned interface. Cleaned up modern interface style with support for dark/light mode and animations.
Improved performance. Rebuilt core components for faster generation and a more responsive interface.
Redesigned dynamic index features. Clarified system for generating dynamic input to nodes.
Patternodes 3, the next generation of the node based procedural 2D-graphics app Patternodes is now in beta testing.
Main changes and new features
Improved animation features. New keyframe-based Animation timeline and new Time Function node for animated noise and repeating functions.
Improved drag editing. Improved support for selecting and editing node parameters by clicking and dragging in the preview.
Redesigned interface. Cleaned up modern interface style with support for dark/light mode and animations.
Improved performance. Rebuilt core components for faster generation and a more responsive interface.
Redesigned dynamic index features. Clarified system for generating dynamic input to nodes.
You can find out more and sign up to be a tester or get notified on release at lostminds.com/patternodes3.
Purchase process
The online purchase process is handled quickly and securely by Paddle.com.
After you complete your purchase you will immediately be given access to your license codes and information on how to unlock the full version of your software. You will also be sent two e-mails from Paddle to the address you've specified. One receipt for your records and one titled "Your <Product> Paddle.com Order" containing your license code and unlocking information.
