GIMP User Manual
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# The "Qbist" Filter

Located in Filters Render Pattern Qbist..., this plug-in renders essentially randomly mixed colours in a potentially impressive display of algorthmic disco.

To be more concise, it provides nine sets of equations which alter the image's appearance drastically. The resulting effect is a specific mesh of colours, arranged in varying ways, according to the output of the given equation. Generally, this is some number of gradient blends, intermingling to create new gradients and shapes.

## The Qbist dialog

In the dialogue, nine preview boxes are displayed. The preview in the center is the active one. That is, without further input, the preview displayed in the center will be rendered into the image. Each of the previews are image buttons. Selecting any preview enacts a corresponding equation. The selected equation is applied to the active preview and changes all 9 previews to reflect a new set of input parameters. When a desirable effect results, pressing the OK button applies the center preview to the current image. Cancel will close the dialog without making any changes to the original image.

| The generated images do not relate in any signifigant way to the original image content. The same equations will not always correspond to the same preview button. Qbist is, effectively, a randomizer.

This filter includes a 'Load and Save' function for presets. Because the generated images and equations do not rely on the original image content, there is no exact way to guarantee an absolute reproduction of any set of effects. Therefore, as an alternate, the user may save at least the current, center preview parameters.

| Qbist works best by repeatedly hitting any of the various preview buttons until a desirable effect is observed. Being run largely on random outputs based on random inputs, it tends to be not so useful if the user advances with some strategy. It seems better to simply request new renders repeatedly until the user sees something attractive.

Quote from the author: " This plug-in generates images from genetic formulas. It's based on an algorithm I've seen in a magazine. "

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