4 - Using the Design Window

Abstract

This chapter explains how to use the Design window. In the Design window, the user can translate, rotate, shear, and resize transformations all by pointing, clicking, and dragging. A session with Fractal Attraction can be started by double-clicking on the program icon. An untitled document should be the top window—the code window. The single row of parameters corresponds to one transformation, and two more windows—Design and Fractal windows—appear behind the code window. By bringing the Design window to the front either by clicking or choosing Design under the Window menu, two squares can be seen. The larger square is the initial figure or polygon, while the smaller square is the result of applying transformation one to the initial polygon. Even by arranging the Design window and the code window on the screen, one can work in the design window yet see transformation one in the code window. One can as well examine the transformation parameters by trying to move the small square to different positions.