Generate algorithmic art using p5.js with particle systems and flow fields
Catalog skill by anthropic: Generate algorithmic art using p5.js with particle systems and flow fields Install into Cursor, Claude, Codex, or VS Code from this page or review the source for Algorithmic Art.
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Algorithmic philosophies are computational aesthetic movements that are then expressed through code. Output .md files (philosophy), .html files (interactive viewer), and .js files (generative algorithms).
This happens in two steps:
First, undertake this task:
To begin, create an ALGORITHMIC PHILOSOPHY (not static images or templates) that will be interpreted through:
Consider this approach:
The philosophy must emphasize: Algorithmic expression. Emergent behavior. Computational beauty. Seeded variation.
Name the movement (1-2 words): "Organic Turbulence" / "Quantum Harmonics" / "Emergent Stillness"
Articulate the philosophy (4-6 paragraphs - concise but complete):
To capture the ALGORITHMIC essence, express how this philosophy manifests through:
CRITICAL GUIDELINES:
The philosophy must guide the next version to express ideas ALGORITHMICALLY, not through static images. Beauty lives in the process, not the final frame.
"Organic Turbulence" Philosophy: Chaos constrained by natural law, order emerging from disorder. Algorithmic expression: Flow fields driven by layered Perlin noise. Thousands of particles following vector forces, their trails accumulating into organic density maps. Multiple noise octaves create turbulent regions and calm zones. Color emerges from velocity and density - fast particles burn bright, slow ones fade to shadow. The algorithm runs until equilibrium - a meticulously tuned balance where every parameter was refined through countless iterations by a master of computational aesthetics.
"Quantum Harmonics" Philosophy: Discrete entities exhibiting wave-like interference patterns. Algorithmic expression: Particles initialized on a grid, each carrying a phase value that evolves through sine waves. When particles are near, their phases interfere - constructive interference creates bright nodes, destructive creates voids. Simple harmonic motion generates complex emergent mandalas. The result of painstaking frequency calibration where every ratio was carefully chosen to produce resonant beauty.
"Recursive Whispers" Philosophy: Self-similarity across scales, infinite depth in finite space. Algorithmic expression: Branching structures that subdivide recursively. Each branch slightly randomized but constrained by golden ratios. L-systems or recursive subdivision generate tree-like forms that feel both mathematical and organic. Subtle noise perturbations break perfect symmetry. Line weights diminish with each recursion level. Every branching angle the product of deep mathematical exploration.
"Field Dynamics" Philosophy: Invisible forces made visible through their effects on matter. Algorithmic expression: Vector fields constructed from mathematical functions or noise. Particles born at edges, flowing along field lines, dying when they reach equilibrium or boundaries. Multiple fields can attract, repel, or rotate particles. The visualization shows only the traces - ghost-like evidence of invisible forces. A computational dance meticulously choreographed through force balance.
"Stochastic Crystallization" Philosophy: Random processes crystallizing into ordered structures. Algorithmic expression: Randomized circle packing or Voronoi tessellation. Start with random points, let them evolve through relaxation algorithms. Cells push apart until equilibrium. Color based on cell size, neighbor count, or distance from center. The organic tiling that emerges feels both random and inevitable. Every seed produces unique crystalline beauty - the mark of a master-level generative algorithm.
These are condensed examples. The actual algorithmic philosophy should be 4-6 substantial paragraphs.
The algorithmic philosophy should be 4-6 paragraphs long. Fill it with poetic computational philosophy that brings together the intended vision. Avoid repeating the same points. Output this algorithmic philosophy as a .md file.
CRITICAL STEP: Before implementing the algorithm, identify the subtle conceptual thread from the original request.
THE ESSENTIAL PRINCIPLE: The concept is a subtle, niche reference embedded within the algorithm itself - not always literal, always sophisticated. Someone familiar with the subject should feel it intuitively, while others simply experience a masterful generative composition. The algorithmic philosophy provides the computational language. The deduced concept provides the soul - the quiet conceptual DNA woven invisibly into parameters, behaviors, and emergence patterns.
This is VERY IMPORTANT: The reference must be so refined that it enhances the work's depth without announcing itself. Think like a jazz musician quoting another song through algorithmic harmony - only those who know will catch it, but everyone appreciates the generative beauty.
With the philosophy AND conceptual framework established, express it through code. Pause to gather thoughts before proceeding. Use only the algorithmic philosophy created and the instructions below.
CRITICAL: BEFORE writing any HTML:
templates/viewer.html using the Read toolAvoid:
Follow these practices:
The template is the foundation. Build on it, don't rebuild it.
To create gallery-quality computational art that lives and breathes, use the algorithmic philosophy as the foundation.
Seeded Randomness (Art Blocks Pattern):
// ALWAYS use a seed for reproducibility
let seed = 12345; // or hash from user input
randomSeed(seed);
noiseSeed(seed);
Parameter Structure - FOLLOW THE PHILOSOPHY:
To establish parameters that emerge naturally from the algorithmic philosophy, consider: "What qualities of this system can be adjusted?"
let params = {
seed: 12345, // Always include seed for reproducibility
// colors
// Add parameters that control YOUR algorithm:
// - Quantities (how many?)
// - Scales (how big? how fast?)
// - Probabilities (how likely?)
// - Ratios (what proportions?)
// - Angles (what direction?)
// - Thresholds (when does behavior change?)
};
To design effective parameters, focus on the properties the system needs to be tunable rather than thinking in terms of "pattern types".
Core Algorithm - EXPRESS THE PHILOSOPHY:
CRITICAL: The algorithmic philosophy should dictate what to build.
To express the philosophy through code, avoid thinking "which pattern should I use?" and instead think "how to express this philosophy through code?"
If the philosophy is about organic emergence, consider using:
If the philosophy is about mathematical beauty, consider using:
If the philosophy is about controlled chaos, consider using:
The algorithm flows from the philosophy, not from a menu of options.
To guide the implementation, let the conceptual essence inform creative and original choices. Build something that expresses the vision for this particular request.
Canvas Setup: Standard p5.js structure:
function setup() {
createCanvas(1200, 1200);
// Initialize your system
}
function draw() {
// Your generative algorithm
// Can be static (noLoop) or animated
}
CRITICAL: To achieve mastery, create algorithms that feel like they emerged through countless iterations by a master generative artist. Tune every parameter carefully. Ensure every pattern emerges with purpose. This is NOT random noise - this is CONTROLLED CHAOS refined through deep expertise.
Output:
templates/viewer.html (see STEP 0 and next section)The HTML artifact contains everything: p5.js (from CDN), the algorithm, parameter controls, and UI - all in one file that works immediately in claude.ai artifacts or any browser. Start from the template file, not from scratch.
REMINDER: templates/viewer.html should have already been read (see STEP 0). Use that file as the starting point.
To allow exploration of the generative art, create a single, self-contained HTML artifact. Ensure this artifact works immediately in claude.ai or any browser - no setup required. Embed everything inline.
The templates/viewer.html file is the foundation. It contains the exact structure and styling needed.
FIXED (always include exactly as shown):
VARIABLE (customize for each artwork):
Every artwork should have unique parameters and algorithm! The fixed parts provide consistent UX - everything else expresses the unique vision.
1. Parameter Controls
2. Seed Navigation
3. Single Artifact Structure
<!DOCTYPE html>
<html>
<head>
<!-- p5.js from CDN - always available -->
<script src="https://cdnjs.cloudflare.com/ajax/libs/p5.js/1.7.0/p5.min.js"></script>
<style>
/* All styling inline - clean, minimal */
/* Canvas on top, controls below */
</style>
</head>
<body>
<div id="canvas-container"></div>
<div id="controls">
<!-- All parameter controls -->
</div>
<script>
// ALL p5.js code inline here
// Parameter objects, classes, functions
// setup() and draw()
// UI handlers
// Everything self-contained
</script>
</body>
</html>
CRITICAL: This is a single artifact. No external files, no imports (except p5.js CDN). Everything inline.
4. Implementation Details - BUILD THE SIDEBAR
The sidebar structure:
1. Seed (FIXED) - Always include exactly as shown:
2. Parameters (VARIABLE) - Create controls for the art:
<div class="control-group">
<label>Parameter Name</label>
<input type="range" id="param" min="..." max="..." step="..." value="..." oninput="updateParam('param', this.value)">
<span class="value-display" id="param-value">...</span>
</div>
Add as many control-group divs as there are parameters.
3. Colors (OPTIONAL/VARIABLE) - Include if the art needs adjustable colors:
4. Actions (FIXED) - Always include exactly as shown:
Requirements:
The HTML artifact works immediately:
The artifact includes seed navigation by default (prev/next/random buttons), allowing users to explore variations without creating multiple files. If the user wants specific variations highlighted:
This is like creating a series of prints from the same plate - the algorithm is consistent, but each seed reveals different facets of its potential. The interactive nature means users discover their own favorites by exploring the seed space.
User request → Algorithmic philosophy → Implementation
Each request is unique. The process involves:
The constants:
Everything else is variable:
To achieve the best results, trust creativity and let the philosophy guide the implementation.
This skill includes helpful templates and documentation:
templates/viewer.html: REQUIRED STARTING POINT for all HTML artifacts.
templates/generator_template.js: Reference for p5.js best practices and code structure principles.
Critical reminder: