DEV Community

Cover image for Creating mesmerizing spirograph animations with Python and Spyrograph
Chris Greening
Chris Greening

Posted on • Originally published at chris-greening.github.io

Creating mesmerizing spirograph animations with Python and Spyrograph

#python #opensource #showdev #tutorial

DISCLAIMER: This blog post was written by a human with the help of AI

Captivating spirograph animations: an overview

Spirograph animations can be both mesmerizing and captivating, providing endless hours of entertainment as well as a visual exploration of mathematical patterns

In this section, we'll provide an overview of spirograph animations and discuss how the animate method in the Spyrograph library can help us create stunning visual displays with ease

GitHub logo chris-greening / spyrograph

Python library for analyzing, exploring, and visualizing epitrochoids and hypotrochoids in just a few lines of code

spyrograph: elegant mathematics and geometries

Animation of three geometric, symmetrical shapes being drawn next to one another left to right. The shape on the left is red, the middle green, and the right is blue.

What is it?

spyrograph is a lightweight Python package that provides an expressive and flexible set of tools for drawing beautiful mathematically driven art. With just a few lines of easy-to-read code you can start analyzing, visualizing, and exploring elegant mathematics

Downloads Issues License Version Documentation Status

"Buy Me A Coffee"

Official website

Official docs

Table of Contents

🔑 Key features

  • Expressive and consistent syntax
  • Robust underlying mathematics
  • Beginner and expert friendly
  • numpy is the only required third-party installation
  • Clear visualizations and animations
  • Flexible to a wide range of usecases
  • Lightweight, just plug and play

Sample hypotrochoid drawing showing a circle rolling around the interior of another circle drawing a geometric shape

💻 Installation

pip

Install the latest stable release from PyPI using

$ pip3 install spyrograph
Enter fullscreen mode Exit fullscreen mode

or clone the development version from GitHub with

$ git clone https://github.com/chris-greening/spyrograph.git
Enter fullscreen mode Exit fullscreen mode

🌱 Quickstart

spyrograph is designed to be expressive and easy-to-use - simply import spyrograph and jump right into drawing elegant, complex shapes…


View on GitHub


A spirograph is a geometric shape formed by tracing a point a distance from the center of a circle as it rolls along the inside or outside of a fixed circle

The combination of these two circles creates a unique path, resulting in a captivating and intricate pattern. With the help of the Spyrograph library, we can create a wide variety of these patterns using just a few simple parameters

The animate method in the Spyrograph library is a powerful tool for generating and visualizing spirograph patterns. By providing a range of values for the input parameters, we can create a sequence of spirographs that smoothly transition from one to another, giving the illusion of a continuous animation. This method takes care of all the drawing and updating, allowing us to focus on the creative aspect of designing our spirograph animations.

Let's look at a simple example of how to use the animate method to create a spirograph animation:

from spyrograph import Hypotrochoid
import numpy as np

Hypotrochoid.animate(
    R=307,
    r=np.arange(57, 75, .05),
    d=33,
    thetas=np.arange(0,100, .1),
    frame_pause=.02
)
Enter fullscreen mode Exit fullscreen mode

An animation of lines rotating creating beautiful geometric patterns

In this example, we call the animate method on the Hypotrochoid class with our chosen parameter values. This will generate a sequence of spirograph animations, each with a different radius r while keeping the other parameters constant

The animate method is highly versatile, allowing us to customize the appearance of our animations by adjusting various parameters such as the color, width, and screen_size. This flexibility enables us to create a wide range of visually appealing spirograph animations that cater to our artistic preferences

In the following sections, we'll dive deeper into the animate method, exploring its various customization options and providing tips and tricks to help us master the art of spirograph animation

Customizing our spirograph animations

One of the most exciting aspects of using the animate method is the ability to customize and personalize our spirograph animations

With a plethora of configuration options at our fingertips, we can create unique patterns that resonate with our artistic vision. In this section, we'll explore some of the ways you can customize our animations using the animate method

Varying the circle radii and tracing point distance

The primary driving factors behind the generated patterns are the radii of the fixed and rolling circles (R and r, respectively) and the distance of the tracing point from the rolling circle (d). By altering these parameters, we can create a wide array of stunning spirograph designs

For example, we can experiment with different combinations of R, r, and d to find the perfect balance that produces intricate and mesmerizing patterns

Varying the radius of the fixed circle: 

Hypotrochoid.animate(
    R=np.arange(201*3, 215*3, .1*3),
    r=179*3,
    d=79*3,
    thetas=np.arange(0,50, .1),
    frame_pause=.08
)
Enter fullscreen mode Exit fullscreen mode

An animation of lines rotating creating beautiful geometric patterns

Varying the radius of the rolling circle: 

Hypotrochoid.animate(
    R=307,
    r=np.arange(57, 60, .025),
    d=33,
    thetas=np.arange(0,100, .1),
    frame_pause=.08
)
Enter fullscreen mode Exit fullscreen mode

An animation of lines rotating creating beautiful geometric patterns

Varying the distance from the rolling circle: 

Hypotrochoid.animate(
    R=300,
    r=113,
    d=np.arange(113, 140, .5),
    thetas=np.arange(0,50, .1),
    frame_pause=.08
)
Enter fullscreen mode Exit fullscreen mode

An animation of lines rotating creating beautiful geometric patterns

Color and line width customization

The animate method also allows us to customize the color and width of the traced lines. By changing the color and width parameters, we can achieve different visual effects and styles

Whether we want a subtle, delicate design or a bold, striking pattern, adjusting these parameters gives us the creative freedom to bring our vision to life

Hypotrochoid.animate(
    R=307,
    r=np.arange(57, 60, .025),
    d=33,
    thetas=np.arange(0,100, .1),
    frame_pause=.08,
    color="red",
    width=5
)
Enter fullscreen mode Exit fullscreen mode

An animation of lines rotating creating beautiful geometric patterns colored in red with a thicker width

Control over theta tange and step

Another powerful customization option is the ability to define the range of theta values and the incremental step between them

By modifying either the thetas argument or the theta_start, theta_stop, and theta_step parameters, we can control the precision and smoothness of the traced lines

Smaller theta steps lead to smoother curves, while larger steps create more segmented patterns, offering yet another avenue for personalizations

Small theta step 

Hypotrochoid.animate(
    R=307,
    r=np.arange(57, 60, .025),
    d=33,
    thetas=np.arange(0,100, .1),
    frame_pause=.08
)
Enter fullscreen mode Exit fullscreen mode

An animation of lines rotating creating beautiful geometric patterns

Large theta step 

Hypotrochoid.animate(
    R=307,
    r=np.arange(57, 60, .025),
    d=33,
    thetas=np.arange(0,100, 1),
    frame_pause=.08
)
Enter fullscreen mode Exit fullscreen mode

An animation of lines rotating creating beautiful geometric patterns with angular shapes

Background and screen customization

The animate method enables us to customize the background color and screen size of our animations through the screen_color and screen_size parameters

By adjusting these settings, we can create a visual environment that complements our spirograph design and enhances the overall aesthetic appeal of our animations

Hypotrochoid.animate(
    R=307,
    r=np.arange(57, 60, .025),
    d=33,
    thetas=np.arange(0,100, 1),
    frame_pause=.08,
    color="white",
    screen_color="black"
)
Enter fullscreen mode Exit fullscreen mode

An animation of lines rotating creating beautiful geometric patterns with angular shapes with a black background and white color

In summary, the animate method in the Spyrograph library provides a wealth of customization options for us to explore

By playing with different configurations and settings, we can create captivating spirograph animations that are uniquely ours. So, let's unleash our creativity and dive into the world of personalized spirograph animations using the powerful animate method

Mastering spirograph animation techniques: tips and tricks

Becoming proficient at creating mesmerizing spirograph animations takes time, practice, and a keen eye for detail

In this section, we'll share some tips and tricks to help us master the art of spirograph animation and unlock our creative potential

Start with simple patterns

As we begin our spirograph journey, it's essential to build a solid foundation by starting with simple patterns

Let's familiarize ourselves with the basics of the animate method and experiment with various R, r, and d combinations to understand how they interact

Once we have a good grasp of the basics, we can gradually increase the complexity of our patterns and explore more advanced animation techniques

Experiment with different thetas

The theta values we choose can significantly impact the final appearance of our spirograph patterns. Experiment with different theta ranges, starting and stopping points, and step sizes to find the best combination for our desired design. Remember that smaller theta steps will create smoother curves, while larger steps result in more segmented patterns

Leverage the power of Python

Python offers a wealth of libraries and tools that can help enhance our spirograph animations. For example, we can use numpy to generate more precise theta values or use matplotlib to visualize our designs in different formats. Don't be afraid to explore the Python ecosystem and integrate additional tools into our spirograph animation workflow

Pay attention to detail

When creating spirograph animations, small changes in parameters can lead to significant differences in the final design. Pay close attention to the details of our patterns and make adjustments as needed. Experimenting with colors, line widths, and background colors can have a substantial impact on the overall appearance of our animation

Practice, practice, practice

Like any art form, mastering spirograph animation takes time and dedication. The more we practice, the better we'll become at recognizing patterns, combining parameters, and creating captivating designs. Let's keep experimenting, pushing our boundaries, and refining our skills to become true spirograph animation masters

Embracing serendipity

While planning and experimentation are essential, part of the beauty of spirograph art lies in the unexpected. As we experiment with different parameter combinations, we may stumble upon captivating designs purely by chance. Embrace these serendipitous moments, as they can lead to truly unique and memorable spirograph animations

Conclusion

Spirograph animations are a captivating blend of art, mathematics, and creativity. The animate method provides a powerful tool for users to explore the fascinating world of spirograph patterns and bring them to life through mesmerizing animations

As we continue our journey, don't forget to leverage the power of Python and its extensive ecosystem to enhance our animations and unlock new possibilities. The more we practice and experiment, the more confident we'll become in creating captivating spirograph animations that showcase our creativity and artistic vision

An animation of lines rotating creating beautiful geometric patterns with angular shapes with a black background and white color

In the end, the key to success lies in our dedication to continuous learning and improvement. Embrace the challenges, celebrate your achievements, and let our imaginations run wild as we explore the captivating world of spirograph animations!

Top comments (0)

Read next

chintanonweb profile image

Master CSS Selectors: The Complete Beginner-to-Expert Guide

chintanonweb -

thinkthroo profile image

How Changsets reads config.json internally

thinkThroo -

mike_andreuzza profile image

Learn how to create a bottom navigation with Tailwind CSS

Michael Andreuzza -

balrajola profile image

Advanced CSS Tricks for 2025. Elevate Your Web Designs

Balraj Singh -