Image Canvas Generator

A Python script that places images randomly on a 1920x1080 canvas with configurable parameters for creating unique compositions.

Fun Fact:
This script was used to create the background image for SquidServers.com!

Preview

Here's what the script generates:

Features

• Transparent Background: Creates PNG files with transparent backgrounds
• Configurable Parameters: Easy-to-modify variables for customization
• Multiple Distribution Patterns: Random, grid, spiral, and cluster distributions
• Size Variance: Configurable scaling with multiple distribution types
• Rotation: Optional random rotation of images
• Overlap Control: Configurable overlap prevention
• Visual Effects: Random brightness variations
• Statistics: Detailed output about the generation process

Installation

1. Install Python 3.7+ if you haven't already
2. Install required packages:

   pip install -r requirements.txt

Usage

1. Place your images in the same directory as the script:

   • kelp.webp
   • minecraft-bubble.png

2. Run the script:

   python image_canvas_generator.py

3. The script will generate:

   • generated_canvas.png - Full-size canvas
   • preview_generated_canvas.png - Half-size preview

Configurable Parameters

Basic Settings

• TOTAL_PARTICLES: Total number of images to place (default: 50)
• KELP_RARITY: Probability of placing kelp images (0.0 to 1.0, default: 0.6)
• BUBBLE_RARITY: Probability of placing bubble images (0.0 to 1.0, default: 0.4)

Size Settings

• MIN_SCALE: Minimum scale factor (default: 0.3 = 30% of original)
• MAX_SCALE: Maximum scale factor (default: 1.5 = 150% of original)
• SIZE_DISTRIBUTION: Size distribution type:
  • "uniform": Even distribution across the range
  • "normal": Bell curve distribution
  • "exponential": More smaller images, fewer larger ones

Position Settings

• MARGIN: Minimum distance from canvas edges (default: 50 pixels)
• OVERLAP_ALLOWED: Whether images can overlap (default: True)
• OVERLAP_THRESHOLD: Maximum allowed overlap (0.0 = no overlap, 1.0 = full overlap)

Distribution Settings

• DISTRIBUTION_TYPE: How images are positioned:
  • "random": Completely random placement
  • "grid": Organized in a grid pattern
  • "spiral": Spiral outward from center
  • "clusters": Grouped in random clusters

Rotation Settings

• ROTATION_ENABLED: Enable/disable rotation (default: True)
• MIN_ROTATION: Minimum rotation angle in degrees (default: -45)
• MAX_ROTATION: Maximum rotation angle in degrees (default: 45)

Visual Effects

• BRIGHTNESS_VARIANCE: Random brightness variation (-0.2 to +0.2, default: 0.2)
• CONTRAST_VARIANCE: Random contrast variation (default: 0.1)
• SATURATION_VARIANCE: Random saturation variation (default: 0.15)

Example Configurations

Dense Forest Effect

TOTAL_PARTICLES = 100
KELP_RARITY = 0.8
BUBBLE_RARITY = 0.2
MIN_SCALE = 0.5
MAX_SCALE = 2.0
DISTRIBUTION_TYPE = "clusters"

Sparse Ocean Scene

TOTAL_PARTICLES = 20
KELP_RARITY = 0.3
BUBBLE_RARITY = 0.7
MIN_SCALE = 0.2
MAX_SCALE = 1.0
DISTRIBUTION_TYPE = "random"
OVERLAP_ALLOWED = False

Organized Layout

TOTAL_PARTICLES = 64
DISTRIBUTION_TYPE = "grid"
SIZE_DISTRIBUTION = "normal"
ROTATION_ENABLED = False

Output Files

• Main Canvas: generated_canvas.png (1920x1080)
• Preview: preview_generated_canvas.png (960x540)
• Example Output: example.png - Cool preview of what the script can create! 🎨
• Console Output: Statistics and generation progress

Tips

1. Adjust Rarity: Make sure KELP_RARITY + BUBBLE_RARITY = 1.0 for balanced distribution
2. Size Range: Keep MIN_SCALE and MAX_SCALE reasonable to avoid tiny or oversized images
3. Overlap Control: Use OVERLAP_THRESHOLD to fine-tune how much images can overlap
4. Distribution: Try different distribution types for different artistic effects
5. Performance: Higher particle counts will take longer to generate

Troubleshooting

• "No images could be loaded": Make sure kelp.webp and minecraft-bubble.png are in the same directory
• Slow generation: Reduce TOTAL_PARTICLES or enable overlap
• Images too large/small: Adjust MIN_SCALE and MAX_SCALE values
• Poor distribution: Try different DISTRIBUTION_TYPE values

Customization

The script is designed to be easily customizable. You can:

• Add more image types by modifying the image_files dictionary
• Create new distribution patterns in get_random_position()
• Add more visual effects in apply_image_effects()
• Modify the canvas dimensions by changing CANVAS_WIDTH and CANVAS_HEIGHT

Support the Project

If you find this script useful, please consider:

• Starring this repository
• Forking it to create your own variations
• Sharing it with others who might find it helpful