Total Serialism

A comprehensive toolkit for generative art, pen plotting, and creative coding using p5.js and Python.

Overview

Total Serialism is a collection of tools and algorithms for creating algorithmic art suitable for pen plotting and digital display. The project combines:

• Web-based generative art using p5.js
• Pen plotter optimization for physical drawing machines
• Python image-to-line conversion tools
• Advanced algorithms for pattern generation

Project Structure

total-serialism/
├── browse.html                   # 🌟 Algorithm browser (START HERE!)
├── algorithm-catalog.json        # Structured catalog of all algorithms
├── index.html                    # Main entry point for web interface
├── total-serialism-*.js          # Core JavaScript engines
├── total-serialism-*.html        # Various visualization interfaces
├── pen-plotter/                  # Pen plotter specific tools
│   ├── algorithms/               # 97 generative algorithms
│   │   ├── advanced/            # Complex pattern generators
│   │   ├── flow-fields/         # Flow field visualizations
│   │   ├── natural/            # Nature-inspired algorithms
│   │   ├── reaction-diffusion/ # Reaction-diffusion systems
│   │   ├── chemical/           # Chemical engineering art
│   │   ├── cellular-automata/  # Game of Life, elementary CA
│   │   ├── geometric/          # Geometric patterns & spirals
│   │   ├── lsystems/           # L-System trees
│   │   ├── symmetry/           # Zellige, kumiko patterns
│   │   ├── image-processing/   # Halftone, hatching, squigglecam
│   │   ├── physics/            # Particle systems
│   │   ├── textures/           # Texture generation
│   │   └── tools/              # Path optimizer, export tools
│   └── docs/                    # Documentation
├── linedraw/                     # Python tools for image processing
│   ├── linedraw.py              # Main line drawing converter
│   ├── filters.py               # Image filters
│   ├── perlin.py                # Perlin noise generation
│   └── strokesort.py            # Stroke optimization
├── RESEARCH-SUMMARY.md           # Best practices research
├── IMPROVEMENT-ROADMAP.md        # Development roadmap
└── backlog/                      # Work in progress and experiments

Features

Core Generative Engine

• Multiple rendering modes (Fidenza-inspired, geometric patterns, organic forms)
• Real-time parameter controls
• SVG export for pen plotting
• High-resolution canvas rendering

Algorithms Included

• Flow fields and particle systems
• Reaction-diffusion patterns
• Crystal growth simulation
• Lightning generation
• Astronomy patterns
• Sound waveform visualization
• Vortex streets
• Parametric surfaces
• Chladni patterns

Pen Plotter Tools ✨ NEW!

• Path optimization - vpype-style algorithms (merge, sort, reloop, simplify)
• Time estimation - Calculate plot time before drawing
• Visual comparison - See before/after optimization
• Stroke sorting and path reordering
• Debug preview
• Export to various plotter formats

Python Line Drawing

• Convert raster images to vector lines
• Multiple drawing styles
• Perlin noise integration
• Customizable filters

Preset Management ✨ NEW!

• Save/load algorithm parameters
• Export/import presets as JSON
• Share configurations with others
• Search and organize presets
• Built-in randomization
• LocalStorage persistence

See PRESET-MANAGER-GUIDE.md for integration instructions.

Getting Started

🎨 Quick Start - Algorithm Browser (NEW!)

The easiest way to explore all 97 algorithms:

1. Start a local server:

npm start
# or
python3 -m http.server 8080

2. Open http://localhost:8080/browse.html in your browser

3. Features:

   • 📱 Search - Find algorithms by name or description
   • 🏷️ Filter - By difficulty (beginner/intermediate/advanced)
   • ⭐ Featured - Curated selection of best algorithms
   • ❤️ Favorites - Save your preferred algorithms locally
   • 📂 Categories - Browse by type (Geometric, Flow Fields, Natural, Chemical, etc.)

Alternative: Direct Access

Navigate directly to specific tools:

• Algorithm Browser: browse.html ⭐ Start here!
• Main interface: index.html
• Fidenza style: total-serialism-fidenza.html
• Version 3 engine: total-serialism-v3.html
• Pen plotter tools: pen-plotter/index.html

Python Line Drawing

cd linedraw
python3 linedraw.py input_image.jpg

Development

Prerequisites

• Node.js (for package management)
• Python 3.x (for linedraw tools)
• Modern web browser with ES6 support

Installation

git clone [your-private-repo-url]
cd total-serialism
npm install  # If dependencies are added later

Improvements Roadmap

• Algorithm browser with search and categorization ✨ NEW!
• Preset management system (save/load parameters) ✨ NEW!
• Path optimization tools (vpype-style) ✨ NEW!
• Calibration wizard for pen plotters
• Unified control interface across all tools
• Better documentation and examples
• Performance optimizations for complex patterns
• More export formats (DXF, HPGL)
• Gallery of generated works
• Animation and time-based patterns

See IMPROVEMENT-ROADMAP.md for detailed plans.

Contributing

This is a personal repository. Please create feature branches and submit pull requests for any changes.

License

MIT License - See LICENSE file for details

Author

David Murray

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Note: This project is under active development. Some features may be experimental or incomplete.