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MakeSomeNoise - Procedural Noise Generator

A powerful, user-friendly GUI tool for generating seamless procedural noise textures with real-time preview and animation support.

Version Python License

✨ Features

  • 6 Noise Algorithms: Perlin, Simplex, FBM, Turbulence, Ridged Multifractal, Domain Warp
  • Seamless Tiling: Industry-standard offset-based blending for perfect texture tiling
  • Dual Layer Blending: Mix two noise types with 7 blend modes (Mix, Add, Multiply, Screen, Overlay, Min, Max)
  • Real-Time Preview: Live preview with adjustable parameters and smooth animation playback
  • Animation Support: Generate animated texture atlases or frame sequences with Z-offset progression
  • Multiple Export Formats: Single frame, animation atlas, or file sequence
  • 3D Offset Controls: Navigate through noise space with X/Y/Z offsets and adjustable sensitivity
  • Preview Verification: Center Seams mode to inspect seamless tiling quality
  • Automatic Versioning: Incremental version numbers (_v00, _v01...) prevent overwriting
  • Educational Guide: Built-in comprehensive guide with detailed algorithm explanations and history

📥 Download

For End Users:

  1. Go to Releases
  2. Download the latest MakeSomeNoise.exe
  3. Double-click to run - no installation required!

Requirements: Windows 10/11 (64-bit)

🛠️ For Developers

Setup Development Environment

# From PKFX_Tools root
cd tools/makesomenoise

# Run setup script (creates venv and installs dependencies)
.\scripts\setup_env.ps1

# Launch the GUI
.\scripts\run_noise_gui.ps1

Build Executable

# Quick build
.\scripts\build_executable.ps1

# Or manually
.\venv\Scripts\Activate.ps1
pyinstaller VFXSpriteMaker.spec --clean

📖 Usage

Basic Workflow

  1. Select Noise Type: Choose from Layer A dropdown
  2. Adjust Parameters:
    • Scale: Base frequency of noise
    • Octaves: Level of detail (more = finer details)
    • Persistence: How much each octave contributes
    • Lacunarity: Frequency multiplier between octaves
  3. Enable Seamless Tiling: Check the box and adjust Blend Width (10-30%)
  4. Preview Seams: Toggle to visualize tiling with 50% offset
  5. Export: Click "Export Noise" and choose resolution & format

Advanced Features

Layer Mixing:

  • Set Layer B to a different noise type
  • Adjust Mix Weight slider (0=all A, 1=all B)
  • Choose blend mode for creative effects

Animation:

  • Enable "Animated Output"
  • Set frame count and atlas layout
  • Adjust "Noise Anim Rate" for speed
  • Export creates an animated texture atlas

3D Navigation:

  • Use X/Y/Z offset sliders to explore noise space
  • Adjust sensitivity for fine/coarse control
  • Perfect for finding interesting regions

🎯 Use Cases

  • Game Development: Seamless terrain heightmaps, normal maps, detail textures
  • VFX: Procedural textures for materials and effects
  • PopcornFX: Custom texture inputs for particle effects
  • Prototyping: Quick texture generation for mockups

📋 Noise Types

Type Description Best For
Perlin Classic smooth noise Natural terrain, clouds
Simplex Improved Perlin, fewer artifacts Modern terrain, organics
FBM Fractional Brownian Motion Realistic terrain, mountains
Turbulence Absolute value FBM Fire, smoke, energy effects
Ridged Inverted ridges Mountain ridges, veins
Domain Warp Warped noise space Twisted, organic patterns

All noise types support 3D offset animation for temporal continuity

🐛 Troubleshooting

Executable won't start:

Seams visible in tiled texture:

  • Increase "Blend Width" to 15-30%
  • Use "Preview Seams" to verify
  • Ensure "Seamless Tiling" is enabled

Python script errors:

  • Ensure virtual environment is activated
  • Reinstall dependencies: pip install -r requirements.txt

🏗️ Project Structure

makesomenoise/
├── src/
│   └── makesomenoise/
│       ├── __init__.py
│       ├── __main__.py
│       ├── noise_generator_gui.py   # Main application
│       └── version.py
├── scripts/
│   ├── build_executable.ps1         # Build script
│   ├── run_noise_gui.ps1           # Launch script
│   └── setup_env.ps1               # Environment setup
├── VFXSpriteMaker.spec             # PyInstaller config
└── README.md                        # This file

🙏 Credits

  • Author: Andy Moorer
  • Built with: PySide6, NumPy, noise, opensimplex, perlin-noise, Pillow
  • Algorithm References: Ken Perlin, Stefan Gustavson
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Version: 1.1.2
Last Updated: October 24, 2025

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