Cellular Automata: Life Sim
Conway Game & Generative Art
Price history
About
Explore the emergent complexity of simple rules with this implementation of Conway's Game of Life. Transform photos and text into evolving cellular grids, enhanced by audio-reactive generative art and high-performance GPU processing. Share your creations as high-resolution snapshots or animated GIFs.
What's New in Cellular Automata
3.1.4
March 21, 2026
We have completely transformed Cellular Automata from a simulation engine into a powerful, audiovisual generative art studio. What's New in This Update: Photo & Text Modes: You can now import photos from your camera roll or type custom text to see them instantly converted into living cellular grids. Space Image Gallery: We have bundled 21 breathtaking NASA space images. Load them up and watch the cosmos evolve according to Conway's rules. Animated GIF Export: Seamlessly share your universes! The app now records your last 3 seconds of history. Tap the share button to generate a high-quality, easily shared, animated GIF of your simulation, complete with your custom colors. Adjustable Paint Brushes allow you to adjust your brush size from 1x1 up to a massive 10x10, complete with a precise ghost-preview overlay. Custom Stamps (Pro): Found a pattern you love? Extract it directly from the grid and save it to your new "My Stamps" library to drop into any future simulation. Unified Menu Design: We have streamlined the interface with a gorgeous new tabbed menu layout for Settings, Patterns, Stamps, and your Saved Creations.
MoreIn-App Purchases
$1.99
Cellular Automata Pro
Unlock all music, grid sizes and features.
Developer apps
FAQ
What is Cellular Automata: Life Sim?
Cellular Automata: Life Sim is a native implementation of Conway's Game of Life. It allows users to create and observe complex patterns from simple rules, transform images and text into evolving grids, and experience audio-reactive generative art.
Can I import my own photos into Cellular Automata: Life Sim?
Yes, you can import any photo from your camera roll. The app offers edge detection and other selection tools to set initial patterns for the simulation, bringing your photos to life as evolving cellular grids.
Does Cellular Automata: Life Sim have ads?
No, Cellular Automata: Life Sim does not contain advertisements. The app is free to download and use, with optional in-app purchases to unlock premium features.
What are the benefits of Cellular Automata Pro?
Cellular Automata Pro unlocks the massive 256x256 grid size for larger simulations and photo imports. It also enables the audio-reactive engine, including all 10 music tracks and real-time color modulation.
How often is Cellular Automata: Life Sim updated?
The app was last updated on March 21, 2026, indicating a recent update. While specific update frequency isn't detailed, the developer has a history of maintaining the application since its release in 2009.
Is Cellular Automata: Life Sim suitable for children?
Cellular Automata: Life Sim has an age rating of 4+. Its focus on mathematical patterns and visual complexity makes it suitable for a wide range of ages interested in exploration and learning.
Can I share my creations from Cellular Automata: Life Sim?
Yes, you can instantly export high-resolution snapshots or generate animated GIFs of your simulations. The app captures the last 3 seconds of history, including audio-reactive colors, for easy sharing on social media.
What devices support Cellular Automata: Life Sim?
Cellular Automata: Life Sim is supported on both iPhone and iPad devices, leveraging their capabilities for a smooth and immersive simulation experience.