Comparison

Fractal Generator vs NKS Explorer 2022

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

Fractal Generator

Explore the beauty of mathematics by creating intricate fractals. Design them using traditional mathematical methods or a visual drag-and-drop builder. Learn, experiment, and export high-resolution images of your mathematical art.

Highlights
  • Create fractals analytically
  • Visual drag-and-drop fractal builder
  • Learn fractal mathematics
  • Experiment with transformations
  • Export high-resolution images
  • Built-in tutorial
Features
Read full description

Fractal Generator Explore the beauty of mathematics through fractals. Fractal Generator lets you create Iterated Function System (IFS) fractals using both traditional mathematical methods and a new visual, drag-and-drop builder. Whether you’re learning linear transformations, teaching fractals in the classroom, or simply experimenting with mathematical art, the app makes fractals approachable and rewarding to explore. Create Fractals Analytically • Build fractals using classic affine transformation coefficients • Enter and edit values directly • Render self-similar fractals in real time Fractals are generated from systems of equations that describe how points are transformed. These systems can be solved using substitution, elimination, or matrices, making the app a natural companion for algebra and linear algebra coursework. New in Version 2.0 — Visual Fractal Builder Design fractals visually by placing and manipulating shapes on a grid. The visual builder converts geometric transformations into the underlying mathematical coefficients automatically, allowing you to: • Experiment without starting from equations • See how transformations affect the final fractal • Better understand how IFS systems are constructed This makes fractals more intuitive, especially for visual learners. Learn, Experiment, and Explore • Recreate classic fractals included in the app • Modify existing systems or create your own • Watch a built-in tutorial explaining how the math behind fractals works Export and Share • Export high-resolution images • Optional transparent backgrounds for PNG export • Save to Photos or share your creations easily Fractal Generator Pro Unlock the full experience with a one-time Pro upgrade: • All fractal collections • Visual drag-and-drop builder • Advanced export options No subscriptions. No accounts. No tracking. If you previously purchased any fractal pack, restoring purchases automatically unlocks Pro. Designed for iPhone, iPad, and Mac Support: support@lightbulblearninglogic.com Privacy Policy: https://lightbulblearninglogic.com/privacy-policy/

About

NKS Explorer 2022

Explore the "New Kind of Science" with this app, inspired by Stephen Wolfram's work on complexity. Generate intricate patterns and gain insights into the universe's underlying principles. Discover and create your own unique scientific patterns.

Highlights
  • Explore "New Kind of Science"
  • Generate complex patterns
  • Gain insights into the universe
  • Create unique scientific patterns
  • Artful pattern design
Features
Read full description

NKS Explorer 2022 takes you to the edge of today's known science by introducing you to a "New Kind of Science." NKS is the science of Stephen Wolfram, the British/American scientist who in 1981 asked himself, "How does all the complexity seen in the Universe arise?" Stephen was confounded by the complex appearance of a black & white pixel pattern drawn by a simple computer program he had devised. You can now follow Stephen Wolfram's lead and make patterns that engage your artful sensibilities, as well as give you insights into the nature of the Universe -- the Mother of all pattern generators. Download NKS Explorer 2022 now. Start making your own NKS discoveries!

Screenshots

Fractal Generator4 screens
NKS Explorer 20224 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is review sentiment: Fractal Generator at 60% against NKS Explorer 2022's 0%. Fractal Generator also leads on rating (4.3 vs 4.0). NKS Explorer 2022's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 5) and update cadence (every 9 days vs every 3 months). On price, ratings volume, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Both are free to download. Fractal Generator sells 5 one-off in-app purchases. NKS Explorer 2022 asks for nothing beyond the download.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

Fractal Generator holds the better App Store score, 4.3 against 4.0. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 6 and 3 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 60% of Fractal Generator's written reviews are positive against 0% of NKS Explorer 2022's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Fractal Generator ships an update every 3 months, NKS Explorer 2022 every 9 days. The most recent releases landed on November 2, 2026 and November 3, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard5 real differences · 5 level
Fractal Generator versus NKS Explorer 2022: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterFractal GeneratorNKS Explorer 2022
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.3 (6 ratings) — better4.0 (3 ratings)
Positive reviews60.0% of reviews — better0.0% of reviews
Number of ratings6 — better3
Update frequencyEvery 3 monthsEvery 9 days — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesNo — better
MonetizationFree with in-app purchasesFree — better
DevicesiPhone, iPad, Mac — betteriPhone, iPod
Requires iOS16.015.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size19 MB3 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperRussell ThormanJohn Kiehl

Customer experience

Fractal Generator

All ratings6 ratings
Positive83.3%
Neutral0.0%
Negative16.7%
Written reviews5 reviews
Positive60.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative40.0%

NKS Explorer 2022

All ratings3 ratings
Positive66.7%
Neutral33.3%
Negative0.0%
Written reviews1 reviews
Positive0.0%
Neutral100.0%
Negative0.0%

In-app purchases

5 purchases

Fractal Generator

One-time5
  • Leaf Collection$0.99
  • Snowflake Collection$0.99
  • Arrow Collection$0.99
Show 2 more
  • Spiral Collection$0.99
  • Fractal Generator Pro$2.99
None

NKS Explorer 2022

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Fractal Generator free?
Fractal Generator is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is NKS Explorer 2022 free?
NKS Explorer 2022 is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Which has better reviews, Fractal Generator or NKS Explorer 2022?
Fractal Generator is rated higher. Fractal Generator averages 4.3 out of 5 from 6 ratings, while NKS Explorer 2022 averages 4.0 from 3 ratings.
Do Fractal Generator or NKS Explorer 2022 have ads?
Neither Fractal Generator nor NKS Explorer 2022 shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Fractal Generator or NKS Explorer 2022?
Fractal Generator ships an update every 3 months, and NKS Explorer 2022 every 9 days. Most recently, Fractal Generator was updated on November 2, 2026 and NKS Explorer 2022 on November 3, 2026.

Other comparisons