Switch mode

The mouse mode determines what happens when you click inside the fractal window. In Switch mode, a mouse click switches between related fractal types.

To enter Switch mode, click Switch Mode on the Fractal menu, or make sure the Switch Mode button on the toolbar is down.

Switching is typically used with Mandelbrot and Julia-like fractals. The Mandelbrot set is actually a map of Julia sets. Each point in the Mandelbrot set corresponds to a unique Julia set. The shape of this Julia set reminds of the immediate surroundings of the corresponding point in the Mandelbrot set.

If you enter Switch mode while looking at a Mandelbrot set and move the mouse cursor over the fractal window, the Fractal Mode tool window shows a preview of the corresponding Julia set. Click to open a new fractal window with this Julia set, so you can further explore it.

Notes

The Explore and Eyedropper features are similar to the switch feature, but they work with all parameters and are much more flexible.
Sometimes the preview remains static while you are moving the mouse cursor. In this case, the fractal is not a map of the fractal to switch to, for example when you are working with a Julia set. Just click anywhere to switch to the corresponding Mandelbrot set.
If the fractal has multiple layers, Ultra Fractal uses the active layer for switching.
The Mouse tab in the Options dialog contains several options for Switch mode, such as the option to open the Julia set in the same fractal window, to copy the coloring of the original fractal, and so on.
The fractal formula contains switch settings that control how Switch mode works. Refer to the compiler documentation if you want to add switching support to your own formulas.

Next: Opening and saving fractals