Question 1

What is Isogrid?

Accepted Answer

Isogrid is a free browser-based studio for designing isometric cube motifs and generating tiled compositions. Paint triangles on a 1 to 7 subdivision grid, save motifs to a library, then generate patterns using random scatter, periodic repeat, block tiling, or Wang-tile tessellation. Export PNG for social or SVG for pen plotters.

Question 2

What are Wang tiles and why use them?

Accepted Answer

Wang tiles are square tiles with colored edges that must match neighboring tiles. Isogrid uses a Wave Function Collapse solver to place motifs so their edges align seamlessly, creating continuous patterns across the grid instead of a patchwork of mismatched tiles.

Question 3

What is plotter mode?

Accepted Answer

Plotter mode renders your composition as outline paths with hatch fills instead of solid fills, optimized for pen plotters like the AxiDraw. Export as SVG and feed through vpype or Inkscape to get plotter-ready paths. Screen mode renders solid fills for digital display and social sharing.

Question 4

How do I design a motif?

Accepted Answer

Open the Editor tab. Pick a subdivision level (N=1 to N=7). Click triangles on any of the three cube faces to paint with the selected color. Use symmetry helpers to mirror strokes across axes. Save your motif to the Library, then select it for composition on the Canvas tab.

Question 5

Can I share motif libraries with others?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Use the Export JSON button on the Library tab to download your motifs as a JSON file. Recipients can use Import JSON to load them. Everything is client-side with no accounts and no servers.

Question 6

Why does my Wang tiling sometimes fail?

Accepted Answer

Wang tiling requires motifs whose edges match compatible edges on neighbors. If your selected motifs have no compatible edge pairs, the solver cannot find a valid tiling. Isogrid automatically falls back to constrained random placement in this case. Add more motifs with matching edges to improve tiling success.

Question 7

What is Surprise Me?

Accepted Answer

Surprise Me in the Editor generates a random motif using the current palette and a random density. Use it to discover motifs you would not have designed deliberately, then edit or save them.

Question 8

Is Isogrid free and private?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Isogrid is free with no accounts, no login, and no tracking beyond basic analytics. All motif data stays in your browser via local storage. Nothing leaves your device unless you export a file.

Isogrid: Isometric Motif Studio & Generative Pattern Maker