Effects — Distort
Kaleidoscope effect
Fold your photo into a repeating kaleidoscope pattern with adjustable segments and rotation.
- Status
- Live
- Category
- Distort
- Settings
- 2
What is the Kaleidoscope effect?
A kaleidoscope uses angled mirrors to repeat a small piece of imagery into a symmetrical pattern. The Scottish scientist David Brewster invented the optical toy in 1816.
This effect repeats a wedge of your photo around the centre. More segments give a finer, more complex pattern, and Rotation turns the pattern, which changes what part of the photo appears in each segment.
Kaleidoscope settings
- Segments
- Rotation
Best photos for it
- Colourful photos, flowers and textures
- Abstract backgrounds
- Posters and wallpapers
Tips for better results
- Tip 01
Photos with bold colours work best.
- Tip 02
Try a small number of segments for bold shapes and a larger number for intricate patterns.
- Tip 03
Rotate to find the most interesting part of the image.
Common questions
How many segments should I use?
Start with a small number for bold shapes, then increase it for finer, more intricate patterns.
Similar effects
- MirrorMirror your photo left to right, right to left, top to bottom or in four quadrants for symmetrical designs.Available
- SwirlTwist the centre of your photo into a spiral with adjustable angle and radius.Available
- WaveRipple your photo into smooth waves in any direction. Control direction, amplitude and wavelength.Available
Also searched as: Kaleidoscope filter, Symmetry pattern, Mandala effect.