WaveFunctionCollapse

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Score6.7

Rank#7 of 27

Free planNo

Runs onLinux, macOS, Web, Windows

Summary

WaveFunctionCollapse is a free tool that generates bitmaps using local patterns from an input image. Its output is limited to NxN pixel patterns found in that image, with an option to add rotated and reflected pattern variations. The algorithm repeatedly chooses an unresolved region with the lowest Shannon entropy, assigns it a state, then propagates the resulting constraints. For tilemaps, the simple tiled model can use tiles and adjacency data instead of a sample bitmap; a symmetry system can reduce adjacency lists for symmetrical tilesets. Constraints allow the method to work alongside other generative algorithms or manual creation. Its README describes uses in game level generation and pixel art, and notes it is less suited to large full-color textures. Higher-dimensional models include voxel examples. A browser-based interactive version is linked, and adaptations are listed for Unity, Unreal Engine 5, Godot 4, and Houdini. It supports Linux, macOS, web, and Windows, with PNG and TXT export formats.

Who it is for

It suits people creating game levels, pixel art, or tilemaps from sample patterns. It may be less suitable for generating large full-color textures.

What is good

Free plan; MIT-licensed software.
Can generate tilemaps from tiles and adjacency data.
Optional rotations and reflections expand input patterns.
Adaptations listed for Unity, Unreal Engine 5, Godot 4, and Houdini.
PNG and TXT export formats.

What to know first

Generation can stop after reaching a contradiction.
Large full-color textures are a less suitable use.
Linux and macOS users are advised to download source from the repository.

Verdict

WaveFunctionCollapse offers pattern-based bitmap and tilemap generation, with controls for constraints and symmetry. Be aware that generation may fail on a contradiction, and the bundled release source has a stated limitation for Linux and macOS users.

Compared on game map generators

Free plan: Yesgithub.com
Generation method: proceduralgithub.com
Map dimension: bothgithub.com
Custom assets: Yesgithub.com
Seed control: Yesgithub.com
Engine export: Unity, Unreal Engine 5, Godot 4, Houdinigithub.com
Export formats: PNG, TXTgithub.com

Facts

Purpose: WaveFunctionCollapse generates bitmaps that are locally similar to an input bitmap.github.com · 30 Sept 2026
Pattern matching: The output is constrained to contain only NxN pixel patterns found in the input.github.com · 30 Sept 2026
Tilemap generation: The simple tiled model can be initialized with tiles and adjacency data instead of a sample bitmap.github.com · 30 Sept 2026
Symmetry: A tile symmetry system can shorten adjacency lists for tilesets with symmetrical tiles.github.com · 30 Sept 2026
Constraints: The algorithm supports constraints and can be combined with other generative algorithms or manual creation.github.com · 30 Sept 2026
Higher dimensions: The README describes WFC models in higher dimensions, including voxel examples.github.com · 30 Sept 2026
Integrations: The README lists adaptations for Unity, Unreal Engine 5, Godot 4, and Houdini.github.com · 30 Sept 2026
Platforms: The project can be built from source with .NET Core for Windows, Linux, or macOS, and the README links to a browser version.github.com · 30 Sept 2026
Limit: Generation can reach a contradiction and stop without producing output; determining whether a valid bitmap exists is described as NP-hard.github.com · 30 Sept 2026
License: The software is under the MIT License; the license states that the provided image samples and tiles are not part of the software.github.com · 30 Sept 2026
Release note: The v1.00 release page says Linux and macOS users should download source from the repository because the bundled release source uses a Windows-only System.Drawing library.github.com · 30 Sept 2026
Input augmentation: The algorithm can optionally augment pattern data with rotations and reflections.github.com · 30 Sept 2026
Possible failure: Generation can stop if propagation creates a contradiction, leaving no valid coefficients for a pixel.github.com · 30 Sept 2026
Intended uses: The README describes the method as well suited to game level generation and pixel art, and less suited to large full-color textures.github.com · 30 Sept 2026
Browser version: The README links to an interactive version that runs in a browser.github.com · 30 Sept 2026
Release limitation: The release page advises Linux and macOS users to download source from the repository because the bundled release source uses a Windows-only System.Drawing library.github.com · 30 Sept 2026
Maker: The repository license credits Maxim Gumin with copyright in 2016.github.com · 30 Sept 2026
Maker location: Maxim Gumin’s GitHub profile lists Helsinki.github.com · 30 Sept 2026