Procedural generation is the art of creating content algorithmically rather than by hand. Game developers use it to build infinite worlds; artists use it to create organic textures and landscapes that feel alive.
This guide covers the core techniques: noise functions, cellular automata, maze generation, terrain algorithms, and more. Each tutorial builds a complete, working example from scratch.
7 articles in this guide
A complete guide to procedural generation — the algorithms behind infinite game worlds, generative art, and adaptive content. Covers noise-based terrain, wave function collapse, cellular automata, BSP dungeons, L-systems, Poisson disc sampling, random walks, and marching squares. 8 working code examples.
A hands-on guide to Perlin noise and generative art — how to create flow fields, organic textures, terrain, clouds, and animated landscapes using JavaScript and Canvas. 8 working code examples you can run in your browser.
Learn to generate procedural noise textures programmatically with JavaScript and Canvas. 8 interactive examples: value noise, Perlin gradient noise, Worley cellular noise, simplex noise, FBM terrain, wood grain, marble veins, and seamless tileable noise.
Master terrain generation with JavaScript and Canvas. 8 working examples: basic heightmap, Perlin noise biomes, diamond-square algorithm, hydraulic erosion, thermal erosion, 3D perspective renderer, infinite scrolling terrain, and generative landscape art. A complete guide to procedural terrain algorithms.
Learn how cellular automata like Conway's Game of Life, Rule 30, and Langton's Ant create stunning emergent patterns from minimal rules. 8 interactive code examples using HTML Canvas.
Learn to build Conway's Game of Life from scratch with JavaScript and Canvas. 8 interactive examples: classic simulation, pattern library, speed-of-light spaceships, Gosper glider gun, Life-like automata, infinite zoom hashlife, interactive painter, and generative life art.
Learn to generate mazes algorithmically with JavaScript and Canvas. 8 interactive examples: recursive backtracker, Kruskal's algorithm, Prim's algorithm, Eller's row-by-row method, recursive division, growing tree, Wilson's uniform spanning tree, and animated maze solver with A* pathfinding.