DotMuster

DotMuster is a pattern specification and toolset for describing and rendering dot-based patterns across digital and physical media. It enables designers to create scalable dot motifs, control spacing, size, color, and distribution, and to reproduce patterns consistently across devices.

The design philosophy emphasizes modularity and tiling, supporting various pattern types: grid, hexagonal, random, and jittered distributions. It includes a compact data model that encodes pattern type, dot radius, spacing, density, rotation, color palette, and optional textures.

File formats and interoperability: DotMuster patterns can be serialized in JSON or YAML for software processing, or in a compact binary form for embedding in hardware devices; rendering engines convert the data into vector or raster outputs, including SVG, PNG, or printable formats for textiles, paper, or embroidery. It supports tiling across surfaces with edge-alignment rules.

Applications of DotMuster include graphic design, textile design, laser engraving, embossing, 3D printing textures, and generative art. It allows artists to simulate pointillism effects, halftone reproductions, or decorative motifs with scalable resolution.

History and development: the concept originated in digital art contexts during the 2010s and has been discussed as a flexible framework for dot-based motifs. It is maintained by an informal community of designers and developers, with ongoing contributions and refinements to the specification and tooling. See also pointillism, halftone, tessellation.