Gabor Patch Explorer
Adjust the sliders to see how each parameter changes the Gabor patch in real-time. Understand the mathematical building blocks that neuroscientists use to study and train your visual cortex.
The patch updates instantly as you move the sliders →
Live Formula
The angle of the stripes. V1 neurons are tuned to specific orientations — rotating the patch stimulates different orientation columns in your visual cortex.
The number of light-dark cycles across the patch (wavelength λ = size/frequency). Higher values = finer detail, which is what you need for reading. Lower values = coarser patterns.
The intensity difference between the lightest and darkest parts. In training tasks, contrast is gradually reduced so the pattern gets harder to see.
Shifts the stripe pattern left or right within the envelope. At 0° the center is a bright peak; at 180° it's a dark trough. This changes which part of the cycle sits at the center.
The "spread" of the Gaussian envelope that fades the edges. Smaller σ = tighter, more localized patch. Larger σ = wider, more visible stripes. This controls how many cycles are visible.
The overall diameter of the Gabor patch in pixels.
From understanding to training
Now that you understand how Gabor patches work, try our interactive training exercises or download the Visionary app for a guided daily plan.
Understanding Gabor Patch Parameters
Why These Parameters Matter
Each parameter of a Gabor patch corresponds to a specific property that V1 neurons are tuned to. By varying these parameters systematically, neuroscientists can probe exactly how your visual cortex processes information. That's why Gabor patches are a standard research tool.
Orientation → Orientation Columns
V1 neurons are organized into "orientation columns" — groups of neurons that all respond to the same angle. Rotating the Gabor patch activates different columns.
Spatial Frequency → Frequency Channels
Your visual system processes images through multiple frequency "channels." High frequencies encode fine detail (text, edges), while low frequencies encode broad shapes. Sensitivity to high frequencies tends to decline with age.
Contrast → Sensitivity Threshold
Contrast sensitivity is arguably more important than visual acuity for real-world vision. Lower-contrast patterns are harder to detect, which is why contrast is one of the main settings in training tasks.
Phase & Sigma → Receptive Field Matching
Phase determines which part of the wave sits at the center, mimicking different receptive field phases of V1 "simple cells." Sigma controls how tightly localized the stimulus is — matching the spatial extent of individual neuronal receptive fields.