A mathematical formula or algorithm that constitutes or defines an efficient way of formulating computer graphics. Fractal graphics translate the natural curves of an object into mathematical formulas, from which the entire image can later be constructed. Fractals are self-similar in that any piece of the fractal design contains a miniature of the entire design. A fractal is completely described by (a) one piece (layer) of the design, and (b) a sublayer of the design, which sublayer shows how contiguous pieces (layers) fit together. For this reason, fractal patterns (designs) require very little computer storage space. An example of a fractal is a fern leaf design.