What is Koalas to the Max?
Koalas to the Max is a small, satisfying web toy. The page opens with one large coloured circle. Move your mouse over it and it splits into four smaller circles, each the average colour of that part of a hidden picture. Keep sweeping and the circles keep splitting until a sharp photo of a koala comes into focus.
It was made by Vadim Ogievetsky, one of the early contributors to the D3 data visualisation library, as a gift for Annie Albagli, and it is built with D3. Under the hood it breaks the image into a quadtree, which is why each circle always splits into exactly four. It has been a long-running favourite on r/InternetIsBeautiful and Hacker News, and you can paste your own image URL to make a version to share.
What You Can Do
- Hover or swipe to split circles into smaller ones
- A hidden koala photo that slowly comes into view
- Paste your own image URL to make a custom version
- Share your custom link with friends
- Works with a mouse or a touch screen
How to Play Koalas to the Max
- Open koalastothemax.com.
- Move your mouse or finger over the big circle.
- Keep sweeping across smaller circles to reveal more detail.
- Paste your own image URL at the bottom to make your own.
Is Koalas to the Max Free?
Koalas to the Max is completely free with no account, no ads and no purchases.
Who Will Enjoy It?
- Anyone who likes slow, satisfying reveals
- Developers curious about D3 and quadtrees
- Friends making surprise picture messages
- Kids who love koalas
Websites Like Koalas to the Max
- Zoomquilt: Another hypnotic visual you can lose a few minutes in.
- Pointer Pointer: A classic one-trick website with a fun reveal.
- Jackson Pollock by Miltos Manetas: Another simple, mouse-driven art toy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Koalas to the Max free?
Yes. It is free with no sign-up, no ads and nothing to buy.
Can I use my own picture?
Yes. Paste an image URL into the box at the bottom and press Enter to get a shareable link.
Who made Koalas to the Max?
Vadim Ogievetsky built it with the D3 library.