Convolution visualizer
See convolution as it actually works. Pick two signals f and g, then slide g across f and watch the overlap build up the convolution y(t) = ∫ f(τ)·g(t−τ) dτ.
Flip, slide, multiply, integrate
Convolution flips one signal, slides it by t, multiplies the overlap point by point, and integrates. The shaded area in the top plot is that product; its total area is the value of the convolution at the current shift, traced out in the bottom plot.
Frequently asked questions
- What is convolution?
- Convolution combines two signals into a third: y(t) = ∫ f(τ)·g(t−τ) dτ. Convolving an input with a system's impulse response gives the system's output, which is why it is central to signals and linear time-invariant systems.
- How does the flip-and-slide method work?
- One signal is flipped in time and slid across the other. At each shift you multiply the overlapping parts and integrate the product; that area is the value of the convolution at that shift. This tool animates the flip, slide, multiply, and integrate steps.
- What is convolution used for?
- It models filtering, echo and reverb, image blurring, moving averages, and the response of any linear time-invariant system to an arbitrary input signal.
- Is this convolution visualizer free?
- Yes, it is free and runs in your browser.