In this paper, a novel approach to feature extraction based on fractal theory is presented as a powerful technique in pattern recognition. This paper presents a new fractal feature that can be applied to extract the feature of two-dimensional objects. It is constructed by a hybrid feature extraction combining wavelet analysis, central projection transformation and fractal theory. New fractal feature and fractal signatures are reported. A multiresolution family of the wavelets is also used to compute information conserving micro-features. We employed a central projection method to reduce the dimensionality of the original input pattern. A wavelet transformation technique to transform the derived pattern into a set of sub-patterns. Its fractal dimension can readily be computed, and to use the fractal dimension as the feature vectors. Moreover, a modified fractal signature is also used to distinguish the distinct handwritten signatures. We expect that the proposed fractal method can also be used for improving the extraction and classification of features in pattern recognition. © 2002 Pattern Recognition Society. Published by Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.