ShaderMaterial
Create custom visual effects using shader code for materials and sprites.
Visuals
No shortcutAdvanced7 min readQuick Reference
ShaderMaterial
Godot EngineKeyboard Shortcut
N/A
Where to Find
Inspector panel — Material > New ShaderMaterial
Best Used For
- ▸Write custom shaders for outlines and glows
- ▸Create dissolve, water, and distortion effects
- ▸Expose shader parameters for artist control
Advanced⏱ 1–2 hours to master
Key Settings
Create:Write code:Uniforms:
ShaderMaterial lets you write custom shader programs for outlines, glows, dissolve transitions, and procedural textures.
Where to Find It
Create in Inspector on any CanvasItem. Click Material > New ShaderMaterial.
How to Use
- Create: Material > New ShaderMaterial > Shader > New Shader.
- Write code: Use
shader_type canvas_item;for 2D. - Uniforms: Declare uniforms to expose parameters in Inspector.
Pro Tips
- Start with simple effects like color modulation.
- Use uniforms for reusable, configurable shaders.