Godot Shaders (4.x)

Write canvas_item (2D) and spatial (3D) shaders in the Godot Shading Language, animate with TIME/UV, expose uniforms, and read the screen. Targets Godot 4.3+.

When to use

• Use when writing .gdshader code or a ShaderMaterial: 2D effects (outline, dissolve, flash, water), 3D surface shaders (rim light, toon, scrolling UV), or screen-space post effects.

When not to use: the cross-engine concepts of shading (UVs, vertex/fragment theory) → shader-programming; particles/VFX nodes → general 3D; non-shader visuals.

Core workflow