External shaders: Difference between revisions

From PCSX2 Wiki
Jump to navigation Jump to search
(Ngng: Added SweetFX, Is it ok to do it?)
 
(6 intermediate revisions by one other user not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
A shader is a piece of software that is used to do certain modifications of the GSdx graphic output. For instance: the production of appropriate levels of color, or, to produce post-processing effects.
A shader is a piece of software that is used to do certain modifications of the GSdx graphic output. For instance, the production of appropriate levels of color or for post-processing effects.
=Introduction=
=Introduction=
Since [http://forums.pcsx2.net/Thread-Custom-Shaders-for-GSdx?pid=343285#pid343285 January 2014], GSdx supports the use of an external file (shader.fx) to be used as an external shader, '''separating it''' from the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fast_approximate_anti-aliasing FXAA] shader. This feature is only available for Windows users with graphics cards supporting Dx10 or higher, but people with Dx9 only card can still use the internal [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fast_approximate_anti-aliasing FXAA] method.
Since [http://forums.pcsx2.net/Thread-Custom-Shaders-for-GSdx?pid=343285#pid343285 January 2014], GSdx supports the use of an external file (''shader.fx'') as additionally loaded shader program, ''alongside'' with the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fast_approximate_anti-aliasing FXAA] shader. This feature is only available for Windows users with graphics cards supporting Dx10 or higher.


=Installation and usage=
=Installation and usage=
Make sure you have GSdx version 0.1.16 or higher.
Make sure you have GSdx version 0.1.16 or higher.


'''1)''' Download your shader of choice (see list of shaders bellow).
# Download your shader of choice (see list of shaders bellow).
# Extract the ''*.fx'' file inside your ''PCSX2'' directory '''(where the main executable file is located)'''. Note that from PCSX2 version ''1.3.0'' the shader should be placed in a special ''shaders'' folder instead of the root folder.
# Rename the extracted file to ''shader.fx'' (remember to back up the existing ''shader.fx'' file in case you will want to restored it later).
# Enable the external shader in GSdx using one of the three methods below:
## Enable the Use FX Shader checkbox in the GSdx settings.
## Press ''Home'' while in game.
## Add '''shaderfx=1''' line to ''GSdx.ini''.


'''2)''' Extract the ''*.fx'' file inside your ''PCSX2'' directory, '''where the main executables are placed'''.
{{Tip| On ''low end'' systems the combined use of '''Fx Shader''' and '''FXAA''' and/or a high custom resolution can hinder rendering speed.
Try to fiddle with settings until you find the one that better suits your need for a particular game.}}
<br />


'''3)''' Rename it ''to shader.fx'' (remember to back up the existing ''shader.fx'' file to be restored if needed).
=Shaders download links=
*You can find a number of shader.fx files created by the community in [http://forums.pcsx2.net/Thread-Custom-Shaders-for-GSdx this] forum post.
*KrossX [http://www.mediafire.com/krossx shaders] can be downloaded here.


'''4''') Enable the shader, they're 3 ways to do so:
*On the GSdx settings, enable the Use FX Shader checkbox.
*In game, pressing the ''Home'' key.
*Set ''shaderfx=1'' on ''GSdx.ini''.


{{Tip| On ''low end'' systems, the combined use of '''Fx Shader''' and '''FXAA''' or a high custom resolution can cause a performance loss.
=GSdx FX by Asmodean=
Try with settings until you find the one that better suits your need for a particular game.}}
This is a collection of shaders included in ''GSdx.fx'' file. It's also associated with a configuration file ''GSdx_FX_Settings.ini'' that can be modified by the user. The collection is supplied by default with PCSX2 starting with version ''1.3.0'' (see the most recent [http://pcsx2.net/download/development/git.html development builds]).


On future versions '''(and current development builds)''' the external shader is installed on a ''shaders'' folder. Also, the PCSX2Fx Shader is included by default.
More information and downloads can be found [http://forums.pcsx2.net/Thread-Custom-Shaders-for-GSdx?pid=288516#pid288516 here]
 
=List of shaders=
*You can find a list of shader.fx files created by the community on [http://forums.pcsx2.net/Thread-Custom-Shaders-for-GSdx this] forum post.
*KrossX [http://www.mediafire.com/krossx shaders].
 
=PCSX2Fx by Asmodean=
This is a suite of shaders included on a single ''shader.fx'' file. It's also associated with a configuration file that can be modified by the user. It's included by default on the most recent [http://pcsx2.net/download/development/git.html development builds].
<br /> The files ''shader.fx'' (the shader itself) and ''GSdx_FX_Settings.ini'' (the shader configuration file) have to be placed on the PCSX2 directory, where the main executables are.
<br /> More information and download can be found [http://forums.pcsx2.net/Thread-Custom-Shaders-for-GSdx?pid=288516#pid288516 here]


Current effects include:
Current effects include:
*HQ FXAA
*HQ FXAA
<br />
----
*Bilinear Texture Filtering
*Bilinear Texture Filtering
*Bicubic Texture Filtering
*Bicubic Texture Filtering
Line 39: Line 36:
*Bicubic Scaling
*Bicubic Scaling
*Lanzcos Scaling
*Lanzcos Scaling
<br />
----
*Blended Bloom
*Blended Bloom
*Scene Tonemapping
*Scene Tonemapping
Line 48: Line 45:
*Colour Grading
*Colour Grading
*PX Cel Shading
*PX Cel Shading
<br />
----
*Scanline Emulation
*Scanline Emulation
*Vignette
*Vignette
*Subpixel Dithering
*Subpixel Dithering
*Px Border (MSAA Workaround)
*Px Border (MSAA Workaround)
<br />
You can enable, or disable each effect, from inside the shader settings file. Everything is customizable. Settings are clearly sectioned, and labeled. Use the documentation comments inside the configuration file for instructions on each option.


The default setup is enhancement settings (compliment/enhance the original game's image, without changing it's overall tone & feel) and pretty neutral, so people who don't want to play with the settings can just turn it on and use it.  
'''Asmodean''': "You can enable, or disable each effect, from inside the shader settings file. Everything is customizable. Settings are clearly sectioned, and labeled. Use the documentation comments inside the configuration file for instructions on each option. The default setup is enhancement settings (compliment/enhance the original game's image, without changing it's overall tone & feel) and pretty neutral, so people who don't want to play with the settings can just turn it on and use it."
 
{{Tip|To get the most out of PCSX2Fx, customize and combine the many effect settings for yourself.}}


{{Tip|To get the most out of GSdx FX, try experiment by customizing settings and combining some effects together.}}
<br />


=SweetFX=
=SweetFX=
GDdx on Direct3D 11 mode is compatible with [http://www.guru3d.com/files-details/sweetfx-shader-suite-download.html SweetFX] post-processing effects suite.
GDdx (in Direct3D 11 mode) is compatible with [http://www.guru3d.com/files-details/sweetfx-shader-suite-download.html SweetFX] post-processing effects suite.<br />
<br />Use [http://sweetfx.thelazy.net/ SweetFX Configurator] to install and configure it. Simply add PCSX2 to its GUI and click on ''Add SweetFX'', the configurator is going to copy the required files automatically, you can remove it by clicking on the ''Remove SweetFX'' option at any time.
Use [http://sweetfx.thelazy.net/ SweetFX Configurator] to install and configure it. Simply add PCSX2 to its GUI and click on ''Add SweetFX'', the configurator is going to copy the required files automatically, you can remove them by clicking on the ''Remove SweetFX'' option at any time.




Line 69: Line 64:
* ''PrtScrn'': Take a screenshot.
* ''PrtScrn'': Take a screenshot.
* ''Scroll Lock'': Toggle SweetFX '''ON''' and '''OFF'''.
* ''Scroll Lock'': Toggle SweetFX '''ON''' and '''OFF'''.
* ''Pause'': Reload the SweetFX settings filename (useful to change the the effects on the configurator and see the results instantly).
* ''Pause'': Reload the SweetFX settings file (useful to change the the effects on the configurator and see the results while in game).
 


{{General articles}}
{{General articles}}

Latest revision as of 17:35, 7 May 2015

A shader is a piece of software that is used to do certain modifications of the GSdx graphic output. For instance, the production of appropriate levels of color or for post-processing effects.

Introduction

Since January 2014, GSdx supports the use of an external file (shader.fx) as additionally loaded shader program, alongside with the FXAA shader. This feature is only available for Windows users with graphics cards supporting Dx10 or higher.

Installation and usage

Make sure you have GSdx version 0.1.16 or higher.

  1. Download your shader of choice (see list of shaders bellow).
  2. Extract the *.fx file inside your PCSX2 directory (where the main executable file is located). Note that from PCSX2 version 1.3.0 the shader should be placed in a special shaders folder instead of the root folder.
  3. Rename the extracted file to shader.fx (remember to back up the existing shader.fx file in case you will want to restored it later).
  4. Enable the external shader in GSdx using one of the three methods below:
    1. Enable the Use FX Shader checkbox in the GSdx settings.
    2. Press Home while in game.
    3. Add shaderfx=1 line to GSdx.ini.
Tip:
On low end systems the combined use of Fx Shader and FXAA and/or a high custom resolution can hinder rendering speed. Try to fiddle with settings until you find the one that better suits your need for a particular game.


Shaders download links

  • You can find a number of shader.fx files created by the community in this forum post.
  • KrossX shaders can be downloaded here.


GSdx FX by Asmodean

This is a collection of shaders included in GSdx.fx file. It's also associated with a configuration file GSdx_FX_Settings.ini that can be modified by the user. The collection is supplied by default with PCSX2 starting with version 1.3.0 (see the most recent development builds).

More information and downloads can be found here

Current effects include:

  • HQ FXAA

  • Bilinear Texture Filtering
  • Bicubic Texture Filtering
  • Gaussian Texture Filtering
  • Bicubic Scaling
  • Lanzcos Scaling

  • Blended Bloom
  • Scene Tonemapping
  • Gamma Correction
  • Texture Unsharp Mask
  • Pixel Vibrance
  • Local Contrast Enhancement
  • Colour Grading
  • PX Cel Shading

  • Scanline Emulation
  • Vignette
  • Subpixel Dithering
  • Px Border (MSAA Workaround)

Asmodean: "You can enable, or disable each effect, from inside the shader settings file. Everything is customizable. Settings are clearly sectioned, and labeled. Use the documentation comments inside the configuration file for instructions on each option. The default setup is enhancement settings (compliment/enhance the original game's image, without changing it's overall tone & feel) and pretty neutral, so people who don't want to play with the settings can just turn it on and use it."

Tip:
To get the most out of GSdx FX, try experiment by customizing settings and combining some effects together.


SweetFX

GDdx (in Direct3D 11 mode) is compatible with SweetFX post-processing effects suite.
Use SweetFX Configurator to install and configure it. Simply add PCSX2 to its GUI and click on Add SweetFX, the configurator is going to copy the required files automatically, you can remove them by clicking on the Remove SweetFX option at any time.


SweetFX Ingame hotkeys:

  • PrtScrn: Take a screenshot.
  • Scroll Lock: Toggle SweetFX ON and OFF.
  • Pause: Reload the SweetFX settings file (useful to change the the effects on the configurator and see the results while in game).