What is a shader?

A shader is a computer program that performs graphics calculations—for example, vertex transformations or pixel coloring—and typically runs on a graphics processing unit (GPU) instead of the CPU.

How do I use shaders in Visual Studio?

You can use the graph-based Shader Designer in Visual Studio to design custom shader effects. You can use these shaders in your DirectX-based game or app. A shader is a computer program that performs graphics calculations—for example, vertex transformations or pixel coloring—and typically runs on a graphics processing unit (GPU) instead of the CPU.

What is a dgsl shader?

The Shader Designer saves shaders in the Directed Graph Shader Language (DGSL) format, which is an XML format that’s based on Directed Graph Markup Language (DGML). You can apply DGSL shaders directly to 3D models in the Model Editor.

How to create pixel shaders?

Now, shaders are typically created by using high-level, C-like languages like HLSL (High Level Shader Language). You can use the Shader Designer to create pixel shaders interactively instead of by entering and compiling code.