SHADER files exist as 3 different types. Please find information about each of them below.
Type 1: Godot Engine Shader File
General Information
| Title | Godot Engine Shader File |
| Extension | .shader |
| Full Form | Shader Language Script |
| File Type | Script File |
| Developer | Godot Engine Community |
| MIME Type | text/plain |
File Function
| Primary Function | Define graphics |
| Additional Functions | Control rendering, Visual effects |
| Features | Programmable, Real-time |
File Characteristics
| Quality | High flexibility |
| Supports Layers | N/A |
| Supports Transparency | Dependent on code |
| Editable | Yes |
Use Cases
| Game Development | Yes |
| Interactive Content | Yes |
| Visual Effects | Yes |
Security and Practices
| Security Risks | Low |
| Best Practices | Version control, Shader optimization |
Historical/Version Information
| Initial Release | 2014 |
| Latest Version | Godot 3.5 (2022) |
Associated Types
| Similar Extensions | .gd, .tres, .tscn, .escn |
Software Compatibility
| Software | Usage Policy | OS Compatibility |
|---|---|---|
 Godot Engine |
Free, Open-source | Windows, Mac, Linux |
Type 2: Quake 3 Engine Shader File
The SHADER file format defines shaders for textures and materials in the Quake 3 game engine. Shaders specify how surfaces are rendered. A shader is defined with the "shader" keyword followed by the...
General Information
| Title | SHADER File Extension |
| Extension | .shader |
| Full Form | Quake 3 Engine Shader File |
| File Type | Game File |
| Developer | id Software |
| MIME Type | text/plain |
File Function
| Primary Function | Define textures |
| Additional Functions | Control visual effects |
| Features | Scripting, Multiple stages |
File Characteristics
| Quality | Text-based |
| Supports Layers | Yes |
| Supports Transparency | Via shaders |
| Editable | Yes |
Use Cases
| Game Development | Yes |
| Modding | Yes |
| Graphic Design | In games |
Security and Practices
| Security Risks | Minimal |
| Best Practices | Validate syntax, Version control |
Historical/Version Information
| Initial Release | 1999 |
| Latest Engine Version | id Tech 3 |
Associated Types
| Similar Extensions | .map, .pk3, .bsp |
Software Compatibility
| Software | Usage Policy | OS Compatibility |
|---|---|---|
 GTKRadiant |
Free | Windows, Linux, Mac |
| Q3ASE |
Free | Windows |
| ShaderEd2 |
Free | Windows |
Type 3: Unity Shader Asset
A shader asset defines a shader object in Unity. It is a text file with .shader extension containing shader code. To create a shader asset, use Assets -> Create -> Shader. A Unity shader asset consi...
General Information
| Title | SHADER File Extension |
| Extension | .shader |
| Full Form | Unity Shader File |
| File Type | Development File |
| Developer | Unity Technologies |
| MIME Type | text/plain |
File Function
| Primary Function | Store graphics effects |
| Additional Functions | Define rendering, Manage lighting |
| Features | Customizable, GPU-executable |
File Characteristics
| Quality | Depends on content |
| Supports Layers | N/A |
| Supports Transparency | Yes |
| Editable | Yes |
Use Cases
| Game Development | Yes |
| 3D Applications | Yes |
| Visual Effects | Yes |
Security and Practices
| Security Risks | Low risk |
| Best Practices | Regular updates, Version control |
Historical/Version Information
| Initial Release | 2005 |
| Latest Version | Unity 2022.2 (2023) |
Associated Types
| Similar Extensions | .cginc, .hlsl, .glsl, .compute |
Software Compatibility
| Software | Usage Policy | OS Compatibility |
|---|---|---|
 Unity Engine |
Free, Paid versions | Windows, Mac, Linux |
 Visual Studio |
Free, Paid versions | Windows, Mac |
| Visual Studio Code |
Free | Windows, Mac, Linux |