ShaderLab: defining a Shader object

To define a Shader object in ShaderLab, use a Shader block. This page contains information on using Shader blocks.

For information on how a Shader object works, and the relationship between Shader objects, SubShaders and Passes, see Shader objects introduction.

Overview

A Shader object is a Unity-specific concept; it is a wrapper for shader programs and other information. It lets you define multiple shader programs in the same file, and tell Unity how to use them.

A Shader object has a nested structure; it organizes information into structures called SubShaders and Passes.

Render pipeline compatibility

Using the Shader block

Inside the Shader block, you can:

• Define material properties, using the Properties block. See ShaderLab: defining material properties.
• Define one or more SubShaders, using the SubShader block. See ShaderLab: defining a SubShader.
• Assign a custom editor, which determines how the shader asset appears in the Unity Editor. Optionally, you can assign different custom editors for different render pipelines. See ShaderLab: assigning custom editors.
• Assign a fallback Shader object, using the Fallback block. See ShaderLab: assigning a fallback.

Examples

This example code demonstrates the basic syntax and structure of a Shader object. The example Shader object has a single SubShader that contains a single pass. It defines Material properties, a CustomEditor, and a Fallback.

Shader "Examples/ShaderSyntax"
{
    CustomEditor = "ExampleCustomEditor"

    Properties
    {
        // Material property declarations go here
    }
    SubShader
    {
        // The code that defines the rest of the SubShader goes here

        Pass
        {
           // The code that defines the Pass goes here
        }
    }

    Fallback "ExampleFallbackShader"
}

For example custom shaders that are compatible with different render pipelines, see Example custom shaders