Packt

From Zero to Unity Shader Developer - Unity 6 Compatible

Packt

From Zero to Unity Shader Developer - Unity 6 Compatible

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.
Intermediate level

Recommended experience

1 week to complete
at 10 hours a week
Flexible schedule
Learn at your own pace
Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.
Intermediate level

Recommended experience

1 week to complete
at 10 hours a week
Flexible schedule
Learn at your own pace

What you'll learn

  • Master shader programming and create complex visual effects in Unity.

  • Learn how to implement and optimize lighting models for realistic rendering.

  • Gain hands-on experience with vertex and fragment shaders to manipulate geometry and color.

  • Understand and apply advanced techniques like ray marching and procedural noise for volumetric rendering.

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Recently updated!

February 2026

Assessments

10 assignments

Taught in English

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There are 9 modules in this course

In this module, we will introduce the course and outline the key shader techniques you’ll master. You will explore the Unity rendering pipeline and dive into writing your very first surface shader. This section sets the stage for the rest of the course by providing essential foundational knowledge.

What's included

4 videos1 reading

In this module, we will cover the essential building blocks of shaders, including variables, packed arrays, and the anatomy of a mesh. We’ll also explore how shader properties are defined to manage external inputs such as textures. This section provides you with the core knowledge required to write efficient and effective shaders.

What's included

3 videos1 assignment

In this module, we will explore how lighting models work in Unity, beginning with Lambert shading. You will learn how to use normal mapping to add depth to surfaces and study different illumination models to simulate realistic light interactions with surfaces. This section is crucial for mastering how light interacts with 3D models.

What's included

5 videos1 assignment

In this module, we will delve into the dot product and its importance in shader programming. You will use it to create stunning rim lighting effects and apply logical cutoffs to adjust the visibility of different parts of a model. This section builds upon your understanding of surface lighting and adds flexibility to your shaders.

What's included

3 videos1 assignment

In this module, we will explore multiple lighting models and how they impact the final appearance of your shaders. You’ll work with the Blinn-Phong model and Physically-Based Rendering (PBR) to create more advanced lighting effects. This section also introduces the process of writing your own custom lighting models.

What's included

6 videos1 assignment

In this module, we will focus on the alpha channel for transparency and blending techniques, enabling you to create complex visual effects like holograms. You’ll also learn to use stencil buffers for masking and crafting interactive, dynamic effects. This section enhances your ability to create realistic and visually captivating shaders.

What's included

7 videos1 assignment

In this module, we will introduce you to vertex and fragment shaders, explaining how each type of shader processes data. You will learn to handle materials and UV coordinates and implement lighting and shadow effects. This section is fundamental for gaining control over low-level shader programming.

What's included

5 videos1 assignment

In this module, we will dive into creating more advanced shader effects. You will learn to generate animated textures, create stunning outline effects, and simulate dynamic phenomena like glass and plasma. This section expands your creative possibilities by enabling the creation of stylized and highly dynamic visuals.

What's included

6 videos1 assignment

In this extensive module, we will explore volumetric rendering, starting with ray marching to create complex fog and cloud effects. You will learn how to implement and fine-tune cloud shading using value noise algorithms and create dynamic, camera-facing volumetric effects. This section is key to mastering atmospheric and environmental shader techniques.

What's included

15 videos3 assignments

Instructor

Packt - Course Instructors
Packt
1,471 Courses 392,127 learners

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