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mausimus/ShaderGlass

Windows overlay that applies RetroArch-style GPU shaders such as CRT and upscaling filters on top of the desktop or individual app windows.

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What is it?

ShaderGlass runs GPU shaders over the Windows desktop, either in a floating transparent window or by cloning a specific window's output. It ships with a built-in library of more than 1200 RetroArch shaders, covering CRT monitor simulation, image upscaling, TV and VHS looks, and softening or sharpening effects.

The main use is retro gaming and pixel art. It is commonly used with emulators and retro platforms such as DOSBox, FS-UAE, Altirra, ScummVM, and VICE, as well as with Aseprite for previewing pixel art with shaders or corrected aspect ratios. It can also process other windows such as browser video or modern games, and can capture a USB source like a webcam or capture card. Output can be recorded by OBS through its Game Capture source.

The project is written in C++ with DirectX 11. It supports saving and loading profiles and importing external .slangp and .slang shaders. Under Linux, it works in Wine or Proton using PipeWire capture in clone mode.

Key features

  • 01Applies shaders to the desktop in a floating transparent window or to a cloned app window.
  • 02Includes a built-in library of over 1200 RetroArch shaders for CRT, upscaling, and filter effects.
  • 03Works with emulators and pixel art tools such as DOSBox, Altirra, and Aseprite.
  • 04Can capture USB sources like webcams and capture cards.
  • 05Supports saving and loading profiles and importing external .slang shaders.
  • 06Output can be captured by OBS using the Game Capture source.

Use cases

  • Adding CRT scanlines and curvature to retro games running in emulators.
  • Previewing pixel art with aspect-ratio correction and shader effects in Aseprite.
  • Applying visual filters to video streams or modern games for streaming or recording.
  • Running the overlay under Wine or Proton on Linux in clone mode.

Quick start

  1. 1

    Download the stable release zip for Windows x64

  2. 2

    Extract the zip and run ShaderGlass

Things to know

  • Windows only; Linux is supported only via Wine/Proton with clone-mode capture.
  • Requires Windows 10 version 2004 or later for full features and a DirectX 11-capable GPU.
  • Licensed under GPL-3.0, a copyleft license that applies to derivative works.

Topics

#shader#crt#retro-gaming#overlay#retroarch#directx#pixel-art#windows#crt-monitor#libretro

FAQ

What is ShaderGlass?
Windows overlay that applies RetroArch-style GPU shaders such as CRT and upscaling filters on top of the desktop or individual app windows. ShaderGlass runs GPU shaders over the Windows desktop, either in a floating transparent window or by cloning a specific window's output. It ships with a built-in library of more than 1200 RetroArch shaders, covering CRT monitor simulation, image upscaling, TV and VHS looks, and softening or sharpening effects.
Is ShaderGlass free to use? What license does it have?
ShaderGlass is open source under the GPL-3.0 license. Check the license terms before using it in commercial products.
Is ShaderGlass still maintained?
Actively maintained. The last commit to ShaderGlass was on Oct 18, 2026.
What can I use ShaderGlass for?
Adding CRT scanlines and curvature to retro games running in emulators. Previewing pixel art with aspect-ratio correction and shader effects in Aseprite. Applying visual filters to video streams or modern games for streaming or recording. Running the overlay under Wine or Proton on Linux in clone mode.
How do I install ShaderGlass?
Download the stable release zip for Windows x64 Extract the zip and run ShaderGlass
Where can I get ShaderGlass?
The source code and installation instructions are on GitHub: https://github.com/mausimus/ShaderGlass

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