---
title: "Get Started with Shader Graph"
content_type: course
url: "https://learn.unity.com/course/get-started-with-shader-graph?language=en"
language: en
difficulty: intermediate
duration_minutes: 330
unity_version:
  - "6.3"
supported_unity_versions:
  - name: "6.3"
    url: "https://learn.unity.com/course/get-started-with-shader-graph.md?language=en&version=6.3"
last_updated: "2026-08-04T14:20:50.000Z"
---

# Get Started with Shader Graph

_Learn the fundamentals of Shader Graph by creating a variety of real-time visual effects in Unity._

In this course, you’ll explore the fundamentals of Shader Graph by creating a range of real-time visual effects in Unity. You’ll work with core concepts such as nodes, data types, and material properties, while learning how to build dynamic and interactive shaders.

By the end of the course, you’ll be comfortable navigating the Shader Graph window and will have created over 8 shaders that introduce fundamental techniques. You’ll also be able to showcase these skills into a final portfolio piece using interchangeable assets to display your results.

## For educators

Useful resources for educators, who want to bring Unity content to their students.

## Contents

### [Introduction](https://learn.unity.com/course/get-started-with-shader-graph/unit/unit-1-introduction?language=en&version=6.3)

This unit provides the foundational knowledge you need to begin creating shaders in Unity. It also prepares you with the theoretical background and practical workspace setup required for the next units.

By the end of this unit, you’ll be able to do the following:

- Understand what shaders are and how they control object appearance
- Import course assets to your Unity project
- Navigate the Shader Graph window

- [Course introduction ](https://learn.unity.com/course/get-started-with-shader-graph/unit/unit-1-introduction/tutorial/course-introduction-shadergraph?language=en&version=6.3) ([md](https://learn.unity.com/course/get-started-with-shader-graph/unit/unit-1-introduction/tutorial/course-introduction-shadergraph.md?language=en&version=6.3))
- [Course project set up](https://learn.unity.com/course/get-started-with-shader-graph/unit/unit-1-introduction/tutorial/course-project-set-up?language=en&version=6.3) ([md](https://learn.unity.com/course/get-started-with-shader-graph/unit/unit-1-introduction/tutorial/course-project-set-up.md?language=en&version=6.3))
- [Understanding Shader Graph](https://learn.unity.com/course/get-started-with-shader-graph/unit/unit-1-introduction/tutorial/understanding-shader-graph?language=en&version=6.3) ([md](https://learn.unity.com/course/get-started-with-shader-graph/unit/unit-1-introduction/tutorial/understanding-shader-graph.md?language=en&version=6.3))

### [Highlight and X-ray shaders](https://learn.unity.com/course/get-started-with-shader-graph/unit/unit-2-highlight-and-x-ray-shaders?language=en&version=6.3)

This unit introduces you to Fragment shader creation. These tutorials teach fundamental shader concepts that form the building blocks for more complex effects in later units.

By the end of this unit, you’ll be able to do the following:

- Understand how the Fresnel effect node can create an edge glow
- Use Sample Texture 2D nodes to apply textures to surfaces
- Create adjustable parameters using Float, Color, and Texture2D properties
- Make surfaces glow by adding color unaffected by lighting
- Configure Graph Inspector settings for see-through effects
- Use Branch and Is Front Face nodes for different visual outputs

- [Create a Highlight shader](https://learn.unity.com/course/get-started-with-shader-graph/unit/unit-2-highlight-and-x-ray-shaders/tutorial/create-a-highlight-shader?language=en&version=6.3) ([md](https://learn.unity.com/course/get-started-with-shader-graph/unit/unit-2-highlight-and-x-ray-shaders/tutorial/create-a-highlight-shader.md?language=en&version=6.3))
- [Create an X-ray shader](https://learn.unity.com/course/get-started-with-shader-graph/unit/unit-2-highlight-and-x-ray-shaders/tutorial/create-an-x-ray-shader?language=en&version=6.3) ([md](https://learn.unity.com/course/get-started-with-shader-graph/unit/unit-2-highlight-and-x-ray-shaders/tutorial/create-an-x-ray-shader.md?language=en&version=6.3))

### [Hologram and Vertex Displacement shaders](https://learn.unity.com/course/get-started-with-shader-graph/unit/hologram-and-vertex-displacement-shaders?language=en&version=6.3)

This unit advances your shader skills by introducing animated effects and vertex manipulation. You'll create holographic displays with moving scan lines and flickering, then expand into vertex shaders that deform geometry.

By the end of this unit, you’ll be able to do the following:

- Use pre-made noise textures for complex patterns
- Use the Time node to create continuously moving effects
- Control texture tiling and offset for animated patterns
- Modify geometry by manipulating vertex positions

- [Create a Hologram shader](https://learn.unity.com/course/get-started-with-shader-graph/unit/hologram-and-vertex-displacement-shaders/tutorial/create-a-hologram-shader?language=en&version=6.3) ([md](https://learn.unity.com/course/get-started-with-shader-graph/unit/hologram-and-vertex-displacement-shaders/tutorial/create-a-hologram-shader.md?language=en&version=6.3))
- [Create a Hologram shader with Vertex Displacement](https://learn.unity.com/course/get-started-with-shader-graph/unit/hologram-and-vertex-displacement-shaders/tutorial/create-a-hologram-shader-with-vertex-displacement?language=en&version=6.3) ([md](https://learn.unity.com/course/get-started-with-shader-graph/unit/hologram-and-vertex-displacement-shaders/tutorial/create-a-hologram-shader-with-vertex-displacement.md?language=en&version=6.3))

### [Pixel and Dithering shaders](https://learn.unity.com/course/get-started-with-shader-graph/unit/unit-4-pixel-and-dithering-shaders?language=en&version=6.3)

This unit explores retro-styled visual effects and introduces fullscreen post-processing shaders, you’ll learn how to integrate shaders into Unity's rendering pipeline using Renderer Features. It also teaches an alternative approach to creating full-screen effects using Render Textures.

By the end of this unit, you’ll be able to do the following:

- Use UV coordinate manipulation to create pixelation.
- Implement Floor and Divide nodes for blocky sampling.
- Learn how to use Render Textures as an alternative approach to create full-screen effects.
- Create post-processing effects that affect the entire scene.
- Use Bayer Matrix patterns for dithering and retro aesthetics.
- Work with HSV for brightness-based effects.

- [Create a Pixel shader](https://learn.unity.com/course/get-started-with-shader-graph/unit/unit-4-pixel-and-dithering-shaders/tutorial/create-a-pixel-shader?language=en&version=6.3) ([md](https://learn.unity.com/course/get-started-with-shader-graph/unit/unit-4-pixel-and-dithering-shaders/tutorial/create-a-pixel-shader.md?language=en&version=6.3))
- [Create a Fullscreen Pixel effect (optional)](https://learn.unity.com/course/get-started-with-shader-graph/unit/unit-4-pixel-and-dithering-shaders/tutorial/create-a-fullscreen-pixel-effect?language=en&version=6.3) ([md](https://learn.unity.com/course/get-started-with-shader-graph/unit/unit-4-pixel-and-dithering-shaders/tutorial/create-a-fullscreen-pixel-effect.md?language=en&version=6.3))
- [Create a full-screen Dithering shader](https://learn.unity.com/course/get-started-with-shader-graph/unit/unit-4-pixel-and-dithering-shaders/tutorial/create-a-full-screen-dithering-shader?language=en&version=6.3) ([md](https://learn.unity.com/course/get-started-with-shader-graph/unit/unit-4-pixel-and-dithering-shaders/tutorial/create-a-full-screen-dithering-shader.md?language=en&version=6.3))
- [Create a full-screen Dithering shader with color](https://learn.unity.com/course/get-started-with-shader-graph/unit/unit-4-pixel-and-dithering-shaders/tutorial/create-a-full-screen-dithering-shader-with-color?language=en&version=6.3) ([md](https://learn.unity.com/course/get-started-with-shader-graph/unit/unit-4-pixel-and-dithering-shaders/tutorial/create-a-full-screen-dithering-shader-with-color.md?language=en&version=6.3))

### [Three types of Liquid shaders](https://learn.unity.com/course/get-started-with-shader-graph/unit/unit-5-three-types-of-liquid-shaders?language=en&version=6.3)

This unit teaches you how to create dynamic liquid shaders and introduces shader-script interaction. It also demonstrates how shaders can integrate with Unity's broader systems to create gameplay-responsive effects.

By the end of this unit, you’ll be able to do the following:

- Calculate fill height based on object position.
- Create sharp boundaries for liquid surfaces using Alpha Clipping.
- Display different colors on inside/outside faces.
- Generate wave patterns using Sine functions.
- Create moving animations by blending position and time.
- Control shader properties dynamically from C# code.

- [Create a simple liquid shader](https://learn.unity.com/course/get-started-with-shader-graph/unit/unit-5-three-types-of-liquid-shaders/tutorial/create-a-simple-liquid-shader?language=en&version=6.3) ([md](https://learn.unity.com/course/get-started-with-shader-graph/unit/unit-5-three-types-of-liquid-shaders/tutorial/create-a-simple-liquid-shader.md?language=en&version=6.3))
- [Create a Liquid shader with Wave Animation](https://learn.unity.com/course/get-started-with-shader-graph/unit/unit-5-three-types-of-liquid-shaders/tutorial/create-a-liquid-shader-with-wave-animation?language=en&version=6.3) ([md](https://learn.unity.com/course/get-started-with-shader-graph/unit/unit-5-three-types-of-liquid-shaders/tutorial/create-a-liquid-shader-with-wave-animation.md?language=en&version=6.3))
- [Create a Physics-Driven Liquid Shader](https://learn.unity.com/course/get-started-with-shader-graph/unit/unit-5-three-types-of-liquid-shaders/tutorial/create-a-physics-driven-liquid-shader?language=en&version=6.3) ([md](https://learn.unity.com/course/get-started-with-shader-graph/unit/unit-5-three-types-of-liquid-shaders/tutorial/create-a-physics-driven-liquid-shader.md?language=en&version=6.3))

### [Next steps](https://learn.unity.com/course/get-started-with-shader-graph/unit/unit-6-next-steps?language=en&version=6.3)

This unit is designed to serve as a reference for your future work. It includes tables summarizing the nodes, properties, and graph settings used throughout the course, along with links to useful documentation to support your ongoing learning journey.

- [Resources and next steps](https://learn.unity.com/course/get-started-with-shader-graph/unit/unit-6-next-steps/tutorial/resources-and-next-steps?language=en&version=6.3) ([md](https://learn.unity.com/course/get-started-with-shader-graph/unit/unit-6-next-steps/tutorial/resources-and-next-steps.md?language=en&version=6.3))