ShaderGraph: Add

1. ShaderGraph: Add

This tutorial has been verified using Unity 2019 LTS and Shader Graph 7.3.1.

Within the Shader Graph, there is an Add node that allows you to define a math node that adds two inputs together. You’ll find yourself using this node often as you start to build your own custom Shaders.

2. Creating the ShaderGraph

To begin, let's create a Shader to use as an example.

1. Right-click in your project and select Create > Shader > PBR Graph.

2. Name the new Shader “SampleGraph.”

3. Double click ShaderGraph to open the Shader Graph Editor.

4. In the new window that opens, right-click and select Create Node.

5. Type in “Add” and click the result that matches.

You will now have an Add node sitting in your graph (Figure 01).

Figure 01: Add node

This node is known as an operation node because it takes in several inputs and does a calculation resulting in a single output. This node in particular takes two inputs, adds them together and returns the sum.

Inputs:

• A: First input value

• B: Second input value

Outputs:

• Out: The output of the sum of the two inputs.

Let’s make use of this Add node by adding two colors together to get a different color.

1. Create two Color nodes.

2. Change one of the Color nodes to green and the other to blue.

3. Drag the green Out pin to the A input of the Add node.

4. Drag the blue Out pin to the B input of the Add node.

5. The resulting color should be a cyan/teal. Drag the Add node’s Out pin and plug it into the Albedo of the PBR Master node.

Figure 02: Connecting the Add node to the PBR Master Node

This will connect our work to the final node of the Shader Graph to be rendered out. The PBR Master node comes with a small preview at the bottom to show you the final result of the Shader.

3. Finishing the SampleGraph

To show your Shader, save your Asset:

1. In the top-left corner of your PBRGraph, click the Save Asset button (Figure 03).

Figure 03: Shader Graph Toolbar

2. Create a new Material in your Project window by right-clicking to select
Create > Material.

3. In the Inspector window, select the Shader dropdown and find the Shader you created. (Figure 04).

Figure 04: Material Shader Selection

4. Apply the Material to an object in your Scene (Figure 05).

Figure 05: New Shader applied to an object in the Scene

4. Conclusion

The Add node can do more than just add two colors together. It’s possible to create a combination of effects as you begin diving into the development of your own Shader. Now that you understand the basics of what this node does, try adding Gradients, Transparency Masks, or Panning Textures with a Color overlay.