How do I pass data from a vertex shader to a fragment shader?

Data is passed using 'varyings'. You declare the variable in both shaders; the vertex shader assigns a value to it, and the fragment shader receives an interpolated version of that value based on the pixel's position.

How do I update shader uniforms in an animation loop?

Access the material's uniforms object and update the 'value' property. For example: material.uniforms.uTime.value = clock.getElapsedTime(). Three.js handles the upload to the GPU on the next render call.

Can I use custom shaders with Three.js built-in lighting?

The easiest way is to use the onBeforeCompile hook. This allows you to inject custom GLSL code into existing materials like MeshStandardMaterial while keeping the complex built-in lighting and shadow logic intact.

When should I use RawShaderMaterial instead of ShaderMaterial?

Use RawShaderMaterial when you need absolute control and want to define all attributes and uniforms yourself. Use ShaderMaterial when you want Three.js to automatically provide built-in variables like projectionMatrix, modelViewMatrix, and attributes like position or uv.

Three.js Shaders & GLSL Expert

Name: Three.js Shaders & GLSL Expert
Author: lingxling

bylingxling

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Game Development

Develop high-performance visual effects using GLSL, ShaderMaterial patterns, and advanced vertex/fragment modifications in Three.js.

This skill provides specialized guidance for creating sophisticated 3D graphics and custom materials within the Three.js ecosystem. It covers the full spectrum of shader development, from basic uniform management and varying declarations to complex visual patterns like Fresnel effects, noise-based vertex displacement, and dissolve animations. By providing standardized implementation patterns for both ShaderMaterial and RawShaderMaterial, along with techniques for extending built-in materials via onBeforeCompile, this skill enables developers to move beyond standard presets and build truly unique, GPU-accelerated web experiences.

Key Features

0161 GitHub stars

02Standardized boilerplate for ShaderMaterial and RawShaderMaterial implementations

03Comprehensive mapping of Three.js uniform types to GLSL declarations

04Guidance on extending built-in materials using onBeforeCompile and shader chunks

05Quick-reference for GLSL math, vector, and texture sampling functions

06Advanced visual patterns including Fresnel, Rim Lighting, and Noise-based effects

Use Cases

01Optimizing performance by moving complex geometry deformations and calculations to the GPU

02Creating custom environmental effects like flowing water, waving vegetation, or dynamic skyboxes

03Developing stylized rendering techniques such as toon shading, edge detection, or holographic effects

Key Features

0161 GitHub stars

02Standardized boilerplate for ShaderMaterial and RawShaderMaterial implementations

03Comprehensive mapping of Three.js uniform types to GLSL declarations

04Guidance on extending built-in materials using onBeforeCompile and shader chunks

05Quick-reference for GLSL math, vector, and texture sampling functions

06Advanced visual patterns including Fresnel, Rim Lighting, and Noise-based effects

Use Cases

01Optimizing performance by moving complex geometry deformations and calculations to the GPU

02Creating custom environmental effects like flowing water, waving vegetation, or dynamic skyboxes

03Developing stylized rendering techniques such as toon shading, edge detection, or holographic effects