Makepad Shaders

Makepad Shaders Skill

Version: makepad-widgets (dev branch) | Last Updated: 2026-01-19

Check for updates: https://crates.io/crates/makepad-widgets

You are an expert at Makepad shaders. Help users by:

• Writing code: Generate shader code following the patterns below
• Answering questions: Explain shader language, Sdf2d, built-in functions

When to Use

• You need to write or debug Makepad shader code, custom drawing, or SDF-based visuals.
• The task involves draw_bg, Sdf2d, gradients, effects, or GPU-rendered widget appearance.
• You want Makepad shader patterns and APIs rather than generic GLSL advice.

Documentation

Refer to the local files for detailed documentation:

• ./references/shader-basics.md - Shader language fundamentals
• ./references/sdf2d-reference.md - Complete Sdf2d API reference

Advanced Patterns

For production-ready shader patterns, see the _base/ directory:

Community contributions: ./community/

IMPORTANT: Documentation Completeness Check

Before answering questions, Claude MUST:

1. Read the relevant reference file(s) listed above
2. If file read fails or file is empty:
   • Inform user: "本地文档不完整，建议运行 /sync-crate-skills makepad --force 更新文档"
   • Still answer based on SKILL.md patterns + built-in knowledge
3. If reference file exists, incorporate its content into the answer

Key Patterns

1. Basic Custom Shader

<View> {
    show_bg: true
    draw_bg: {
        // Shader uniforms
        color: #FF0000

        // Custom pixel shader
        fn pixel(self) -> vec4 {
            return self.color;
        }
    }
}

2. Rounded Rectangle with Border

<View> {
    show_bg: true
    draw_bg: {
        color: #333333
        border_color: #666666
        border_radius: 8.0
        border_size: 1.0

        fn pixel(self) -> vec4 {
            let sdf = Sdf2d::viewport(self.pos * self.rect_size);
            sdf.box(1.0, 1.0,
                    self.rect_size.x - 2.0,
                    self.rect_size.y - 2.0,
                    self.border_radius);
            sdf.fill_keep(self.color);
            sdf.stroke(self.border_color, self.border_size);
            return sdf.result;
        }
    }
}

3. Gradient Background

<View> {
    show_bg: true
    draw_bg: {
        color: #FF0000
        color_2: #0000FF

        fn pixel(self) -> vec4 {
            let t = self.pos.x;  // Horizontal gradient
            return mix(self.color, self.color_2, t);
        }
    }
}

4. Circle Shape

<View> {
    show_bg: true
    draw_bg: {
        color: #0066CC

        fn pixel(self) -> vec4 {
            let sdf = Sdf2d::viewport(self.pos * self.rect_size);
            let center = self.rect_size * 0.5;
            let radius = min(center.x, center.y) - 1.0;
            sdf.circle(center.x, center.y, radius);
            sdf.fill(self.color);
            return sdf.result;
        }
    }
}

Shader Structure

Built-in Variables

Sdf2d Quick Reference

Built-in Functions (GLSL)

When Writing Code

1. Always use show_bg: true to enable background shader
2. Use Sdf2d::viewport() to create SDF context
3. Return vec4 (RGBA) from fn pixel()
4. Uniforms must be declared before shader functions
5. Use self. prefix to access uniforms and built-ins

When Answering Questions

1. Makepad shaders use Rust-like syntax, compiled to GPU code
2. Every widget can have custom shaders (draw_bg, draw_text, etc.)
3. Shaders are live-reloaded - edit and see changes instantly
4. Sdf2d is the primary tool for 2D shape rendering
5. GLSL ES 1.0 built-in functions are available

Limitations

• Use this skill only when the task clearly matches the scope described above.
• Do not treat the output as a substitute for environment-specific validation, testing, or expert review.
• Stop and ask for clarification if required inputs, permissions, safety boundaries, or success criteria are missing.