DreamShaderLang docs

DreamShaderLang

A text-first material language for replacing Unreal Engine material spaghetti graphs. Use `.dsm`, `.dsf`, and `.dsh` to describe material graphs, function assets, Material Layers, shared helpers, and package dependencies.

Read docs GitHub

DreamShader1.3.9VSCode1.4.9RidertsdaerUE5.7

Language workflow

Split material assets into readable text layers

Asset declarations describe Unreal outputs, Graph sections describe node connections, and Function / GraphFunction helpers hold reusable Custom-node logic. Layout and Region metadata keep large graphs readable.

01Source

.dsm / .dsf / .dsh files describe materials, function assets, shared helpers, and package dependencies.

02Compile

DreamShader parses Graph code and creates MaterialExpression nodes, Custom nodes, and function assets.

03Asset

The generator writes UMaterial, UMaterialFunction, Material Layer, and Layer Blend assets.

Tools ecosystem

Plugin, editors, and packages in one workflow

DreamShader pluginParses sources in Unreal, generates assets, and exports bridge diagnostics plus MaterialExpression metadata.VSCode extensionCompletion, hover, go to definition, signature help, diagnostics, package commands, and templates.Rider pluginJetBrains file type, PSI parser, highlighting, completion, navigation, diagnostics, and inlay hints.Package StoreDistribute reusable .dsh / .dsf libraries through GitHub and pin dependency sources for teams.

Reading path

Enter the docs from here

The homepage is for orientation; the docs hold the full reference. Pick the entry that matches the task you are doing now.

Getting startedInstall the plugin and write a first UI / Unlit material.Language coreFile model, sections, types, Graph, and Function syntax.Layout and decompileLayout, Graph Region, DSM / DSF export.Release notesPlugin, VSCode extension, and website change history.