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Z-GL 1.0.0 — The Premier Shader Desktop Environment

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@Patrickjaillet Patrickjaillet released this 14 May 12:11
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Z-GL — The Premier Shader Desktop Environment

Z-GL is a high-performance, professional-grade shader development environment designed for Windows. It provides a native workspace to write, test, and perform real-time graphics with industry-leading efficiency.

✨ Features for Artists & Creators

🖥️ High-End Rendering

  • Hybrid Engine: Seamlessly switch between WebGL and WebGPU to leverage the full power of your hardware.
  • Cinematic Post-Processing: Includes high-quality bloom, ACES tone mapping, vignette, and sRGB correction.
  • Multi-Pass Support: Create complex effects using Buffer A/B/C/D architecture, fully compatible with the ShaderToy ecosystem.
  • Ultra-Resolution Support: Render at fixed resolutions from 720p to 4K, or set custom sizes independent of your window scale.

✍️ Elite Editor Experience

  • Smart Code IDE: Features full GLSL syntax highlighting, auto-completion, and hover documentation for all built-in functions.
  • Live Diagnostics: Real-time error markers and warnings catch bugs instantly as you type.
  • Automatic Parameters: Variables defined via #define or const are automatically extracted into interactive UI sliders.
  • External IDE Support: Use "Watch Mode" to edit code in VS Code or Neovim while Z-GL updates instantly in the background.

🎹 Live Performance & Hardware

  • MIDI Learn: Bind any shader parameter to your MIDI controller knobs or sliders with a single click.
  • Audio Reactivity: Integrated FFT analysis for microphone or system audio to drive dynamic visuals.
  • Native Windows Design: Features Windows 11 Mica and Acrylic effects with a dedicated system tray icon.

🛠 Shortcuts & Controls

Shortcut Action
Ctrl + S Save current project
Ctrl + E Export current frame as PNG
Ctrl + F Auto-format GLSL code
F11 Toggle Fullscreen Viewport
F1 Open built-in GLSL documentation

📦 Getting Started

  1. Installation: Run Z-GL_Setup.exe to install as a native Windows application.
  2. Projects: Save your work as .zgl files—a portable ZIP format that bundles your shader code and assets.
  3. Import: Drag and drop any .glsl, .frag, or .json file directly into the window to begin.

📋 System Requirements

  • OS: Windows 10 or Windows 11 (x64).
  • GPU: NVIDIA GT 1030 / GTX 1080 or equivalent (DirectX 12 / WebGPU support recommended).
  • Memory: Optimized for systems with 16 GB DDR3 or higher.

Author: Patrick JAILLET
Version: 2026.05 — 1.0.0 Release

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