# SoftMaskForUGUI
**Repository Path**: shaoyy0/SoftMaskForUGUI
## Basic Information
- **Project Name**: SoftMaskForUGUI
- **Description**: No description available
- **Primary Language**: C#
- **License**: MIT
- **Default Branch**: develop
- **Homepage**: None
- **GVP Project**: No
## Statistics
- **Stars**: 0
- **Forks**: 0
- **Created**: 2025-04-15
- **Last Updated**: 2025-04-15
## Categories & Tags
**Categories**: Uncategorized
**Tags**: None
## README
# 
SoftMaskForUGUI v3
[](https://openupm.com/packages/com.coffee.softmask-for-ugui/)
[](https://github.com/mob-sakai/SoftMaskForUGUI/releases)
[](https://github.com/mob-sakai/SoftMaskForUGUI/releases)
[](https://github.com/mob-sakai/SoftMaskForUGUI/blob/main/LICENSE.txt)
[](http://makeapullrequest.com)
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<< [📝 Description](#-description-) | [📌 Key Features](#-key-features) | [🎮 Demo](#-demo) | [⚙ Installation](#-installation) | [🚀 Usage](#-usage) | [🤝 Contributing](#-contributing) >>
## 📝 Description
Enhance Unity UI (uGUI) with advanced soft-masking features to create more visually appealing effects!
- [📌 Key Features](#-key-features)
- [🎮 Demo](#-demo)
- [⚙ Installation](#-installation)
- [Install via OpenUPM](#install-via-openupm)
- [Install via UPM (with Package Manager UI)](#install-via-upm-with-package-manager-ui)
- [Install via UPM (Manually)](#install-via-upm-manually)
- [Install as Embedded Package](#install-as-embedded-package)
- [Import Additional Resources](#import-additional-resources)
- [🔄 Upgrade All Assets For V3](#-upgrade-all-assets-for-v3)
- [🚀 Usage](#-usage)
- [Getting Started](#getting-started)
- [RectMask2D vs SoftMask](#rectmask2d-vs-softmask)
- [Comparison of Masking Mode](#comparison-of-masking-mode)
- [Component: SoftMask](#component-softmask)
- [Component: SoftMaskable](#component-softmaskable)
- [Component: MaskingShape](#component-maskingshape)
- [Component: RectTransformFitter](#component-recttransformfitter)
- [Project Settings](#project-settings)
- [Usage with Scripts](#usage-with-scripts)
- [Usage with TextMeshPro or Spine](#usage-with-textmeshpro-or-spine)
- [Usage with Your Custom Shaders](#usage-with-your-custom-shaders)
- [Usage with Canvas ShaderGraph](#usage-with-canvas-shadergraph)
- [Usage with UIEffect](#usage-with-uieffect)
- [:warning: Limitations](#warning-limitations)
- [🤝 Contributing](#-contributing)
- [Issues](#issues)
- [Pull Requests](#pull-requests)
- [Support](#support)
- [License](#license)
- [Author](#author)
- [See Also](#see-also)
## 📌 Key Features
- **Compatibility with Mask**: SoftMask is fully compatible with the existing `Mask` component.
You can convert an existing `Mask` to `SoftMask` from the context menu.
- **Adjustable Visible Part**: You can freely adjust the visible part of the mask.
- **Versatile Masking Options**: `Text`, `Image`, `RawImage` can be used as a masking graphic.
- **Support for Multiple Sprites and SpriteAtlas**: `SoftMask` supports multiple sprites and `SpriteAtlas`.
- **Nested Soft Masks**: `SoftMask` supports up to 4 nested soft masks.
- **ScrollRect Support**: `SoftMask` supports `ScrollRect` component.
- **All Render Mode Support**: `SoftMask` supports overlay, camera space, and world space.
- **Soft-Maskable UI Shader Included**: The package includes a soft-maskable UI shader for `UI/Dafault`.
- **Custom Shader Support**: You can make your custom shaders soft-maskable with little modification. For details,
please see [soft-maskable shader](#usage-with-your-custom-shaders).
- **Performance/Quality Adjustment**: You can adjust the soft mask buffer size to improve performance or quality.
- **Efficient Rendering**: The soft mask buffer will be updated only when needed to improve performance.
- **SoftMaskable Component**: `SoftMaskable` component will be added automatically at runtime as needed.
- **Soft Mask Buffer Preview**: You can preview the soft mask buffer in the inspector.
- **Anti-Alias Masking Mode**: If you don't need semi-transparent masks, you can use the more performant "Anti-Aliasing
Masking Mode".
- **Masking Shape**: You can add or remove mask region using `MaskingShape` component.
- **Inverse Masking**: Use `MaskingShape` component to inverse masking. You can implement effects such as iris out.
- **Ray-cast Filtering**: Ray-casts are filtered only for the visible part.
This feature is useful for preventing clicks on masked parts during tutorials.
- **Stereo Support**: Soft masking for VR.
- **TextMeshProUGUI Support**: Support `TextMeshProUGUI` by importing additional shaders.
It also supports TextMeshPro v3.2/4.0 (pre-release) and uGUI 2.0 (Unity 2023.2+/6.0+).
For details, please see [Support TextMeshPro or Spine](#usage-with-textmeshpro-or-spine).
- **Better Editor Experience**: In the Scene view, objects outside the screen are displayed as stencil masks, allowing
for more intuitive editing.
- **Soft Maskable Shader Variant Stripping**: SoftMaskable shaders are automatically included at build time. You can
remove unused shader variants.
- **Spine Support**: Support [Spine (SkeletonGraphic)](https://esotericsoftware.com/spine-in-depth) by importing
additional shaders.
For details, please see [Support TextMeshPro or Spine](#usage-with-textmeshpro-or-spine).
## 🎮 Demo
[WebGL Demo](https://mob-sakai.github.io/SoftMaskForUGUI/)
## ⚙ Installation
_This package requires **Unity 2019.4 or later**._
### Install via OpenUPM
- This package is available on [OpenUPM](https://openupm.com) package registry.
- This is the preferred method of installation, as you can easily receive updates as they're released.
- If you have [openupm-cli](https://github.com/openupm/openupm-cli) installed, then run the following command in your
project's directory:
```
openupm add com.coffee.softmask-for-ugui
```
- To update the package, use Package Manager UI (`Window > Package Manager`) or run the following command with
`@{version}`:
```
openupm add com.coffee.softmask-for-ugui@3.2.0
```
### Install via UPM (with Package Manager UI)
- Click `Window > Package Manager` to open Package Manager UI.
- Click `+ > Add package from git URL...` and input the repository URL:
`https://github.com/mob-sakai/SoftMaskForUGUI.git?path=Packages/src`
- To update the package, change suffix `#{version}` to the target version.
- e.g. `https://github.com/mob-sakai/SoftMaskForUGUI.git?path=Packages/src#3.2.0`
### Install via UPM (Manually)
- Open the `Packages/manifest.json` file in your project. Then add this package somewhere in the `dependencies` block:
```json
{
"dependencies": {
"com.coffee.softmask-for-ugui": "https://github.com/mob-sakai/SoftMaskForUGUI.git?path=Packages/src",
...
}
}
```
- To update the package, change suffix `#{version}` to the target version.
- e.g. `"com.coffee.softmask-for-ugui": "https://github.com/mob-sakai/SoftMaskForUGUI.git?path=Packages/src#3.2.0",`
### Install as Embedded Package
1. Download the `Source code (zip)` file from [Releases](https://github.com/mob-sakai/SoftMaskForUGUI/releases) and
extract it.
2. Move the `/Packages/src` directory into your project's `Packages` directory.
- You can rename the `src` directory if needed.
- If you intend to fix bugs or add features, installing it as an embedded package is recommended.
- To update the package, re-download it and replace the existing contents.
### Import Additional Resources
Additional resources can be imported to extend functionality.
- [Usage with TextMeshPro or Spine](#usage-with-textmeshpro-or-spine).
- [Usage with Canvas ShaderGraph](#usage-with-canvas-shadergraph).
## 🔄 Upgrade All Assets For V3
If you are currently using SoftMaskForUGUI v1.x/v2.x, the following breaking changes are included when upgrading to v3:
1. **(From v1) API changes**: Some APIs are obsolete.
- `SoftMask.alpha`: Use `Graphic.color.a` instead.
- `SoftMask.softness`: Use `SoftMask.softnessRange` instead.
- `SoftMask.partOfParent`: Use `MaskingShape` component instead.
- `SoftMask.ignoreParent`: Removed.
- `SoftMask.ignoreSelfGraphic`: Removed.
- `SoftMask.ignoreSelfStencil`: Removed.
- `SoftMaskable.useStencil`: Removed.
- `SoftMaskable.raycastFilter`: Use `SoftMask.alphaHitTest` instead.
- `SoftMaskable.maskInteraction`: If you want to use as inverse mask, use `MaskingShape` component and
`MaskingMethod=Subtract`.
2. **(From v1) `SoftMaskable` component**: `SoftMaskable` component is no longer required to be added explicitly.
- It will be added automatically at runtime as needed.
3. **(From v1) `SoftMaskable` shader**: `SoftMask()` function has been updated with additional arguments.
```shaderlab
// Before
color.a *= SoftMask(IN.vertex, IN.worldPosition);
// After
color.a *= SoftMask(IN.vertex, IN.worldPosition, color.a);
```
4. **(From v2) `SoftMaskable` shader**: `SOFTMASKABLE` shader feature is now required.
```shaderlab
#pragma shader_feature_local _ SOFTMASKABLE
```
5. If you are installing via git URL, add `?path=Packages/src`.
```json
// v1/v2
"com.coffee.softmask-for-ugui": "https://github.com/mob-sakai/SoftMaskForUGUI.git",
// v3
"com.coffee.softmask-for-ugui": "https://github.com/mob-sakai/SoftMaskForUGUI.git?path=Packages/src",
```
6. `Hidden/UI/SoftMask`, `Hidden/UI/TerminalMaskingShape` and `SoftMaskable` shader variants used at runtime must be
registered in the [Project Settings](#project-settings).
- In v2, the SoftMaskable shaders were included in the "Always Included Shaders", but in v3, they must be registered
automatically or manually.
- You can strip unnecessary shader variants to reduce build time and file size.
- If `SoftMask` does not display correctly in the player, open/play the scenes or prefabs in the editor. The shader
variants will be automatically registered.
To apply these changes automatically, please follow the steps below:
1. Click `Edit > Project Settings` to open the Project Settings window and select `UI > SoftMask` category.
2. Click `Upgrade All Assets For V3` to upgrade the assets.
- ⚠️ If you select `Dry Run`, you can check the changes before upgrading.
## 🚀 Usage
### Getting Started
1. [Install the package](#-installation).
2. Add a `SoftMask` component instead of `Mask` component.
Or, convert an existing `Mask` component to `SoftMask` component from the context menu (`Convert To SoftMask`).
3. Adjust the soft mask parameters in the inspector.
4. (Optional) By placing the `MaskingShape` component under `SoftMask`, you can add or remove the masking region.
5. Enjoy!
### RectMask2D vs SoftMask
`RectMask2D` is a built-in component that supports soft masking.
`SoftMask` provides more advanced soft masking.
- **RectMask2D**:
- uGUI built-in
- Very fast
- Supports only rectangular shapes
- Supports only one level of nesting
- Supports only limited rotation
- **SoftMask**:
- Advanced soft masking
- Supports any graphic shape
- Supports up to 4 levels of nesting soft-masking
- Supports fully rotation
### Comparison of Masking Mode
- **Soft Masking**: Smooth mask with semi-transparency.
Requires memory for `RenderTexture` and [soft-maskable shader](#usage-with-your-custom-shaders).
- **Anti-Aliasing**: Less jagged stencil mask.
It does not require `RenderTexture` or soft-maskable shader, and works faster.
- **Normal**: Same as `Mask` component's stencil mask.
### Component: SoftMask
- **Masking Mode**:
- `SoftMasking`:
- Smooth mask with semi-transparency.
- Requires memory for `RenderTexture` and [soft-maskable shader](#usage-with-your-custom-shaders).
- Use RenderTexture as a soft mask buffer.
- The alpha of the masking graphic can be used.
- `AntiAliasing`:
- Less jagged stencil mask.
- It does not require `RenderTexture` or soft-maskable shader, and works faster.
- Suppress the jaggedness of the masking graphic.
- The masking graphic cannot be displayed.
- `Normal`: Same as Mask component's stencil mask.
- **Show Mask Graphic** (SoftMasking or Normal): Show the graphic that is associated with the Mask render area.
- **Alpha Hit Test**: The transparent part of the mask cannot be clicked.
- Alpha hit test is not supported when the texture is in crunch format or non-readable.
- ⚠️ Enable this only if necessary, as it will require more graphics memory and processing time.
- **Anti Aliasing Threshold** (AntiAliasing only): Threshold for anti-alias masking. The smaller this value, the less
jagged it is.
- **Softness Range** (SoftMasking only): The minimum and maximum alpha values used for soft masking. The larger the gap
between these values, the stronger the softness effect.
- **Down Sampling Rate** (SoftMasking only): The down sampling rate for soft mask buffer. The higher this value, the
lower the quality of the soft masking, but the performance will improve.
- **Preview Soft Mask Buffer** (in editor, SoftMasking only): Preview the soft mask buffer in the inspector.
### Component: SoftMaskable
- **Ignore Self**: The graphic is ignored when soft-masking.
- **Ignore Children**: The child graphics are ignored when soft-masking.
- **Power**: Soft masking power.
- The higher this value, the faster it becomes transparent.
- If overlapping objects appear see-through, please adjust this value.
`SoftMaskable` components are added automatically to GameObjects under a `SoftMask` component.
If the properties are set to their default values, it is marked as `HideFlag.DontSave` and will not be saved in the
scene or prefab.
### Component: MaskingShape
- **Masking Method**: `Additive`, `Subtract`
- **Show Mask Graphic** (SoftMasking or Normal): Show the graphic that is associated with the Mask render area.
- **Alpha Hit Test**: The transparent part of the mask cannot be clicked.
- Alpha hit test is not supported when the texture is in crunch format or non-readable.
- ⚠️ Enable this only if necessary, as it will require more graphics memory and processing time.
- **Softness Range** (SoftMasking only): Override the softness range of the parent `SoftMask` component.
- **Anti Aliasing Threshold** (AntiAliasing only): Override the anti-alias threshold of the parent `SoftMask` component.
`MaskingShape` component allows you to add or remove the masking region.
Placing `MaskingShape` component (with any `Graphic`) under `SoftMask` component.
You can use it not only with `SoftMask` component but also with `Mask` component.
If the `MaskingMode` is `AntiAliasing` or `Normal`, or if you are using the `Mask` component, the `MaskingShape`
component must be placed above the masked `Graphic` in the hierarchy. This is a limitation based on the stencil mask.
The available features depend on the `Masking Mode`.
### Component: RectTransformFitter
- **Target**: The target RectTransform to follow.
- **Target Properties**: `Position (X/Y/Z)`, `Rotation (X/Y/Z)`, `Scale (X/Y/Z)`, `Delta Size (X/Y)`.
`RectTransformFitter` component follows the target RectTransform.
You can specify the properties to follow (position, rotation, scale, delta size) with
`RectTransformFitter.targetProperties`.
By combining it with the `MaskingShape` component, you can implement an effect that displays only the buttons during the
tutorial.
### Project Settings
You can adjust the project-wide settings for SoftMaskForUGUI. (`Edit > Project Settings > UI > Soft Mask`)
- **Soft Mask Enabled**: Enable soft masking.
- **Stereo Enabled**: Enable VR mode.
- **Transform Sensitivity**: `Low`, `Medium`, `High`
- Adjust the transformation sensitivity for the soft mask buffer update.
- The higher the sensitivity, the more frequently the soft mask buffer is updated.
- **Hide Generated Component**: Automatically hide the generated `MaskingShapeContainer` and `TerminalMaskingShape`
components.
- **Optional Shaders (SoftMaskable)**: A list of shaders that will be prioritized when a soft-maskable shader is
requested.
- If the shader is included in the list, that shader will be used.
- If it is not in the list, the following shaders will be used in order:
- If the shader name contains `(SoftMaskable)`, that shader will be used.
- If `Hidden/ (SoftMaskable)` exists, that shader will be used.
- As a fallback, `UI/Default (SoftMaskable)` will be used.
- **Registered Variants**: A list of shader variants available at runtime. Use "-" button to remove unused variants,
reducing build time and file size.
- By default, the soft-maskable shaders will be included in the build, but you can remove it if you don't need it.
- **Unregistered Variants**: A list of shader variants that are not registered. Use "+" button to add variants.
- **Error On Unregistered Variant**: If enabled, an error will be displayed when an unregistered shader variant is used.
- The shader variant will be automatically added to the `Unregistered Variants` list.
- **Upgrade All Assets For V3**: Upgrade all assets for v3.
- ⚠️ This will apply the changes to all assets in the project.
- For details, please see [Upgrade All Assets For V3](#-upgrade-all-assets-for-v3).
> [!IMPORTANT]
> - The setting file is usually saved in `Assets/ProjectSettings/UISoftMaskProjectSettings.asset`. Include this file in your version control system.
> - The setting file is automatically added as a preloaded asset in `ProjectSettings/ProjectSettings.asset`.
### Usage with Scripts
```csharp
var softMask = gameObject.GetComponent();
softMask.maskingMode = SoftMask.MaskingMode.SoftMasking;
softMask.downSamplingRate = SoftMask.DownSamplingRate.x2;
softMask.softnessRange = new MinMax01(0.5f, 0.75f);
```
### Usage with TextMeshPro or Spine
To use SoftMask with TextMeshPro or Spine, you need to import additional resources.
When a shader included in the samples is requested, an import dialog will automatically appear.
Click the `Import` button.
Alternatively, you can manually import the resources by following these steps:
1. Open the `Package Manager` window and select the `UI Soft Mask` package from the package list.
2. Click the `Import` button for each sample to import the required resources.
- TextMeshPro (Unity 2023.1 or earlier): `TextMeshPro Support`
- TextMeshPro (Unity 2023.2, 6000.0 or later): `TextMeshPro Support (Unity 6)`
- Spine: `Spine Support`
3. The assets will be imported under `Assets/Samples/UI Soft Mask/{version}`.
> [!TIP]
> If you have moved `TMPro_Properties.cginc` and `TMPro.cginc` from their default install path
> (`Assets/TextMesh Pro/Shaders/...`), you will need to manually update the paths in the shaders under
> `TextMeshPro Support` or `TextMeshPro Support (Unity 6)`.
### Usage with Your Custom Shaders
Here, let's
make [UI/Additive](https://raw.githubusercontent.com/mob-sakai/SoftMaskForUGUI/develop/Assets/Demos/SoftMaskable%20Shader/UI-Additive.shader)
custom shader soft-maskable.
There are two ways to support SoftMask with custom shaders.
- **Hybrid (recommended)**: Add soft-maskable variants to the existing shader. (
e.g. [UI/Additive (SoftMaskable)](https://raw.githubusercontent.com/mob-sakai/SoftMaskForUGUI/develop/Assets/Demos/SoftMaskable%20Shader/UI-Additive-SoftMaskable.shader))
Modify the shader as follows:
```shaderlab
// Add the ` (SoftMaskable)` suffix to the shader name.
Shader "UI/Additive (SoftMaskable)"
// Import "SoftMask.cginc" and add shader features.
#include "Packages/com.coffee.softmask-for-ugui/Shaders/SoftMask.cginc"
#pragma shader_feature _ SOFTMASK_EDITOR
#pragma shader_feature_local _ SOFTMASKABLE
// "SoftMask" function returns [0-1]. Multiply this by the final output.
color.a *= SoftMask(IN.vertex, IN.worldPosition, color.a);
```
- **Separate**: Create a new shader with soft-maskable variants. (
e.g. [Hidden/UI/Additive (SoftMaskable)](https://raw.githubusercontent.com/mob-sakai/SoftMaskForUGUI/develop/Assets/Demos/SoftMaskable%20Shader/Hidden-UI-Additive-SoftMaskable.shader))
Use this way for built-in shaders that cannot be edited, like `UI/Default`.
Modify the shader as follows:
```shaderlab
// Add the `Hidden/` prefix and ` (SoftMaskable)` suffix to the shader name.
Shader "Hidden/UI/Additive (SoftMaskable)"
// Import "SoftMask.cginc" and add shader features.
#include "Packages/com.coffee.softmask-for-ugui/Shaders/SoftMask.cginc"
#pragma shader_feature _ SOFTMASK_EDITOR
#pragma shader_feature_local _ SOFTMASKABLE
// "SoftMask" function returns [0-1]. Multiply this by the final output.
color.a *= SoftMask(IN.vertex, IN.worldPosition, color.a);
```
### Usage with Canvas ShaderGraph
NOTE: Unity 2023.2/6000.0+ is required.
1. Open the `Package Manager` window and select the `UI Soft Mask` package in the package list and click the
`ShaderGraph Support > Import` button.
2. The sample includes `UIDefault (SoftMaskable).shadergraph` and `SoftMask.subshadergraph`.
You can use the sample as references to make your own shader graph compatible with `SoftMask`.
1. Add ` (SoftMaskable)` at the end of the shader name.
2. Add `SOFTMASK_EDITOR` and `SOFTMASKABLE` as a `Boolean Keyword (Shader Feature)`.
3. Add the `Sub Graphs > SoftMask` node and connect it to the final alpha output.
### Usage with UIEffect
[UIEffect](https://github.com/mob-sakai/UIEffect) is a package that allows you to intuitively apply rich Unity UI effects.
`SoftMaskForUGUI (v3.3.0+)` supports `UIEffect (v5.6.0+)`.
When a shader included in the samples is requested, an import dialog will automatically appear.
Click the `Import` button.
### :warning: Limitations
The following are the limitations of SoftMaskForUGUI.
- (Android) `RGB ETC1 (+ Split alpha channel)` texture format is not supported.
- Use a format that supports alpha, such as `RGBA ETC2`.
- Technically possible, but not supported
because [ETC2 support rate is over 95%](https://developer.android.com/guide/playcore/asset-delivery/texture-compression).
- If needed, feel free to create an issue.
- Alpha hit test is not supported when the texture is in crunch format or non-readable.
- `Hidden/UI/SoftMask`, `Hidden/UI/TerminalMaskingShape` and `SoftMaskable` shader variants used at runtime must be
registered in the [Project Settings](#project-settings).
- If you are using `DynamicResolution` or `RenderScale (URP)`, the display may not work correctly.
- For details, see [the issue](https://github.com/mob-sakai/SoftMaskForUGUI/issues/227).
## 🤝 Contributing
### Issues
Issues are incredibly valuable to this project:
- Ideas provide a valuable source of contributions that others can make.
- Problems help identify areas where this project needs improvement.
- Questions indicate where contributors can enhance the user experience.
### Pull Requests
Pull requests offer a fantastic way to contribute your ideas to this repository.
Please refer to [CONTRIBUTING.md](https://github.com/mob-sakai/SoftMaskForUGUI/tree/develop/CONTRIBUTING.md)
and [develop branch](https://github.com/mob-sakai/SoftMaskForUGUI/tree/develop).
### Support
This is an open-source project developed during my spare time.
If you appreciate it, consider supporting me.
Your support allows me to dedicate more time to development. 😊
[](https://www.patreon.com/join/2343451?)
[](https://github.com/users/mob-sakai/sponsorship)
## License
* MIT
## Author
*  [mob-sakai](https://github.com/mob-sakai) [](https://twitter.com/intent/follow?screen_name=mob_sakai) 
## See Also
* GitHub page : https://github.com/mob-sakai/SoftMaskForUGUI
* Releases : https://github.com/mob-sakai/SoftMaskForUGUI/releases
* Issue tracker : https://github.com/mob-sakai/SoftMaskForUGUI/issues
* Change log : https://github.com/mob-sakai/SoftMaskForUGUI/blob/main/Packages/src/CHANGELOG.md