How to use Post Processing in Unity
What is post-processing?
Post-Processing is one of the final touch stages in a game’s development cycle. Essentially, post-processing refers to the process in which filters and effects are added to the game image. While that may sound simplistic in nature, this is a design powerhouse where visual magic happens! Thanks to post-processing, game designers, artist, and developers alike can bring their vision of a game as close to their intended concept as possible! This process is also responsible for setting the tone of the game through the addition of atmospheric effects like fog.
Art stylization is also heavily influenced by post-processing — it can take a game from a realistic art style to a more cartoon-like or stylized art. For instance, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild achieved its unique art style coloring and shading through post-processing.
How can I use it in Unity?
The Unity Engine has a range of post-processing and full-screen effects that can dramatically enhance the look of the app with minimal effort. These effects can be used to produce stylized graphics or to mimic actual camera and video assets. However, this is not integrated into Unity by default and must be installed by the Package Manager — our hub for all the Unity-owned goodies you can add!
- Go to the Window menu, and find the Package Manager
2. In the Package Manager, scroll down until you see Post-Processing. Then click install.
Note: Make sure you’re in the Unity Registry when searching for Unity-owned packages.
4. Once it’s installed, let Unity recompile your project and you’re good to go! You should be able to find it in the Project section → Packages
In the next article, I’ll go over how to bring your game to AAA status through Post Processing!
