Is it a good alternative for a FX-Composer user?

[leCatana]

I've been writing some shaders in HLSL in nvidia's FX-Composer and I sorta got use to it. But, recently i've updated my OS to Windows 8.1 and suddenly my favorite editor ceased to work:( I'm looking for an alternative solution, since i cannot downgrade to win8 back again. So my question is this ShaderTool worth the money? Or should I look for sth else?

[codex]

Hi, we have developed ShaderTool because there was nothing new around the FX-Composer ... no new updates, no support for shader model 5.

So yes, it is THE alternative to the FX Composer :)

[leCatana]

Thank you for a quick respond! I watched your video and the editor looks promising. I'm gonna give it a try soon:)

[mfatal]

You could try Unity. I know a few that have switched from Fx composer (since it stopped being developed) to Unity. It's Cg but that's close to HLSL.
This article is from someone that switched:
http://interplayoflight.wordpress.com/2013/02/04/unity-as-an-fx-composer-replacement-for-shader-prototyping/

[codex]

Yes, you could. But then you are limited to CG only and if you are using the free version you will not be able to create post-effects. You also would not be able to define your own render pipeline as you would have to stick to Unitys' one. Purchasing Unity for shader development is a bit too expensive I think - even installing a game engine is a bit too much for shader prototyping.

I used FX Composer for a long time but as it is not further maintained anymore, ShaderTool is a maybe the best alternative, currently!

[mfatal]

Good point about not able to the create post-effects with the free version didn't thought about that. I use Unity only light. Still very Unreal focussed. In fact I'll have a look myself at your Shadertool right now. :)