See every material node live — without plugging into Material Output
Editing shader materials can be frustrating — especially when they get complex. Instead of endlessly connecting nodes to Material Output, Shader View gives you instant previews of every node in your material — updating in real time as you work, making shader creation faster, more efficient, and far more intuitive..
Available also on Gumroad
What Shader View Does for You
Shader View turns the Shader Editor into a visual map of your material. Every important node gets its own preview on top, so you can instantly see how colors, masks, and textures evolve across the tree — without changing any of your existing connections.
- check_boxPreview Each Node Result — no more plugging into Material Output.
- check_boxReal-Time Updates — changes appear instantly.
- check_boxShow Scalar Map (Pro) — see real numeric values instead of guessing from clamped color results.
- check_boxStay non-destructive — Shader View never touches your original .blend file.
- check_boxFast and responsive — with separate background rendering process, smart cashing and performance controls.
Wish Shader View existed for Geometry Nodes? Now it does.
Meet Preview-it™ Add-on — real-time previews for everything inside your Geometry Tree: geometry shapes, field values, attribute flow, selection masks, and more. All without constantly checking the viewport, wiring temporary viewers, or digging through the spreadsheet
🔥 Limited-Time Launch: 60% OFF Early AccessFeatures You’ll Use Every Day
Scalar Map Previews – Precision Debugging That Changes the Way You Work With Materials
Stop guessing what your nodes are actually outputting. Shader View Pro overlays real numerical values and a color-coded scalar grid directly on every preview — instantly revealing clamped data, negatives, overbrights, and hidden errors that normal previews completely hide.
🔹 Real value grid 🔹 Heatmap view (red > 1.0, blue = negative) 🔹 Live Min/Max indicators 🔹 Multiple analysis modes (Luminance, Vector Length, Normal Dot)
Smart Preview Masking – Never Fight Overlapping Previews Again
Previews automatically mask themselves around your nodes so you can actually see what you’re working on. No more dragging nodes around just to read a value or spot a connection.
One toggle → instantly cleaner workspace. Works on every preview, every time.
Control Over Every Node Preview – Customize Exactly How You Need
Everyone’s workflow is unique. Shader View gives you full control over previews. Adjust each preview independently, ensuring the add-on works exactly the way you want.
Plus per-node tweaks for render samples, render engine (EEVEE/Cycles), lighting mode, and more – total flexibility without slowing you down.
Fast, Even on Monster Node Trees
Shader View is designed for optimal performance, even on low-end machines. It processes node output previews in a background process, ensuring smooth workflow and real-time updates. Instead of updating all nodes at once, the add-on “chunks” the node tree, so you can balance speed vs. performance to match your needs.
Note for MacOS users: you will see an extra bouncing Blender icon in the Dock. This is expected — the background process launches a separate Blender instance to run the EEVEE rendering environment, and macOS shows each instance as its own app.
Unlock the Full Power of Shader View
Standard version gets you started with core previews. Pro version adds advanced debugging, smart tools, and pro-level customization to supercharge your workflow.
One-time purchase · Lifetime updates
Standard
Perfect for learning, hobbyists, and light shader work
- checkReal-time Multi-Node Preview
- checkOutput Socket Selector
- checkPreview Customization
- checkPerformance Controls (Limited)
- checkUDIM Support (Active Tile Only)
- errorIncludes all features available in the Node Preview Add-on
One-time purchase · Lifetime updates
Pro
For professional artists who demand precision debugging and maximum productivity
Everything in Standard, plus:
- checkFull Performance Controls
- checkSwitch All UDIM Tiles
- checkScript Node Support
- checkSmart Preview Masking
- checkScalar Features (Grid, Min/Max, Real Values)
- checkVector Splitting (RGB/XYZ)
- checkSmart Zoom & Advanced Modes
Every Purchase Supports Blender
When you purchase Shader View, you’re directly helping push Blender forward. Part of every sale is contributed to the Blender Development Fund , supporting the developers who keep Blender free, powerful, and open-source for all of us.
Done with shaders? Now paint the light.
Meet Light Painter — a brand-new way to light your scenes in Blender. Paint light directly on your viewport in real time, with layers, blend modes, and full non-destructive control. Stop fighting lights — shape exactly what gets lit and how, like you paint in Photoshop.
Check out Light Painter →FAQ
What Blender versions are supported?
Shader View is tested on Blender 3.0 through 5.x on macOS, Windows, and Linux.
Does it modify my node tree?
No. Shader View is completely non-destructive. It evaluates your node tree and draws previews on top of nodes, but it never inserts, deletes, or edits any nodes, links, or scene data.
Will it slow down Blender?
Previews are rendered in a separate background process, and the add-on uses a smart caching system to avoid unnecessary re-rendering. You can lower resolution, reduce update rate, or hide previews entirely when working on heavy scenes — so you stay fully in control of performance.
Support & Community
Bugs or questions? Reach me on X/Twitter or join the Discord for updates and exclusive content.