Extract text from DirectX shader files (FX)
To convert FX shader files to another format, you need Microsoft Visual Studio or other Developer software.
To convert other file formats to the "DirectX Shader Effect File" file type, you need software like Microsoft Visual Studio or a similar tool.
The .FX file extension is primarily used for DirectX Shader Effect files. These files contain plain text source code written in High-Level Shading Language (HLSL). They are used by the Microsoft Direct3D API to define how a graphics processing unit (GPU) calculates lighting, texturing, shadows, and post-processing visual effects in 3D applications and video games. They are commonly authored in Microsoft Visual Studio and compiled natively by the DirectX Shader Compiler. Additionally, PC gaming enthusiasts frequently encounter .FX files when using graphics injectors like ReShade or in engines like MikuMikuDance (MME).
The main disadvantage of the .FX format is its absolute lock-in to the Windows and Xbox ecosystems. Because DirectX is proprietary to Microsoft, these shaders cannot be natively executed on macOS, Linux, Android, or web browsers, which rely on OpenGL, Vulkan, or Metal. Furthermore, because shaders are essentially mathematical instructions, users cannot 'preview' the visual effect without a specialized 3D environment or IDE, making them difficult to manage for non-developers. A secondary point of confusion is that .FX is occasionally used for completely unrelated binary files, such as ReadyBoot Trace logs from the Windows Performance Toolkit or Attol Testware trace files.
Drop your file here to view and convert it securely right in your browser. If you need to deploy your shader on cross-platform or web-based 3D engines, you must convert the .FX (HLSL) code to GLSL (for OpenGL/WebGL) or SPIR-V (for Vulkan). If you simply need to read or share the code without risking execution, convert it to TXT or MD format.
Convert.Guru analyzes your FX file, detects the exact format, and lets you read the text inside.
Users also converted EMD, PNG, FFX, FS, MP4, XNB, JPG, X, DDS and VSO files.
If you want to convert FX file to OBJ, FBX, DAE, 3DS, MAX, BLEND, MA, MB, C4D, STL, PLY or WRL, you can use Microsoft Visual Studio or similar software from the "Direct3D Shader Effect Storage" category. In the File menu, look for Save As… or Export….
To convert DWG, DAE, X3D, IGES, WRL, JT, SKP, 3DS, 3DM, OBJ, STEP or FBX files to FX, try Microsoft Visual Studio or another comparable tool in the "Direct3D Shader Effect Storage" category.
The history of Convert.Guru began over 25 years ago in California with Tom Simondi’s file-format database. A former contributor to Space Shuttle development and a software pioneer of the 1980s, Simondi established a trusted resource for file type analysis that was even referenced by Microsoft Windows XP. Today, we use modern technology to process and convert thousands of file formats while continually improving our FX converter.