HLSL Converter
Convert HLSL files online for free
Drop or upload your .HLSL file
How to convert your HLSL file
- Click Select File above, and choose your HLSL file.
- You'll see a preview.
- Click the "Convert file to..." button to save your file in the format you want.
Convert HLSL to another file type
The converter easily converts your HLSL file to various formats—free and online. No Windows or extra software needed.
- HLSL to GLSL
Convert a file to HLSL
The converter also works in reverse, allowing you to convert your file into the HLSL file type—in the best quality.
About HLSL files
HLSL, or High-Level Shader Language, is a proprietary shading language developed by Microsoft for use with the Direct3D API. It is primarily used in creating shaders for rendering 3D graphics. Although powerful, HLSL files come with certain limitations that make them challenging for everyday users and developers. You can learn more about HLSL on its Wikipedia page.
When considering conversion of HLSL files, common target formats include GLSL (.glsl), SPIR-V (.spv), and even more generalized formats like C++ (.cpp) or text files (.txt) for documentation purposes. Tools like Unity and Unreal Engine facilitate conversion from HLSL to GLSL, while standalone software such as glslang and DirectX Shader Compiler can be used for more specific conversions.
Converting HLSL files poses challenges due to differences in syntax and functionality between shading languages. Not all features of HLSL map directly onto other languages, which can result in a loss of functionality or require significant manual adjustments. Furthermore, the complexity and specialized nature of HLSL make it less user-friendly, particularly for those not deeply familiar with shader programming.
Given these complexities, using a reliable service like Convert.Guru simplifies the process. You can easily drag and drop your HLSL files onto the Convert.Guru webpage to convert them into various formats without hassle. This approach eliminates the need for deep technical knowledge and ensures your files are converted safely and accurately. While HLSL files are a robust choice for shader programming, their intricacies make user-friendly conversion tools like Convert.Guru invaluable for broader accessibility.
The HLSL Converter Story
The history of Convert.Guru began more than 25 years ago in California, when Tom Simondi published the most comprehensive database of file formats on his website. Before that, Tom had worked on Space Shuttle development at the Air Force Systems Command’s Space Division in Los Angeles. He is known as one of the top programmers of the late 1980s.
When Microsoft integrated Tom’s Filext database into Windows XP, it became the leading platform for analyzing and processing file types and formats.
Today, we use the latest technologies to analyze, process, and convert one of the world's largest collections of file formats. We are committed to developing the best HLSL converter by continuously improving quality, usability, and reliability.