Custom Shader Properties

• SetColor() for specific color properties

• SetTexture() for custom texture maps

• SetFloat() for numeric properties (transparency, gloss)

• SetVector() for Vector3/Vector4 properties

• Perfect for controlled material modifications

Performance Heroes

• EnableInstancing for reduced draw calls

• Proper render queue management for layered effects

• Shader.WarmupAllShaders() prevents stutters

• Avoid per-frame property changes

• Never use Shader.Find() in Update()

Global Shader Control

• SetGlobalFloat() affects all shaders at once

• SetGlobalColor() perfect for day/night cycles

• Override tags for custom rendering passes

• Efficient for system-wide visual effects

Pro Tips:

• Cache material references in Awake()

• Use Shader.PropertyToID to avoid string lookups

• Enable GPU instancing for repeated meshes

• Warm up shaders during load screens

• Use MaterialPropertyBlock for instance variations

Common Pitfalls:

• Excessive runtime material creation (use sparingly!)

• Modifying shared materials affects ALL instances

• Memory leaks from undisposed runtime materials

• Heavy emission effects on mobile platforms

• Untested shader compatibility across devices