KodeLife is a native real-time shader editor. ShaderKit is a browser-based GLSL editor with nothing to install, built-in video and GIF export, 8K cloud rendering, seamless-loop tools and AI-assisted editing.
No install and no account needed to try.
They overlap on one thing, editing fragment shaders with live feedback, and differ on almost everything else. KodeLife is a native app for people who live in shader code and want GPU-level control across several shader languages. ShaderKit is a web app aimed at getting a GLSL shader finished, exported and shared.
| Capability | ShaderKit | KodeLife |
|---|---|---|
| Install required | No — runs in the browser | Yes — native app |
| Platforms | Any modern desktop browser | macOS, Windows, Linux (incl. Raspberry Pi), iOS, Android |
| Shader languages | GLSL (ShaderToy-style) | GLSL, HLSL, Metal, basic compute |
| Price | Editor free; cloud rendering and AI from $7.99/mo | Free to try; one-time paid license (see hexler.net) |
| MP4 / WebM / GIF export | Yes — built in | Not listed on the product page (PNG captures are) |
| High-res rendering (up to 8K, AA up to 8×8) | Yes — cloud rendering | Limited by your own GPU |
| Seamless-loop tools (examination mode, X-time mapping) | Yes | Not a documented feature |
| AI editing of your GLSL | Yes — Vibe Mode | Not listed |
| Shareable links, public gallery, forking | Yes | No — local project files |
| Real-time output to other apps (Syphon / Spout) | No | Yes |
| Raw GPU performance, offline use | Browser-limited | Native |
KodeLife details are from Hexler's product page; check hexler.net for current features and licensing.
You write GLSL, want to try or share it without installing anything, and need a finished video, GIF or high-resolution still. Seamless loops and shader-to-video export are the point.
You need HLSL or Metal, compute shaders, native GPU speed, or to feed visuals live into other software over Syphon or Spout.
Plain fragment shaders move between them with light porting. Sketch where it is convenient, then bring the GLSL to ShaderKit to loop, render and share it.
ShaderKit. The full editor is free — unlimited projects, local rendering, in-browser recording — and needs no install. Cloud rendering up to 8K and the AI assistant are paid (Creator, $7.99/mo with a 7-day free trial). It is GLSL only; KodeLife also supports HLSL and Metal.
ShaderToy-style fragment shaders run directly (mainImage(), iTime, iResolution, iMouse, iFrame, iChannel0–3, multipass with a Common tab). Shaders using KodeLife-specific uniforms, vertex stages, compute passes, HLSL or Metal need porting, and there is no equivalent of its audio, MIDI or OSC inputs.
No install, shareable links and a public gallery, built-in video/GIF export and stills up to 8K, seamless-loop tools, custom uniforms with UI controls, forking, and AI-assisted GLSL editing.
Native performance, more shader languages, compute shaders, mobile and Linux builds, and live output to other apps through Syphon and Spout. For live-performance work, KodeLife is the stronger tool. Coming from the web side instead? See the ShaderToy comparison.
Paste your code, hit compile, export something. Free to try, no signup.
Open ShaderKit →