How to use Post Processing in Unity

Post Processing allows us to apply image effects and filters to our game. What effects that are available to you and how they are used depends on which render pipeline you are using in your game. Since I am using the Built-in Render Pipeline, the default when starting a new project, I will be using the Post-Processing Version 2 package. This Package is compatabile with all the render pipelines in Unity 2018.1 and later.

Installation

To install the post processing package in Unity you will have to use Unity’s Package Manager. The Package Manager is what you use to enable/disable Unity’s built-in packages, Download/Import the assets you purchased through the asset store, along with other things related to package management.

The Package Manager

To access the Package Manager in Unity’s top menu: Window > Package Manager.

Now it Takes a minute for the Package Manager to load. Once it does you will be presented with this window. Defaulted to show the packages currently in the project.

You can change what packages appear in the list by selecting the Packages drop-down. The most used options are Unity Registry (All the Unity Packages), In Project (Packages installed in the project), and My Assets (Assets purchased from the Asset Store). I am installing the Post-Processing Stack which is in the Unity Registry.

Now you can scroll through the list and find Post Processing or you can start typing the package name in the search bar (Pos will show only the Post Processing).

With the Post Processing Selected click on the Install Button in the bottom right.

Once the Package is installed you can now add effects to your game.

Set up the scene

In order to use Post Proceessing in your game you need a couple of components to your game. The Post-process Layer to your Camera and a Post-process Volume with a Post Process Profile.

Post-process Layer

Select the Camera and add the Post-process Layer component. This is where you configure to Volume Blending, Anti-alising Mode. It comes with a tool kit and a way to add custom sorting to the effects.

Post Process Volume

Now I need to add a new Game Object with a Post-process Volume Component. This controls all of the effects and image filters to apply.

Create a post processing profile and add it to the Volume to use.

Adding Effects

Now you are ready to start adding effects to the Game.

Click the Add Effect and select the effect that you would like to add. Once the Effect is added you can change the properties off that effect.