ReShade

Free#6 of 26 in Game Overlay Software

ReShade: A free, open-source overlay for deep visual customization across supported graphics APIs. Ranked #6 of 26 in Game Overlay Software by our editors (8.4/10); pricing: Free plan; best for custom visual effects and shader overlays.

8.4/10★★★★☆Editor score

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At a glance

• Editor score
  8.4 / 10
• Pricing
  Free plan
• Best for
  Custom visual effects and shader overlays
• Free plan
  Yes
• Paid from
  Free
• Facts checked
  20 Sep 2026

• Where it wins

  • Free and open source on Windows and Linux
  • Supports Direct3D 9–12, OpenGL, and Vulkan
  • Includes shader tools, presets, screenshots, and statistics

• Where it doesn't

  • Linux use relies on Wine and DXVK rather than native desktop support
  • Its focus is visual customization, not performance monitoring
  • Depth-buffer effects may depend on game compatibility

Our verdict on ReShade

ReShade is an open-source post-processing injector for games and video software. It adds an in-game overlay for configuring effects and presets, making it suited to players and creators who want to adjust a game's visual presentation. Available effects include SMAA, ambient occlusion, depth of field, color correction, film grain, and sharpening. Users can also create and share preset files through the in-game interface.

Its strongest advantage is breadth across graphics APIs and shader customization. ReShade supports Direct3D 9–12, OpenGL, and Vulkan, and includes the ReShade FX shader language and compiler. Depth-buffer access and detection support effects that depend on scene depth, while the add-on API allows extensions and game integrations. SteamVR overlay support broadens its use beyond standard desktop game rendering. The result is a tool with a wide visual-effects scope rather than a narrow collection of fixed filters.

ReShade also includes practical overlay utilities: FPS, frame-time, clock, resolution, and format statistics, plus screenshot capture and saving. Windows is the primary gaming environment, while Linux use is documented through Wine and DXVK, so platform fit is more qualified outside Windows. Choose ReShade if visual effects, shader control, preset sharing, or graphics-API coverage matter most. It is less suitable for users seeking a dedicated performance-monitoring tool or a simpler overlay centered on hardware telemetry rather than post-processing.

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ReShade pricing

ReShade fact sheet

Alternatives to ReShade

• RivaTuner Statistics ServerA free Windows overlay utility with broad API support and practical performance controls.9.4
• NVIDIA FrameViewA focused, free overlay for detailed FPS, latency, telemetry, and power benchmarking.9.2
• Intel PresentMonA free, open-source overlay and capture toolkit for detailed frame-time analysis.9.0

See all ReShade alternatives →

ReShade vs the competition

• ReShade vs RivaTuner Statistics Server
• ReShade vs NVIDIA FrameView
• ReShade vs Intel PresentMon
• MReShade vs MangoHud
• OReShade vs Overwolf
• ReShade vs Special K

Compare ReShade with any tool side by side →

Featured on iTechGuides

ReShade is listed in our Game Overlay Software directory. Add the badge to your site — it links back to this page.

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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

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Last updated 7 Oct 2026 · How we research and update