Create Outlines Easily in Unity with Linework.
by Jettelly
Published |
Many Unity developers rely on outlines to define shapes and visual identity, but getting consistent results across render pipelines has always been a challenge.
Linework, developed by Alex Ameye, is a toolkit dedicated to rendering outlines and fill effects in Unity. Built for the Universal Render Pipeline, it provides several outline methods and flexible controls that help artists achieve stable results in a wide range of styles.
Linework is NOW LIVE on the Asset Store!
— Alex Ameye (@alexanderameye) September 10, 2024
A practical toolkit for rendering outlines, highlights and fills in Unity 🖍️
Get Linework here
> https://t.co/nzvRM6psph pic.twitter.com/ajV9vGNRpr
With support for Unity 6 and 2022.3, Linework introduces dedicated effects for fast, soft, and wide outlines, along with a full-scene edge detection system. It’s designed to make stylized rendering and clean visual separation easy to achieve across different types of projects.
About its Development
Linework is the result of over five years of experimentation with outline rendering techniques in Unity. According to its developer, Alex Ameye, the goal was to find a reliable and flexible solution that could achieve both consistency and performance across different use cases. The tool represents a refined approach built from years of trial, error, and community feedback.
Main Features
- Multiple Outline Techniques
Includes fast, soft, and wide outline effects, as well as edge detection for full-scene outlines. Each method offers a balance between visual quality and performance, allowing you to choose the best fit for your project.
- Surface and Fill Effects
Supports both object-based outlines and screen-space fill effects, useful for stylized rendering or visualization workflows.
- Optimized Rendering
Built around Unity 6’s Render Graph and SRP Batcher, Linework can render multiple outlines in a single batch for efficient performance.
- Flexible Configuration
Uses rendering layers to control which objects receive outlines or fill effects, with stackable options for combined results.
- Custom Editor UI
A dedicated interface provides easy access to effect parameters, ensuring quick iteration and consistent visual results.
Technical Details & Compatibility
Linework is compatible with Unity 6+ and Unity 2022.3, and works with the Universal Render Pipeline (URP). Other pipelines, including HDRP and the Built-in Render Pipeline, are not supported. (See more)
It runs on Windows, macOS, iOS, and WebGL (with Android and VR currently untested). The toolkit is also compatible with vertex animation, alpha cutout shaders, and the DOTS Hybrid Renderer.
Other Alternatives
- Advanced Edge Detection (INab Studio): Full-screen edge detection aimed at toon/anime/cel looks with highlight/outline controls. Good for stylized post-processing pipelines.
Differs from Linework: focused on a single post stack for edges; Linework offers multiple outline techniques and per-object options.
- MK Edge Detection – Screen Space Lines Shader: Screen-space line shader geared toward clean, controllable outlines as a camera effect.
Differs from Linework: primarily a screen-space post; Linework covers both full-screen and per-object outlines and additional fill effects.
- Outlines Post-Process (OccaSoftware): URP post-process outline effect with a straightforward setup for projects already using URP Render Features.
Differs from Linework: narrower in scope (post only). Linework provides multiple outline techniques plus per-object workflows.
📘 Want to learn the magic behind shaders like Outlines? Check out The Technical Artist Bundle, a complete learning set for artists and developers exploring shaders, math, and procedural creation in Unity.
Would you like to learn more?
We invite you to explore "The Unity Shaders Bible", a comphensive book on the concepts and fundamentals seen in this post.
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