Expand RenderWave
RenderWave is becoming expandable: a local CLI and ShaderForge IDE for creators who want to build their own visuals, with paid AI shader design gated behind token packs.
Last updated: May 13, 2026
Now
Internal tooling being productized
rw Expansion CLI
Internal alphaA local command-line kit for listing, adding, validating, testing, rendering, and promoting custom RenderWave visuals.
ShaderForge Workspace
Internal alphaA saved shader workspace that can load source, preview edits, validate output, and promote finished visuals into RenderWave.
Headless Preview Renders
Internal alphaPNG renders and contact sheets for fast visual inspection without opening the full app window.
Next
Creator-facing product polish
Polished ShaderForge IDE
In progressA code-first shader environment shaped for RenderWave visuals, combining live preview, project structure, and safety checks.
Creator Package Workflow
PlannedImport, export, restore, and package custom shaders, sessions, and presets without touching internal project files.
Compatibility Gates
In progressCompile, lint, parameter, and preview checks before custom visuals are trusted in a live RenderWave set.
Paid AI
Token-gated generation and refinement
Token-Pack AI Shader Design
PlannedAI-assisted shader generation and refinement gated behind purchased generation credits.
RenderWave-Hosted Routing
PlannedGeneration runs through RenderWave-controlled infrastructure so models, costs, and quality gates can evolve behind the scenes.
Review Before Write
In progressAI output must pass review, preview, validation, and explicit approval before it becomes a usable visual.
Recently Delivered
These foundations already exist internally. The public roadmap is about turning them into a creator-facing product.
Metal 3 Visual Runtime
FoundationThe core RenderWave renderer and visual library that the expansion layer builds on.
CLI Validation Pipeline
FoundationManifest, compile, lint, test, and end-to-end checks already exist for internal development.
App Automation Hooks
FoundationRenderWave can be launched, controlled, switched, parameterized, and captured for visual QA loops.
ShaderForge Preview Host
FoundationThe preview path exists; the roadmap is turning it into a polished creator product.
From Idea to Visual
The free local path is about creation, validation, preview, and packaging. The AI path is separate: paid, token-gated, and operated through RenderWave-controlled infrastructure.
Create
Use ShaderForge or the rw CLI to build a custom visual locally.
Validate
Run RenderWave's compile, lint, parameter, and preview gates.
Promote
Move approved custom visuals into a RenderWave library workflow.
Generate
Use paid AI shader design only when you want RenderWave-hosted generation help.
Creator Expansion Layer
RenderWave ships as a complete VJ app. ShaderForge and the rw CLI are for advanced users who want to extend it.