Water Flow Shader

Using Flow Maps to create directional fluid movement in Unity Shadergraph.

Shader Graph

Water Shader Graph

Flow Map Logic

A flow map utilizes the Red and Green channels to control panning direction:

  • Red Channel: Speed/Direction in X axis.
  • Green Channel: Speed/Direction in Y axis.

Applications

This method allows for precise control over water flow around assets. For example, painting a flow map around a rock in a stream ensures the water flows naturally around it rather than panning through it. This adds a significant layer of realism compared to standard panning textures.