Frequently asked questions

Does it work with Spotify, YouTube, a DJ app? Yes. Spiroshader™ captures whatever your system is playing, without any plug-in in the player: on Windows, on macOS 13 or later after a one-time permission prompt, and on Linux with PipeWire or PulseAudio. A microphone or line input and a network feed from another copy work too.

Do I need an internet connection? Spiroshader itself does not depend on a WiderUp online service. There are no WiderUp accounts, analytics or crash reporting. The Steam edition still uses the Steam client for installation, licensing and optional Steam Cloud, so Steam’s own online/offline requirements apply.

How many presets are included? A small, curated library of Spiroshader’s own presets during Early Access. We are expanding the included set during development. Spiroshader can also play compatible presets you add yourself. Third-party presets are not included, and WiderUp does not review or endorse them: their authors’ licenses apply, and you use them at your own risk. They can flash more strongly than the included presets; see the health warning.

Does it play MilkDrop presets? Spiroshader supports the MilkDrop 1 and 2 preset formats, including custom shaders, waves, shapes and sprites. Textures next to a preset are found by name. Compatibility depends on the preset and on any external textures it expects. Spiroshader does not include textures that came with other software, such as MilkDrop’s own. A texture that cannot be found is drawn black; Spiroshader looks for textures in your texture folder (Settings → General, with Show Advanced ticked).

Can I run it on my TV while the music plays on my PC? Yes, if the TV is connected to a second computer that runs Spiroshader. One follower can be connected: the copy on the machine with the music leads, the copy at the TV follows, and the audio travels with it. Both computers must be on the same network and need the presets being played, and the follower copy needs its own license and Steam account.

Can I run it on two PCs at the same time? Each running copy needs its own Steam copy of Spiroshader. With Steam Families, one copy can be used by one family member at a time, so running two at once needs two copies. Steam Support can tell you how Family Sharing applies to your account.

What do I need for HDR? An HDR-capable display with HDR enabled in the operating system, and the Vulkan, Direct3D 12 or Metal renderer. On other displays Spiroshader shows the picture in standard dynamic range.

What GPU do I need? A GPU and driver that support Vulkan 1.0, Direct3D 12 or Metal, with OpenGL 3.3 available as a fallback. Performance depends on the preset, render resolution and enabled effects. A discrete GPU is recommended for higher resolutions and heavier enhancement settings. Full system requirements are on the Steam store page.

Is there a photosensitivity risk? Yes. Presets can use rapid flashing, high contrast and brightness changes synchronized to the music. Read the health warning before you use Spiroshader or show it to others.

Where can I get it? On Steam, in Early Access for Windows, Linux and macOS.

Where is the price? On the Steam store page, in your currency with applicable taxes. Spiroshader is sold as a one-time purchase with no subscription.