# Custom Function Node

![01](images/Custom-Function-Node.png)

## Description

[Shader Graph](Shader-Graph.md) allows you to easily author custom shaders in Unity. However, because our default [Nodes](Node.md) can't cover everything you want to make, the package now comes with a Custom Function node in the [Node Library](Node-Library.md). 

The Custom Function node lets you inject your own custom HLSL code in Shader Graphs. You can either write small functions directly into graphs using the `string` mode, or reference external HLSL include files. You can also use the [Custom Port Menu](Custom-Port-Menu.md) to define your own input and output ports on the node itself. 

## How to Use
Use the [Create Node Menu](Create-Node-Menu.md) to create Custom Function nodes. By default, new Custom Function nodes don't have any input or output ports. 

Use the gear icon in the top right corner of the node to open the [Custom Port Menu](Custom-Port-Menu.md) and Custom Function Menu.

![02](images/Custom-Function-Node-File.png) ![03](images/Custom-Function-Node-String.png)

### Custom Function Menu

| Menu Item | Description |
|:----------|:------------|
| Inputs | A [Custom Port Menu](Custom-Port-Menu.md) that defines the input ports of the node. |
| Outputs | A [Custom Port Menu](Custom-Port-Menu.md) that defines the output ports of the node. |
| Type | A drop-down menu where you set the type of function. Select `File` to reference an external file, or `string` to directly input functions to the node. |
| Name | The name of the custom function in the final generated code. |
| Source | An asset field to reference the external HLSL include file. **Only available in `File` mode**. |
| Body | A text box where you enter HLSL code. **Only available in `String` mode**. |

### Defining the Function via String 
If you select `String` mode, the graph generates the shader function. The `Name` field defines the name of the generated function, and the `Body` field defines the contents of the generated function. The arguments, braces, and indent scope are handled automatically. In `String` mode you may use the token `$precision` instead of `half` or `float` when filling out the `Body` field. This will be replaced by the correct type, based on that node's precision, when the node is processed.

![04](images/Custom-Function-Node-String-wFunction.png)

The example above generates the following function:

![05](images/Custom-Function-Node-String-Output.png)

### Defining the Function via File 
If you select `File` mode, the graph does not automatically generate the shader function. `File` mode injects an include reference in the final generated shader, and uses a function from within the referenced file. The `Name` field must match the name of the function you wish to call. The `Source` field contains a reference to the HLSL file that includes the function. 

![06](images/Custom-Function-Node-File-wFunction.png)

When you use `File` mode for the Custom Function node, you must manually format the functions properly. One thing to note when creating custom functions for [Shader Graph](Shader-Graph.md) is the precision suffixes. The generated code appends a precision suffix to function names. Your include file function must also append your desired precision suffix (shown below with `_float`), or contain multiple functions with both `_float` and `_half` suffixes, but your `Name` field **must not include the precision suffix**. 

![07](images/Custom-Function-Node-File-Function-01.png)

`File` mode allows for more flexbility with custom functions in a graph. You can define uniform variables outside of the function scope, as shown here with a matrix.

![08](images/Custom-Function-Node-File-Function-02.png)

You can define multiple functions in the same file, and call them from your referenced function. Alternatively, you can reference the same file, but use different functions from different Custom Function nodes. 

![09](images/Custom-Function-Node-File-Function-03.png)

You can even include other files that contain other functions. 

![10](images/Custom-Function-Node-File-Function-04.png)

### Reusing Custom Function Nodes 
The Custom Function node, on its own, is a single node instance. If you wish to re-use the same custom functions without re-creating the inputs, outputs, and function referencing, use [Sub Graphs](Sub-graph.md). Sub Graphs appear in the [Create Node Menu](Create-Node-Menu.md), and they allow you to share or re-use your custom functions. 

![11](images/Custom-Function-Node-Subgraph.png)

Create your custom function either directly in a Sub Graph, or right-click the existing Custom Function node and select `Convert to Sub Graph`. Add the appropriate input and output ports using the [Blackboard](Blackboard.md) and [Custom Port Menu](Custom-Port-Menu.md). After this, you can reuse your custom function as many times as needed, even within other Sub Graphs.