Shader hooks
Spectral uses matching patches to Unreal's shader files for its rendering integrations. The Settings tab reports whether those hooks are enabled and offers install/update and restore actions.
Hook status
Shader hooks are enabled means the hook installation is detected. Shader hooks are disabled means it is not enabled. A plugin that loads successfully is not by itself proof that the engine shader files match the package.
If a feature disappears or shaders fail after changing versions, check the installed package and hook state before tuning scene settings.
Enable Shader Hooks
Installs the package's renderer shader hooks after checking the supported engine files and backups. Close other editor instances using the same engine installation first.
Restart the editor after the change and wait for shader compilation. Enabling hooks does not apply all project requirements or bake lighting.
bake lightingUpdate Shader Hooks
Shown when hooks are already enabled. Applies the hooks from the currently installed Spectral package, which is important after replacing or updating the plugin.
Use the package matching the engine version. Do not copy patched files from another engine release to force a mismatch through.
Disable Shader Hooks
Restores the original engine shader files from the managed backups and disables the hooks. Use it before uninstalling Spectral, then close the editor before removing the plugin.
If restoration fails because a backup is missing or invalid, retain the files and inspect the reported error. Do not delete the evidence or treat a partial restore as a successful uninstall.
Hooks change files in the engine installation. Every project using that installation sees those files. A separate project folder does not isolate the patch; use a separate engine installation when isolation is required.
Reported failures
| Failure | What to check |
|---|---|
| Wrong engine version | Use the package for the installed Unreal version |
| Missing payload | Check that the full release package was installed |
| Missing engine shader | Check the target engine installation and reported path |
| Missing or invalid backup | Resolve the backup problem before attempting a restore or forced replacement |
| Unrecognized engine shader | The engine file does not match an accepted source; check for other edits or an unsupported build |
| Conflicting tonemapper | Resolve the conflicting shader modification instead of stacking incompatible replacements |
| Not writable | Check file permissions, source-control state, and the exact reported path |
| Ancillary write failed | Check the additional reported configuration/file operation; do not assume the whole change completed |
Do not bypass these checks by copying arbitrary shader files. The status and error describe installation state, not a render-quality setting.
Restart notification
Use Restart Now when offered after a successful change, or restart manually once work is saved. A file update can be complete while the running editor still uses previously compiled shader state.
Other Settings actions
Fix Settings and Fix Suggested Settings change project and level configuration. They are documented under Project settings and do not replace the shader-hook actions.