Home / Guides / ShaderGlass Windowed vs Borderless Capture Modes

ShaderGlass Windowed vs Borderless Capture Modes

Windowed and borderless modes often work better with desktop capture than exclusive fullscreen applications because they expose a capturable surface to Windows.

Before you begin

Use Windows 10 version 2004 (build 19041) or Windows 11 and a DirectX 11-capable GPU. Confirm the source window or capture device works without additional post-processing. The exact labels can differ between ShaderGlass versions and operating modes.

Step-by-step workflow

1. Try the source application in windowed mode first.
2. Place ShaderGlass so its processed region aligns with the source.
3. Switch to borderless presentation if the app and selected capture mode support it.
4. Confirm keyboard/mouse focus remains on the source and test performance.

Important details and limitations

Exclusive fullscreen behavior varies and may interfere with capture.

Windowed presentation can simplify testing when diagnosing black output.

Not every source or operating mode uses exactly the same setup controls.

How to verify the result

Compare the processed scene with the same source shown without ShaderGlass. Watch for clipping, unexpected color changes, black regions and input lag. Keep one parameter fixed at a time while troubleshooting. For version-dependent settings, refer to the developer manual instead of relying on old screenshots.

Questions and answers

Is borderless required for every emulator?

No. It is an option; ordinary windowed mode is a good initial test.

Why does exclusive fullscreen fail?

Some fullscreen paths are inaccessible to the chosen capture method.

Related guide: Fullscreen Overlay · All ShaderGlass guides · Windows download information.

Technical reference: Developer manual. This guide explains settings and does not alter the ShaderGlass application or its license.