A visual node-based Vulkan graphics pipeline editor that generates standalone C++ applications.
Visual pipeline editor with live GPU preview
vkDuck is a visual development environment for creating Vulkan rendering pipelines without writing low-level GPU code. Design your graphics pipeline by connecting nodes in a visual graph, preview the results in real-time, and export a complete, standalone C++ Vulkan application.
This project was developed as part of a Master's thesis.
- Node-based workflow - Connect pipeline stages visually using an intuitive graph interface
- Live GPU preview - See your rendering output in real-time as you build
- Shader reflection - Write slang shaders and see the node pins getting generated
- Interactive cameras - FPS, Orbital, and Fixed camera modes with mouse/keyboard controls
Example node graph connecting model, camera, and pipeline nodes
- glTF/GLB model loading - Import 3D models with automatic texture resolution
- Embedded camera extraction - Use cameras defined in glTF files
- File watching - Models and shaders auto-reload when modified
- Parallel image loading - Fast texture loading with optimized decoders
- Complete project export - Generate standalone C++ applications with Meson build files
- Readable output - Generated code is clean, well-structured, and easy to understand
- All assets included - Shaders, models, and textures are bundled with the project
vkDuck/
├── vulkan_editor/ # Visual pipeline editor (ImGui-based)
│ ├── graph/ # Node system (Model, Pipeline, Camera, Light, Present)
│ ├── gpu/ # GPU resource management
│ ├── shader/ # Shader compilation and reflection
│ ├── ui/ # Editor UI components
│ └── io/ # File I/O and code generation
│
└── subprojects/vkDuck/ # Shared library for editor and generated projects
└── include/vkDuck/
├── vulkan_base.h # Vulkan initialization framework
├── camera_controller.h # Camera system
├── model_loader.h # glTF model loading
└── image_loader.h # Image loading
- C++23 compatible compiler (GCC 13+, Clang 16+, MSVC 2022+)
- Meson build system
- Vulkan SDK
- Slang shader compiler
| Library | Purpose |
|---|---|
| SDL3 | Window creation and input |
| Vulkan | Graphics API |
| GLM | Math library |
| ImGui | UI framework |
| imgui-node-editor | Node graph visualization |
| VMA | GPU memory allocation |
Most dependencies are fetched automatically via Meson wraps.
# Clone the repository
git clone https://github.com/fini03/vkDuck.git
cd vkDuck
# Configure and build
meson setup build
meson compile -C build
# Run the editor
./build/main- Start the editor and select a project folder
- Add a Pipeline Node - Load your vertex and fragment shaders
- Add a Model Node - Import a glTF/GLB model
- Add a Camera Node - Choose from Fixed, FPS, or Orbital camera types
- Connect the nodes - Link model outputs to pipeline inputs
- Preview - Use the Live View to see your rendering in real-time
- Generate - Export as a standalone C++ application
| Node | Description |
|---|---|
| Model | Loads 3D models (glTF/GLB) and manages materials/textures |
| Pipeline | Graphics pipeline with shader configuration |
| Camera | View/projection matrices (Fixed, FPS, Orbital modes) |
| Light | Light sources with configurable parameters |
| Present | Final output to the screen |
After generating a project:
cd generated_project
meson setup build
meson compile -C build
./build/main- WASD - Move forward/backward/strafe
- Mouse - Look around
- Left Mouse Drag - Rotate around target
- Scroll - Zoom in/out
- Middle Mouse Drag - Pan
This project is open source. You can find all licensing information in the licenses folder.
This project was developed as part of a master's thesis. Special thanks to the developers of the open source libraries that made this project possible:
- Dear ImGui - Immediate mode GUI
- imgui-node-editor - Node graph extension for ImGui
- Vulkan Memory Allocator - GPU memory management
- TinyGLTF - glTF model loading
- GLM - OpenGL Mathematics
- SDL3 - Cross-platform windowing
- Slang - Shader compilation and reflection