How To: Anti-Aliasing/Shader Injection Tools (FXAA, SMAA, SweetFX, and GeDoSaTo)

Anti-aliasing injection mods (also known as AA Injectors) can be useful in the following scenarios

• Games that do not support multisampling/transparency anti-aliasing (such as games that use deferred shading)
• Games that offer unsatisfactory or non-configurable built-in anti-aliasing
• Situations where multisampling or supersampling causes too much of a performance hit
• Combining with other anti-aliasing methods to achieve better results or performance
• Adjusting and improving a game's visual factors such as colors, sharpness and lighting, using post processing filters (Ex: Sharpening and desaturating a blurry, colorful game)

These mods were created by members of the PC gaming community. They are vendor agnostic, meaning they will work regardless of your GPU's manufacturer. The majority of Directx 9/10/10.1/11 games are supported. Compatilibty with DX8 games can be achieved using the ENB DX8 to DX9 converter.
 

Inject FXAA is the mod that started it all and provided the base for subsequent AA mods by other authors. Based on NVIDIA FXAA by Timophy Lottes. Inject FXAA is comparatively difficult to configure and is no longer being worked on. Included here for the sake of completeness.
 

Download Inject FXAA

FXAA Tool (formerly a standalone GUI for FXAA PPI) is an advanced GUI utlitiy for installing and managing FXAA game profiles. Provides a centrally accessible database for game profiles, a wide variety of shader effects (including several exclusives), support for a user defined custom shader and profile sharing.

Download FXAA Tool

Inject SMAA by mrhaandi adds "Subpixel Morphological Anti-Aliasing" to an application and is based on InjectFXAA by some dude. Usually achieves better, cleaner results compared to FXAA. Provides several AA presets (Low, Medium, High and Ultra) but lacks any shader effects.

Download Inject SMAA 1.2
 

SweetFX is a universal image improvement and tweaking mod that works with almost any DirectX game or application. It merges Inject SMAA, some shaders from FXAA Too and Ceejay.dk's shaders into a single, easy to tweak package. Provides the most advanced configuration and post processing options.

Download SweetFX 1.5.1

SweetFX Injector is an alternative injector developed from the ground up for SweetFX, by Boulotaur2024. It provides several benefits over regular SweetFX (which depends on the original injectors created by mrhaandi and some dude). These benefits include better performance, on the fly switching between FXAA and SMAA, support for 64bit games, better logging, sensible screenshot names, cleaner file structure, and additional shaders such as Gaussian and film grain.

Download SweetFX Injector 20130601

SweetFX Configurator is a GUI tool for SweetFX. It allows gamers to enable/disable SweetFX for any number of games and conveniently manage the settings for each game centrally, eliminating the need to manually find and edit separate settings files using text editors.

Download SweetFX Configurator 1.5.1

Note: The program version is stated as 1.3.1 but it has been updated to use SweetFX 1.5.1

GeDoSaTo is a generalized downsampling tool for PC games. While initially focused on improving Dark Souls 2, GeDoSaTo has rapidly gained new features, including a versatile plugin system, which allows it to be used with any game. In addition to downsampling, GeDoSaTo provides support for injecting SMAA or FXAA, and custom post-processing shaders, such as the SweetFX shader suite. Some of GeDoSaTo's advantages include the ability to apply effects without affecting the HUD, capture HUD-less screenshots, run in borderless fullscreen window mode, and CPU/GPU frame timing information. As of current, GeDoSaTo only supports DX9.

The latest version of GeDoSaTo can be found on Durante's blog: here

SweetFX, InjectSMAA and InjectFXAA

• Copy all files to the folder containing your game's main exe (see exceptions)
• Play the game
• (Optional) Tweak the settings file
• Delete files to uninstall

SweetFX Configurator and FXAA Tool

• Extract and run the tool from any location
• Use the GUI to add games to the list and modify settings
• Play the game
• Remove game profile to uninstall

GeDoSaTo

• Extract the tool anywhere, and it as administrator
• Check the whitelist to see if your game listed
• If your game is not listed, you may either follow the instructions at the top of the list to add it (the HUD will be affected by shaders), or follow this guide to create a profile so the game's HUD remains unaffected by the shaders
• Start the game

r_UseEdgeAA=0
r_FSAA=0

r_FSAA = 0
r_UseEdgeAA = 0
r_PostMSAA = 0

Make sure you have the latest version of DirectX installed. If you encounter any issues, check the included documentation or the Troubleshooting section.

SweetFX Presets

Here you can find presets created by myself and members of the OCN community. If you wish to use a preset with a different version of SweetFX, open the settings file and manually migrate the settings to avoid compatibility issues. Feel free to modify each preset to suit your personal preferences.

The injectors may fail to load due to any of the following reasons

• Incompatibility with built-in anti-aliasing: Disable the game's built-in anti-aliasing and check for any driver anti-aliasing you may have forgotten to disable. In the case of games like Crysis 1/2, a config file (autoexec.cfg) or a configuration tool is the best way to do this. 

• Incorrect dll or dll location: One way to find out if the injector is attempting to load is to check for a "log.log". If no log file is being created then you have probably copied the dll to the wrong folder or you're using the wrong dll for the game's version of DirectX.

• Incorrect location of injector files: If the injector tries but fails to load (crash during startup), the location of the "log.log" file indicates where the injector expects the rest of the files (everything sans the dlls) to be. For games like Crysis 1/2 and Stalker CS/CoP this involves copying the dll to the bin folder and copying everything else to the game's main folder.

• Incompatibility with 64 bit games: As of current, all injection mods work on 32 bit games only. Attempting to use 64 bit executable will only result in a crash.

• Insufficient user permissions: If a game is installed into a location that is read only for your current user it may cause the injector to crash on startup. The solution is to either run the game in administrator mode (right click and select "run as administrator") or to modify the game folder's properties and grant your user account write access.

• Incompatibility with LucidLogix Virtu MVP: In some cases, LucidLogix Virtu MVP will conflict with the injectors causing the game to fail to load. If your system has Virtu MVP, try disabling it.

• Conflicts with Third Party Applications: Third party applications such as FRAPS, MSI Afterburner and RadeonPro have been known to cause various conflicts with AA Injectors. For example, In Windows 8, having FRAPS running in the background will cause all injectors to fail. If none of the other solutions have worked for you, try closing these kinds of applications.

• Windowed Borderless Mode: Windowed Borderless Mode has been known to cause issues with AA injectors. If you are are using this mode and are having trouble getting your AA injector to work, try switching back to regular fullscreen mode.

• Windows Update KB2670838: This particular windows update may cause the injectors to fail in certain games. If you've tried everything else, uninstalling this update may fix the issue. Alternatively, try switching to Boulotaur's SweetFX Injector which has been coded to work with this update (download link available above).

The RivaTuner Statistics Server (RTSS) is used by MSI Afterburner and EVGA Precision for displaying useful information such as framerates and temperatures on the screen as well as framerate limitting and screen/video capturing.

To enable compatibility with AA Injectors, perform the following steps

• Create a profile for the game making sure that you link to the primary executable rather than the launcher
• Click on the settings icon (looks like a spanner)
• Mark the "enable compatibility with modified Direct3D runtime libraries" checkbox

In newer versions of the RivaTuner Statistics Server (RTSS 5.0+), simply enable "Custom Direct3D support" from the main window, for each profile.

Enabling this on the global profile is not recommended as it can cause issues with certain incompatible applications, preventing them from starting (this is rare). If all else fails, set application detection to "none", effectively disabling the OSD for that particular application.

RadeonPro is a tool that runs in the background and automatically applies various 3D settings (AA/AF/vsync/etc.) whenever a game is run. RadeonPro can also be used to apply FXAA, SMAA or SweetFX, display an OSD and capture screenshots. In order to integrate SweetFX, simply set the path to SweetFX in the RadeonPro settings. You may now use RadeonPro to enable SweetFX for any of your games.

Note: RadeonPro SweetFX Integration reportedly works with Nvidia cards as well.

ENBSeries is 3D graphics mod for a wide variety of games. It works by intercepting render function calls and applying additional effects such as SSAO and HDR. To combine ENBSeries with an AA injector, peform the following steps

• Rename d3d9.dll to something else like myd3d9.dll
• Install the ENB series files into the same directory
• Edit enbseries.ini so the top section looks like this:

[PROXY]
EnableProxyLibrary=true
InitProxyFunctions=true
ProxyLibrary=myd3d9.dll

AA injectors do not modify a game's files or memory data in anyway. It is virtually impossible to use them to cheat. They have been around for approximately two years and most video game companies are aware of them. During that period of time, nobody has been permanently banned for using an AA injector. Naturally, there are no guarantees. This should be adequately reassuring for users who worry about getting banned for using an injector online.

For capturing screenshots, it is best to use the injector's built-in screenshot function (bound to "Print screen" by default). Screenshots are saved to the same folder that contains the header/config files. Images are BMP or PNG depending on the injector. The toggle button ("Scroll lock" by default) is useful for taking comparison screenshots, eliminating the need to restart the game.

External image capturing solutions (such as steam's built-in screenshot function) are incapable of capturing the anti-aliasing and/or post processing effects. Use the built-in screenshot function instead.

DirectX Image Viewer is a simple tool that can be used to apply any AA injector to a screenshot. This can have a variety of uses, including the following

• Making the job of creating a preset easier and faster (light weight, instant alt tabbing and frame perfect comparisons)
• The option to apply your SweetFX config on other people's screenshots or screenshots from games that haven't been released yet
• Creating screenshot comparisons from your existing screenshots (Steam, RTSS, etc.) 

See ReadMe.txt for instructions.

Download DirectX 9 Image Viewer 1.4

Related Threads

Anti-aliasing: The Basics

How To: Downsampling with NVIDIA

AMD Downsampling Guide

Screenshot of your Games Thread

External Links

Official SweetFX Release Thread

SweetFX Settings Database

RadeonPro Download

RivaTuner Statistics Server

ENBSeries Mods

Downsampling: How to (Alternative NVIDIA guide)

Feel free to share screenshots, configs and ideas or inquire about a particular game

If asking for help, please include the contents of your log file

The following screenshots have been selected with the purpose of giving you a general idea of the possibilities when using AA injection mods. It is recommended to view each image in a new tab or to download and view them with a fullscreen image viewer.

An image album containing all uploaded screenshots is available here

Stalker: Clear Sky NoAA	Stalker: Clear Sky FXAA	Stalker: Clear Sky SMAA	Stalker: Clear Sky 4x MSAA
Krater NoAA	Krater FXAA+PP	Borderlands NoAA	Borderlands SMAA
Two Worlds II NoAA	Two Worlds II SMAA	Two Worlds II FXAA+Sharpen	Two Worlds II FXAA
Two Worlds II NoAA	Two Worlds II FXAA+PP	Spellforce 2 NoAA	Spellforce 2 FXAA+PP
Crysis NoAA	Crysis 4x MSAA	Crysis SMAA	Crysis 4x MSAA + SMAA
Mass Effect 3 NoAA	Mass Effect 3 SMAA	Mass Effect 3 NoAA	Mass Effect 3 SMAA
Torchlight NoAA	Torchlight SweetFX	The Witcher 2 NoAA	The Witcher 2 SweetFX
Darksiders NoAA	Darksiders SweetFX	Crysis 2 NoAA	Crysis 2 SweetFX
Crysis 2 NoAA	Crysis 2 SweetFX	Crysis 2 NoAA	Crysis 2 SweetFX
Just Cause 2 NoAA	Just Cause 2 SweetFX	Just Cause 2 NoAA	Just Causes 2 SweetFX
Might & Magic Heroes VI NoAA	Might & Magic Heroes VI SweetFX	Might & Magic Heroes VI NoAA	Might & Magic Heroes VI SweetFX
Metro 2033 NoAA*	Metro 2033 SweetFX	Metro 2033 NoAA*	Metro 2033 SweetFX
Dark Souls NoAA	Dark Souls SweetFX	Dark Souls NoAA	Dark Souls SweetFX
Skyrim NoAA	Skyrim ENB	Skyrim ENB+SweetFX	DoW II Retribution NoAA
Skyrim NoAA	Skyrim ENB	Skyrim ENB+SweetFX	DoW II Retribution SweetFX
DoW II Retribution NoAA	DoW II Retribution SweetFX	DoW II Retribution NoAA	DoW II Retribution SweetFX
Deus Ex Human Revolution NoAA	Deus Ex Human Revolution SMAA	Deus Ex Human Revolution MLAA	Deus Ex Human Revolution FXAA
Arcania: Gothic 4 NoAA	Arcania: Gothic 4 SweetFX	Arcania: Gothic 4 NoAA	Arcania: Gothic 4 SweetFX
Torchlight 2 NoAA	Torchlight 2 SweetFX	Torchlight 2 NoAA	Torchlight 2 SweetFX
Borderlands 2 NoAA	Borderlands 2 SweetFX	Borderlands 2 NoAA	Borderlands 2 SweetFX
Super Street Fighter IV: AE NoAA	Super Street Fighter IV: AE SweetFX	Super Street Fighter IV: AE NoAA	Super Street Fighter IV: AE SweetFX
Stalker: SoC NoAA	Stalker: SoC SweetFX	Stalker: SoC NoAA	Stalker: SoC SweetFX
WH40k: DoW - Soulstorm NoAA	WH40k: DoW - Soulstorm SweetFX	WH40k: DoW - Soulstorm NoAA	WH40k: DoW - Soulstorm SweetFX
Drakensang: TRoT NoAA	Drakensang: TRoT SweetFX	Drakensang: TRoT NoAA	Drakensang: TRoT SweetFX
Divinity II: Ego Draconis NoAA	Divinity II: Ego Draconis SweetFX	Divinity II: Ego Draconis NoAA	Divinity II: Ego Draconis SweetFX
Fallout New Vegas 2xSGSSAA	Fallout New Vegas 2xSGSSAA+SweetFX	Fallout New Vegas 2xSGSSAA	Fallout New Vegas 2xSGSSAA+SweetFX
Fallout New Vegas NoAA	Fallout New Vegas SMAA	Fallout New Vegas FXAA	Fallout New Vegas 2xSGSSAA
Mount&Blade Warband NoAA	Mount&Blade Warband SweetFX	Mount&Blade Warband NoAA	Mount&Blade Warband SweetFX
Fable 3 NoAA	Fable 3 FXAA	Fable 3 NoAA	Fable 3 FXAA
The Ball NoAA	The Ball SweetFX	The Ball NoAA	The Ball SweetFX
Risen 2: Dark Waters NoAA	Risen 2: Dark Waters SweetFX	Risen 2: Dark Waters NoAA	Risen 2: Dark Waters SweetFX

The following screenshots were captured and uploaded by contributors. Kudos to Lifeshield, Derko1, Alatar, Rayce185, EasyC, pengs, amd955be5670, jim2point0 and Xinoxide.

Saints Row: The Third NoAA	Saints Row: The Third SweetFX	Saints Row: The Third NoAA	Saints Row: The Third SweetFX
NFS Hot Pursuit NoAA	NFS Hot Pursuit SweetFX	NFS Hot Pursuit NoAA	NFS Hot Pursuit SweetFX
Guild Wars 2 NoAA	Guild Wars 2 SweetFX	Guild Wars 2 NoAA	Guild Wars 2 SweetFX
Oblivion NoAA	Oblivion SweetFX	Oblivion NoAA	Oblivion SweetFX
Titan Quest Default	Titan Quest SweetFX	Titan Quest Default	Titan Quest SweetFX
Diablo 3 Default	Diablo 3 SweetFX	Diablo 3 Default	Diablo 3 SweetFX
Black Mesa NoAA	Black Mesa SweetFX	Shift 2: Unleashed Default+Downsampling	Shift 2: Unleashed SweetFX
Shift 2: Unleashed Default+Downsampling	Shift 2: Unleashed SweetFX	Shift 2: Unleashed Default+Downsampling	Shift 2: Unleashed SweetFX
NFS Most Wanted Default	NFS Most Wanted SweetFX	Battlefield 3 Default	Battlefield 3 SweetFX
Battlefield 3 Default	Battlefield 3 SweetFX	Battlefield 3 Default	Battlefield 3 SweetFX
Arma 2 OA Default	Arma 2 OA SweetFX	Arma 2 OA Default	Arma 2 OA SweetFX
Call of Duty Black Ops Default	Call of Duty Black Ops SweetFX	Call of Duty Black Ops Default	Call of Duty Black Ops SweetFX
Call of Duty Black Ops Default	Call of Duty Black Ops SweetFX	Call of Duty Black Ops 2 Default	Call of Duty Black Ops 2 SweetFX
Call of Duty Black Ops 2 Default	Call of Duty Black Ops 2 SweetFX	Call of Duty Black Ops 2 Default	Call of Duty Black Ops 2 SweetFX
Far Cry 2 Default	Far Cry 2 SweetFX	Far Cry 2 Default	Far Cry 2 SweetFX
Chivalry Default+8xAA+8xTrAA	Chivalry +SweetFX	Chivalry Default+8xAA+8xTrAA	Chivalry +SweetFX
Chivalry Default+8xAA+8xTrAA	Chivalry +SweetFX	Darksiders Default+8xSSAA	Darksiders +SweetFX
Darksiders Default+8xSSAA	Darksiders +SweetFX	Darksiders Default+8xSSAA	Darksiders +SweetFX
Assassin's Creed Default	Assassin's Creed 4xSSAA+SweetFX	Assassin's Creed Default	Assassin's Creed 4xSSAA+SweetFX
Assassin's Creed Default	Assassin's Creed 4xSSAA+SweetFX	Assassin's Creed Default	Assassin's Creed 4xSSAA+SweetFX
Prince of Persia: TFS Default	Prince of Persia: TFS SweetFX	Prince of Persia: TFS Default	Prince of Persia: TFS SweetFX
Prince of Persia: TFS Default	Prince of Persia: TFS SweetFX	Prince of Persia: TFS Default	Prince of Persia: TFS SweetFX
Borderlands 2 SweetFX	Borderlands 2 SweetFX	Borderlands 2 SweetFX	Borderlands 2 SweetFX
Mafia 2 Default	Mafia 2 SweetFX	Mafia 2 Default	Mafia 2 SweetFX
Dead Space 3 Default	Dead Space 3 SweetFX	Dead Space 3 Default	Dead Space 3 SweetFX
Tomb Raider Default	Tomb Raider SweetFX	Tomb Raider Default	Tomb Raider SweetFX
Tomb Raider Default	Tomb Raider SweetFX	Arma 3 Default	Arma 3 SweetFX
Resident Evil 6 Default	Resident Evil 6 SweetFX	Resident Evil 6 Default	Resident Evil 6 SweetFX