To understand how to use a toon shader in MMD, you must understand the three "eras" of MMD graphics.
To use advanced toon shaders, ensure you have the MikuMikuEffect plugin installed.
float4 PS( VS_OUTPUT input ) : SV_Target
Toon shaders in MikuMikuDance (MMD) are specialized MikuMikuEffect (MME) scripts that transform 3D models into 2D, anime-style visuals by simplifying light gradients into flat blocks of color. Core Toon Shading Options toon shader mmd
Projects requiring advanced lighting (emissive lights, volumetrics) alongside the toon look. 3. Iitovy's Toon Shader
A "Toon Shader" (also known as Cel-shading) flattens lighting into distinct bands of color rather than smooth gradients. Think of Xiaolin Showdown , The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild , or Guilty Gear . In MMD, toon shaders transform blocky 3D models into living, breathing 2D illusion paintings.
: Open MMD and load your desired .pmx or .pmd model. To understand how to use a toon shader
A highly-regarded standalone MME effect that provides a classic 2D aesthetic, though it is generally incompatible with Ray-MMD. NCHL2 / ikPolish:
"Hair shadows look like a helmet." Solution: In PMX Editor, separate the hair's front, back, and sidelocks into different "Material groups." Assign them slightly different toon IDs so the shadow cuts at different angles.
Most toon shaders require you to disable MMD’s default self-shadow . Go to Model Manipulation > Draw > Uncheck Self Shadow . Think of Xiaolin Showdown , The Legend of
Because toon shaders rely on harsh shadows, the direction of the light.fx (or the default MMD light) is crucial. A light coming from the side will show the toon effect better than a front-facing light. Conclusion
The system requires Ray-MMD version 1.5.0 or later to access toon-shading features. Ray-MMD integrates toon shading through configuration file adjustments—specifically setting values in the ray.conf file to enable toon effects. The level of control Ray-MMD offers makes it a favorite among experienced users who want professional-grade results.