forge-decals

To project depth-aware decals in SDL GPU, use a multi-pass deferred rendering pipeline that reconstructs world space positions from depth textures and projects decals within volume bounds using inverse view-projection matrices.

Deferred decals are projected textures applied onto existing scene geometry without modifying meshes. You need them for real-time effects like bullet holes, scorch marks, and weathering that conform to complex surfaces.

Yes, rendering decals requires depth textures with DEPTH_STENCIL_TARGET and SAMPLER usage. The pipeline samples depth to reconstruct world space positions and performs local-space bounds checks for accurate projection.

A multi-pass decal pipeline handles lighting and shadows by running separate shadow, scene, and decals passes. It samples shadow maps and uses normal G-buffer lighting alongside soft-edge fading for believable opaque surface effects.

Yes, you can apply runtime decals to annotate surfaces without UV maps. The decal pass projects textures directly onto geometry by reconstructing world space positions from depth, bypassing the need for UV coordinates.

The best way to place decals in a deferred rendering pipeline is defining decal positions and materials, then running a decal pass that uses inverse view-projection matrices and local-space projection to conform textures to depth.