---
name: MetalForge
slug: metalforge
url: "https://dontmakeitugly.com/resources/metalforge"
website: "https://metalforge.xyz"
docs: "https://metalforge.xyz/editor"
type: tool
categories:
  - motion
  - tools
tags:
  - shaders
  - metal
  - swiftui
  - ios
  - react-native
  - skia
  - generator
  - effects
pricing: freemium
openSource: false
agentFriendly: limited
agentAccessMethods:
  - download
difficulty: intermediate
dateAdded: "2026-09-03"
---

# MetalForge

Tweak sliders, get a real Metal shader for SwiftUI or a Skia shader for React Native.

- Type: Tool
- Categories: Motion, Tools
- Pricing: Freemium
- Open source: no
- Works with: SwiftUI, Metal, React Native (Skia)

## What it is

MetalForge is a browser editor for shader effects aimed at iOS builders. Pick one of dozens of effects, adjust its parameters with live preview, and export a real .metal file plus the SwiftUI view that uses it, or a Skia shader for React Native. The editor is free to play with (sign-in required); exporting the files needs the Pro plan.

## Why it's here

Shaders are where native apps get their polish and where most builders give up. This removes the blank-file problem: you leave with working code, not a tutorial. Worth it if you're shipping an iOS app with an agent and want one effect that feels premium.

## Best for

- iOS apps built with SwiftUI
- React Native effects
- one premium shader effect

## Links

- Website: https://metalforge.xyz
- Docs: https://metalforge.xyz/editor

## Can my agent use this?

Not directly. The editor needs a sign-in and exports sit behind Pro. Once you export the .metal file and SwiftUI view, hand those files to your agent and ask it to integrate them into a view.

Agent friendliness: Limited. Mainly a visual reference. Great for humans and for describing a direction, but there's little an agent can read or install.
Access methods: Download.

## Prompt to hand your agent

```text
Use MetalForge as a visual and design reference for this project.

What it is: Tweak sliders, get a real Metal shader for SwiftUI or a Skia shader for React Native.

Website: https://metalforge.xyz
Documentation: https://metalforge.xyz/editor

Use it specifically for:
- iOS apps built with SwiftUI
- React Native effects
- one premium shader effect

How you can access it: Download.

Study the visual direction: typography, spacing, colour, hierarchy and motion. Describe what makes the references work, then apply those principles to this project's existing visual language. Do not copy layouts or assets directly; build something consistent with our own brand and accessibility requirements.
```

## Related

- [Apple Human Interface Guidelines](https://dontmakeitugly.com/resources/apple-hig.md): Apple's guidance on designing for iOS, macOS, watchOS and visionOS.
- [Thinking Orbs](https://dontmakeitugly.com/resources/thinking-orbs.md): An animated orb that shows what your AI is doing: listening, thinking, searching, working.
- [Liquid Logo](https://dontmakeitugly.com/resources/liquid-logo.md): Drop in your logo and get it back as flowing liquid metal, rendered live with shaders.
- [tweakcn](https://dontmakeitugly.com/resources/tweakcn.md): A visual theme editor that makes a shadcn/ui app stop looking like every other shadcn/ui app.

MetalForge is an independent resource listed by Don't Make It Ugly. We link to it; we aren't affiliated with it. Pricing and licence details are as understood at the time of listing; check the official site.