I figured most people already knew about SweetFx, but for those who haven't, here's the skinny:
[size=x-large][size=large][size=x-large]What is SweetFx/ReShade?[/size][/size][/size]
SweetFx is a graphical post-processing tool designed specifically to work with video games. The old versions worked only on DirectX9 games, but SweetFx 2.0 is compatible with DX8/9/10/11, and even OpenGL.
ReShade is another tool that's meant to work in tandem with SweetFx. It handles beefier effects like dynamic depth-of-field, and allows the more advanced parts of SweetFx to work properly.
[size=x-large]What's a post-processing tool?[/size]
A post-processing tool is a program that uses "shaders" to change how a game looks. These shaders can do pretty much anything; ranging from simple ones that increase color saturation, to complex ones that simulate HDR, to a particularly unique one that attempts to render the game as multicolored ASCII characters.
Many modern games ship with certain post-processing shaders already programmed into the game, but SweetFx/ReShade allows just about any game made in the last 14 years to enjoy bloom, HDR, and other modern visual enhancements.
You might've heard of another post-processing tool called ENBSeries. While ENB is nice, it just doesn't have the flexibility of SweetFx; plus it's a total resource hog, whereas SweetFx runs great even on low-end hardware.
[size=x-large]Alright, I'm interested. Let's see what it can do.[/size]
SweetFx can be used to update a classic game with a modern aesthetic, as seen with Battlefield 2:
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Alternatively, SweetFx can cancel out an annoying inbuilt color filter:
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In the best of cases, SweetFx can completely alter a game's visual tone.
[size=x-large]Sweet! Now how can I get it?[/size]
Easy! Just click the big green "DOWNLOAD" button on the dev's official website (Here, have a link!), extract it with 7Zip, and run "ReShade Setup.exe".
Then click the big "Select Game" button and navigate to where you've got the game installed. Double-click on your game's executable file. (NOTE: Make sure it's the actual game itself, and not just a launcher or settings application.)
By default, it'll try to autodetect what graphics library the game uses. If that doesn't work, you'll have to manually specify it by clicking one of the radio buttons. (If you're ever in doubt, try Direct3D 9.) Once you've done that, SweetFx will automatically install itself to the directory of the executable you specified.
Technically you're done, but you aren't going to get very far without a preset settings file. Just hop onto the official SweetFx Settings Database, search up your game, and download a preset (It'll be a .txt file called "SweetFX_settings".) Drop that file into your "SweetFX" folder in your game directory, overwrite the existing settings file. It's as simple as that.
Naturally, if the effects aren't to your liking, or if they're doing a number on your performance, you'll be able to tweak them by editing the "SweetFX_settings.txt" file. If you're anything like me, you'll probably try out at least three dozen custom configurations before settling on the one that's right for you. Enjoy! 😃
