Adaptive Hierarchical Edge Detection: Enhancing Real-Time Artistic Stylization in Computer Graphics

AHEAD (Adaptive Hierarchical Edge Detection) is a real-time artistic stylization shader for video games. It uses a novel three-layer hierarchy (Silhouette, Structure, Texture) and adaptive sensitivity to generate clean, stable, ink-style outlines that react dynamically to scene lighting and depth.

Paper Title: Adaptive Hierarchical Edge Detection: Enhancing Real-Time Artistic Stylization in Computer Graphics

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Warning

Z-Buffer & Engine Compatibility: Please be aware that depending on the specific game engine, the Z-buffer (depth data) may or may not be exposed to the ReShade software.

• Recommendation: To ensure a consistent testing environment and verify that the shader is functioning correctly, it is highly recommended to use the games shown in the examples for your initial validation.
• Note on UE5: Most recent Unreal Engine 5 (UE5) titles fully support depth buffer access, making them ideal candidates for testing this project.

📥 1. How to Install ReShade

Important

Version Compatibility: This project was developed and validated using ReShade 6.6.2. While the code is likely compatible with other versions, performance metrics and shader behavior may vary.

To use this shader, you must first install the ReShade injector for your specific game.

Please refer to Marty's Mods Guide for a detailed, step-by-step installation tutorial: 👉 How to Install ReShade (Setup Tool)

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🛠️ 2. Installing AHEAD

Once ReShade is installed for your game:

1. Clone or download this repository.
2. Navigate to the folder:
   ./Code/Our_Method
3. Copy the file CombinedHybrid_Edge.fx.
4. Paste them into the game's shader directory. This is typically located at:
   • Folder: [Game Directory]\reshade-shaders\Shaders\
5. Launch the Game.
6. Press Home on your keyboard to open the ReShade menu.
7. Search for CombinedHybridEdge in the list and check the box to enable it.

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🖼️ Gallery

Below are results demonstrating the AHEAD shader in various game engines.(Click the image to get the full-res image)

The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim – Special Edition

Cyberpunk 2077

The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

📄 Citation

This repository contains the official source code for the manuscript "Adaptive Hierarchical Edge Detection: Enhancing Real-Time Artistic Stylization in Computer Graphics", currently under review at The Visual Computer.

If you use this code or find the method useful for your research, please cite the work as follows:

@article{MK2026AHEAD,
  title={Adaptive Hierarchical Edge Detection: Enhancing Real-Time Artistic Stylization in Computer Graphics},
  author={M. K., Lino Roshaan},
  journal={The Visual Computer (Under Review)},
  year={2026},
  url={[https://github.com/Chronos-Asteri/AHEAD-AdaptiveEdgeDetection](https://github.com/Chronos-Asteri/AHEAD-AdaptiveEdgeDetection)}
}