React Nebula Shaders
React nebula effect with GPU space clouds and stars. Cosmic backgrounds for Next.js with TypeScript and shadcn/ui—free code.
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Need realistic space backgrounds without image files? Most developers use static images or simple gradients that look flat. This React nebula component uses WebGL fragment shaders with procedural noise to generate infinite cosmic clouds and twinkling star fields.
Copy-paste TypeScript component that creates deep space nebula with fractal cloud structures and animated star fields. Procedural generation means unlimited variety with zero image assets. Built for Next.js applications with shadcn/ui design system. GPU-accelerated—infinite cosmic detail.
React nebula effects with WebGL shaders
Procedural cosmic clouds with fractal structures and animated twinkling star fields:
Original shader by Dov Azencot
Perfect for React 19, Next.js 15, and modern TypeScript projects. Procedural nebula generation rendered entirely on GPU using GLSL fragment shaders and fractal noise. Customizable density, star fields, color temperature, and cloud turbulence. Full shadcn/ui compatibility with Tailwind CSS styling.
Installation
npx shadcn@latest add https://www.shadcn.io/registry/nebula-shaders.json
npx shadcn@latest add https://www.shadcn.io/registry/nebula-shaders.json
pnpm dlx shadcn@latest add https://www.shadcn.io/registry/nebula-shaders.json
bunx shadcn@latest add https://www.shadcn.io/registry/nebula-shaders.json
Usage
import { NebulaShaders } from "@/components/ui/nebula-shaders";
export default function SpaceBackground() {
return (
<NebulaShaders
speed={0.8}
density={1.2}
stars={1.0}
temperature={0.3}
turbulence={1.1}
>
<div className="relative z-10">
<h1>Content over cosmos</h1>
</div>
</NebulaShaders>
);
}
Why space backgrounds struggle with realism
Static space images look repetitive and increase bundle size. CSS gradients can't simulate cloud complexity. Most libraries use simple particle systems that look artificial compared to real nebula structures.
WebGL fragment shaders solve this with procedural generation. Fractal Brownian Motion creates realistic cloud structures. Noise functions generate infinite variety without image assets. Star positioning uses hash functions for natural distribution.
This React nebula component uses GLSL mathematics for authentic space appearance. Multiple noise octaves create complex cloud structures. Procedural star generation with twinkling effects. Color temperature control from cool blue to warm orange nebula.
React nebula shader features
- Procedural generation - Infinite cosmic variety using mathematical noise functions
- Fractal cloud structures - Brownian motion creates realistic nebula complexity
- Animated star fields - Procedural stars with twinkling effects and size variation
- Color temperature control - Cool blue to warm orange cosmic color schemes
- Cloud turbulence - Adjustable complexity and detail in nebula structures
- Density variation - Control cloud opacity and cosmic depth appearance
- Slow drift animation - Gentle movement simulating cosmic time scales
- TypeScript React component - Full IDE support with prop definitions
- Next.js compatible - Works with App Router and modern React patterns
- shadcn/ui integration - Consistent with Tailwind CSS design systems
- Copy-paste installation - No vendor lock-in, you own the shader code
- Zero image assets - Pure mathematical generation, no bundle bloat
API Reference
NebulaShaders
Main container component for the procedural nebula shader effect.
Prop | Type | Default | Description |
---|---|---|---|
speed | number | 1.0 | Cloud drift speed (0.1 to 2.0) |
density | number | 1.0 | Nebula cloud density and opacity (0.5 to 2.0) |
stars | number | 1.0 | Star brightness and quantity (0.0 to 2.0) |
temperature | number | 0.5 | Color temperature, cool to warm (0.0 to 1.0) |
turbulence | number | 1.0 | Cloud complexity and detail (0.5 to 2.0) |
className | string | - | Additional Tailwind CSS classes |
...props | HTMLAttributes<HTMLDivElement> | - | All standard div props |
WebGL nebula troubleshooting
Nebula too faint: Increase density
to 1.5+ for more visible cloud structures. Procedural generation creates subtle effects by default for realistic space appearance.
Stars not visible: Boost stars
to 1.5 for brighter star fields. Lower values create subtle background stars, higher values create dramatic star-filled space.
Colors too cool/warm: Adjust temperature
from 0.0 (cool blue) to 1.0 (warm orange-red). 0.3 creates realistic blue nebula, 0.7 creates emission nebula colors.
Mobile performance issues: GPU-intensive procedural generation needs optimization. Lower turbulence
to 0.8 and density
to 1.0 on mobile devices for smoother performance.
Clouds too simple/complex: Use turbulence
to control fractal detail. 0.5 creates simple, flowing clouds. 1.5+ creates highly detailed, complex nebula structures.
Animation too fast/slow: Adjust speed
for cosmic time scales. 0.3 creates very slow, meditative drift. 1.5+ creates faster cloud movement for dynamic backgrounds.
WebGL compatibility: Procedural generation requires decent GPU for fractal calculations. Provide CSS gradient space fallbacks for older devices with limited WebGL support.
More React shader components
Explore other GPU-accelerated components for Next.js applications:
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Cosmic Waves Shaders
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Glitch Shaders
Digital corruption effects with chromatic aberration and cyberpunk glitch
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