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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:

Loading component...

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.

PropTypeDefaultDescription
speednumber1.0Cloud drift speed (0.1 to 2.0)
densitynumber1.0Nebula cloud density and opacity (0.5 to 2.0)
starsnumber1.0Star brightness and quantity (0.0 to 2.0)
temperaturenumber0.5Color temperature, cool to warm (0.0 to 1.0)
turbulencenumber1.0Cloud complexity and detail (0.5 to 2.0)
classNamestring-Additional Tailwind CSS classes
...propsHTMLAttributes<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:

React nebula effect FAQ