https://github.com/brooklyn-dev/ray-tracing
A GPU-accelerated, physically-based path tracer built with C++ and OpenGL - from scratch.
https://github.com/brooklyn-dev/ray-tracing
cpp cpp17 glad glfw3 glm glsl graphics opengl path-tracing pbr ray-tracing raytracer raytracing real-time-rendering
Last synced: 4 days ago
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A GPU-accelerated, physically-based path tracer built with C++ and OpenGL - from scratch.
- Host: GitHub
- URL: https://github.com/brooklyn-dev/ray-tracing
- Owner: Brooklyn-Dev
- License: mit
- Created: 2025-06-01T12:04:46.000Z (4 months ago)
- Default Branch: master
- Last Pushed: 2025-06-30T17:26:14.000Z (3 months ago)
- Last Synced: 2025-06-30T18:31:19.069Z (3 months ago)
- Topics: cpp, cpp17, glad, glfw3, glm, glsl, graphics, opengl, path-tracing, pbr, ray-tracing, raytracer, raytracing, real-time-rendering
- Language: C++
- Homepage:
- Size: 8.08 MB
- Stars: 2
- Watchers: 1
- Forks: 0
- Open Issues: 0
-
Metadata Files:
- Readme: README.md
- License: LICENSE
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README
# GPU Path Tracer in C++ and OpenGL
A GPU-accelerated, physically-based path tracer built with C++ and OpenGL — from scratch.
This was a project I made over two weeks. I've always thought ray tracers look cool and wanted to try creating one from scratch.
## Features
- Physically Based Rendering - Realistic lighting and reflections with energy-conserving materials
- Progressive Rendering - Image quality improves over time with live, frame-by-frame refinement
- Anti-Aliasing - Smooth edges using subpixel jitter and sample accumulation
- HDR Environment Maps - Skybox lighting with exposure (EV) control
- Procedural Sun - Adjustable directional light simulating sunlight
- Scene Management - Load and edit scenes via JSON files
- Interactive UI - Responsive ImGui interface with dockable panels and image export
## Technical Features
- GPU Path Tracing - Using OpenGL and GLSL
- Material System - Diffuse, specular (glossy/mirror), emissive, smoothness and procedural checker flag
- Cosine-Weighted Hemisphere Sampling - Physically accurate diffuse light distribution
- Russian Roulette Termination - Unbiased path termination for efficient global illumination
- sRGB Gamma Correction - Converts linear output to perceptual colour space
- Geometry Primitives - Spheres, infinite planes, and quads
## Gallery
## Installation
### Building from Source
To build this project from source, you will need the following prerequisites:
- C++ 17+ Compiler (e.g., GCC, Clang, MSVC)
- CMake 3.16+
- OpenGL 4.4+ drivers and development libraries (usually part of your graphics card driver installation)
#### Dependencies:
- You do **not** need to install any dependencies in order to build the project :D
- GLAD and single header files (nlohmann/json, stb) are included in `external/` folder
- Other dependencies are managed as git submodules:
- GLFW
- GLM
- ImGui
- ImGuiFileDialog
### Build Process
Tested on Windows 11 with MSVC. Untested, but should also build on Linux with GCC or Clang.
```bash
git clone https://github.com/Brooklyn-Dev/ray-tracing.git
cd ray-tracing
# Initialise and update all git submodules recursively
git submodule update --init --recursive
# Create build directory and run CMake
mkdir build && cd build
cmake -DCMAKE_BUILD_TYPE=Release ..
# Build the project
cmake --build . --config Release
# Run the executable
cd bin/Release
ray-tracing.exe
```
### Installing Pre-built Releases
1. Download the latest release from the [Releases](https://github.com/Brooklyn-Dev/ray-tracing/releases) page
2. Extract the archive to your desired location
3. Run the executable
## Usage
- File Menu - Load scenes and export renders
- Camera
- Movement (relative) - Arrow keys
- Up/Down - Space / LCtrl
- Rotate - LMB + Drag
- ImGui Windows
- Viewport - Displays the render output
- Settings - Adjust gamma, bounces, samples, skybox, sun, camera, etc.
## Potential Future Improvements
- Bounding Volume Hierarchy (BVH)
- Refraction and transmission materials
- Real-time scene editor
- Mesh loading (OBJ, glTF)
- Image-based textures
- Depth of field
- Support for more geometry types (cubes, torus, etc.)
- Basic video render with animated camera path
## Credits
- Environment maps by [Poly Haven](https://polyhaven.com/hdris) (CC0)
- Inspired by Sebastian Lague's [ray tracing devlog](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qz0KTGYJtUk)
- Inspired by NamePointer's [ray tracing devlog](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A61S_2swwAc)
- [Ray Tracing in One Weekend](https://raytracing.github.io/)
- The Cherno's [Ray Tracing series](https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLlrATfBNZ98edc5GshdBtREv5asFW3yXl)
## Like this project?
If you find this project interesting or useful, consider giving it a star ⭐️!
## License
This project is licensed under the MIT License. See [LICENSE](LICENSE) for more information.