What is the Bolt.new Shaders connector?

The Bolt.new Shaders connector is a specialized tool built on the Model Context Protocol that allows the Bolt AI agent to access a library of over 500 animated presets. It enables the AI to implement high-performance visual effects, such as liquid backgrounds and grain textures, using WebGPU technology directly within a web application project.

How does the Shaders connector work in Bolt.new?

The connector functions as an MCP server that bridges the Bolt AI agent with the Shaders library. When a user prompts for a visual effect, the agent autonomously browses the presets, installs the necessary npm packages, and writes the code required to execute the WebGPU-powered animations without the user needing to write custom shader code manually.

What is the price of Shaders Pro for Bolt.new?

Accessing the full library of 500 plus presets through the Bolt connector requires a Shaders Pro account. This is currently offered as a one-time purchase for 199 dollars, which is a 20 percent discount from the standard 249 dollar price. This single payment provides lifetime access to all current presets and future updates.

What are Shaders Pro notes in the Bolt connector?

Shaders Pro notes are specialized documentation provided to the Bolt AI agent through the MCP connector. These notes act as a knowledge layer that helps the agent understand how to correctly customize and implement specific shader effects. This ensures the AI can modify the visual presets accurately based on the user's natural language instructions.

Is the Shaders connector available to all Bolt.new users?

The Shaders connector is available to any user within the Bolt.new platform via the official Connectors panel. While the connector itself can be found and opened by anyone, fully unlocking and installing the 500 plus presets requires a Shaders Pro account. Users can log in with their Pro credentials directly inside the Bolt interface.

Bolt.new Launches Shaders Connector to Automate High-End WebGPU Visual Polish

Agentic Coding

MCP

AI Agent

Performance

Published Apr 21, 2026

Bolt.new, a browser-based AI IDE powered by WebContainers, launched a Shaders connector giving its agentic loop access to 500+ animated presets. Built on MCP, the connector lets the AI browse, install, and customize high-performance WebGPU effects directly within a project, automating complex visual polish.

This update extends the product arc of giving coding agents specialized domain knowledge through dedicated connectors. While earlier releases focused on internal design systems, this integration targets the visual gap in AI-generated sites, mirroring the visual design focus recently adopted by other browser-based IDEs.

You can now prompt the Bolt.new agent to add specific visual polish, such as liquid backgrounds, which it handles by configuring the necessary npm packages. Access requires a Shaders Pro account, a $199 one-time purchase including Pro notes for customization. The connector is available now via the official Connectors panel.

Read the full update →

Frequently asked questions

What is the Bolt.new Shaders connector?: The Bolt.new Shaders connector is a specialized tool built on the Model Context Protocol that allows the Bolt AI agent to access a library of over 500 animated presets. It enables the AI to implement high-performance visual effects, such as liquid backgrounds and grain textures, using WebGPU technology directly within a web application project.
How does the Shaders connector work in Bolt.new?: The connector functions as an MCP server that bridges the Bolt AI agent with the Shaders library. When a user prompts for a visual effect, the agent autonomously browses the presets, installs the necessary npm packages, and writes the code required to execute the WebGPU-powered animations without the user needing to write custom shader code manually.
What is the price of Shaders Pro for Bolt.new?: Accessing the full library of 500 plus presets through the Bolt connector requires a Shaders Pro account. This is currently offered as a one-time purchase for 199 dollars, which is a 20 percent discount from the standard 249 dollar price. This single payment provides lifetime access to all current presets and future updates.
What are Shaders Pro notes in the Bolt connector?: Shaders Pro notes are specialized documentation provided to the Bolt AI agent through the MCP connector. These notes act as a knowledge layer that helps the agent understand how to correctly customize and implement specific shader effects. This ensures the AI can modify the visual presets accurately based on the user's natural language instructions.
Is the Shaders connector available to all Bolt.new users?: The Shaders connector is available to any user within the Bolt.new platform via the official Connectors panel. While the connector itself can be found and opened by anyone, fully unlocking and installing the 500 plus presets requires a Shaders Pro account. Users can log in with their Pro credentials directly inside the Bolt interface.