How To Fix There is a syntax error with the shader for a material called "Surface shader"

Fixing a Shader Error in Unity by Replacing "UnityGlobalIllumination.conc"

Fixing a Shader Error in Unity by Replacing "UnityGlobalIllumination.conc"

This tutorial will guide you through resolving a shader error related to the "UnityGlobalIllumination.conc" file in Unity. This error typically presents itself as an unexpected token 'S' and can prevent your project from running correctly.

Symptoms:

  • Encountering a shader error message mentioning "UnityGlobalIllumination.conc" and an unexpected token 'S' around line 10.
  • Issues rendering materials in your Unity scene.

Solution:

  1. Download the Replacement File:

    • Visit the following link in your web browser: https://github.com/topics/global-illumination?l=c%... (This is the GitHub repository for Unity Built-in Shaders by TwoTailsGames)
    • Scroll down to the file named "UnityGlobalIllumination.cginc".
    • Click the "Raw" button next to the filename. This will display the code content.
    • Right-click anywhere on the code and select "Save As..." (or equivalent option on your browser).
    • Choose a convenient location on your computer to save the file. Make sure to save it with the exact name "UnityGlobalIllumination.conc".

    • UnityGlobalIllumination.conc

  2. Locate the File in Unity:

    • Open your Unity project.
    • Important: Close the Unity Editor completely before proceeding to the next step.
  3. Replace the Existing File:

    • Navigate to the following directory in your file explorer:

      C:\Program Files\Unity\Hub\Editor\**[Your Unity Version Number]**\Editor\Data\CGIncludes
      
    • Important: Replace [Your Unity Version Number] with the actual version number of Unity you are using. You can find this information by opening the Unity Editor, navigating to Help > About Unity.

    • Locate the original file named "UnityGlobalIllumination.conc" in this directory.

    • Back up the original file by copying and pasting it to a different location as a safety precaution (optional but recommended).

    • Copy the downloaded "UnityGlobalIllumination.conc" file from step 1.

    • Paste the copied file into the "CGIncludes" directory, replacing the original file.

    • UnityGlobalIllumination.conc


  4. Restart Unity Editor:

    • Launch the Unity Editor again.

After restarting Unity, the shader error should be resolved.

Additional Notes:

  • This solution assumes you have a basic understanding of file management and navigating directories on your computer.
  • Download the "UnityGlobalIllumination.conc" file from the specific version of the Unity Built-in Shaders repository that matches your Unity version.
  • If you encounter any difficulties, consider searching Unity forums for further assistance related to shader errors.

By following these steps and incorporating screenshots, you can create a comprehensive and informative blog tutorial to help other Unity users fix similar shader errors.