Post
The chain of full-screen effects applied after the scene is rendered, transforming the raw image into the final polished look.
Post-processing is everything that happens to the rendered image after the 3D scene has been drawn. The raw render is passed through a sequence of full-screen effects, each modifying the image in some way: tone mapping adjusts exposure and color, bloom makes bright areas glow, ambient occlusion adds contact shadows, color grading applies a cinematic look, anti-aliasing smooths edges, and film grain adds texture. The order of these effects matters because each one operates on the output of the previous. A well-tuned post-processing pipeline can transform a visually competent render into something that looks breathtaking, while an overly aggressive pipeline can turn a clean image into a blurry, over-processed mess.
Example
The signature visual look of games like Death Stranding comes largely from Kojima Productions' post-processing pipeline, which applies specific color grading, atmospheric fog, and film-like grain that creates the game's haunting aesthetic. Uncharted 4's post-processing contributes heavily to its filmic quality, with carefully balanced tone mapping and color grading that makes gameplay look like a Hollywood blockbuster. Indie game Celeste uses a minimal post-processing chain with clean colors and subtle screen effects that complement rather than overwhelm its pixel art.
Why it matters
Post-processing is where a game's visual identity is often defined. Two games using the same engine and similar assets can look completely different based on their post-processing choices. Understanding the pipeline also explains why the settings menu matters: disabling individual post-processing effects lets you trade cinematic flair for performance or visual clarity based on your preferences.
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