---
title: "What is OptiScaler? | OptiScaler"
description: "OptiScaler is a community tool that can intercept supported in-game upscaler calls and redirect them to another supported upscaling backend, with additional tuning options."
canonical: https://optiscaler.ink/faq/what-is-optiscaler
updated: 2026-10-18
---

# What is OptiScaler?

OptiScaler is a community tool that can intercept supported in-game upscaler calls and redirect them to another supported upscaling backend, with additional tuning options.

## Facts (2026-10-18)

- **Version:** OptiScaler 0.9.4 (reference build, July 2026)
- **APIs:** DirectX 11, DirectX 12, Vulkan
- **Upscalers:** DLSS, FSR and XeSS inputs/outputs where compatible
- **Frame generation:** Experimental OptiFG (DirectX 12)
- **Overlay:** Insert key
- **Install:** ZIP extracted next to the main game executable
- **Platform:** Windows; Linux via Proton/Wine varies
- **Site:** Independent guide — not the official project site

## Direct answer

OptiScaler is a community tool that can intercept supported in-game upscaler calls and redirect them to another supported upscaling backend, with additional tuning options.

## What to do next

New to OptiScaler? Follow the [install hub](https://optiscaler.ink/install) in order: backup, ZIP next to the game executable, offline launch, Insert overlay, one output at a time.

Ready to get the files? Go to [Download](https://optiscaler.ink/download).

## FAQ

### How does OptiScaler work in a game?

The game exposes an input upscaler, OptiScaler sits between the game and the selected output backend, and the chosen output handles the final upscaling path where compatibility allows.

### Does OptiScaler support DirectX 11?

Yes, DirectX 11 is supported, although the available output methods and behavior can differ from DirectX 12.

### Does OptiScaler support DirectX 12?

Yes. DirectX 12 has broad support and is also the API used by experimental OptiFG functionality.

### Does OptiScaler support Vulkan?

Yes, Vulkan support exists, but individual upscalers and games can require specific compatibility conditions.

## Related

- [OptiScaler FAQ: the official 20 questions, answered](https://optiscaler.ink/faq)
- [OptiScaler guides: install, FSR4, Linux, performance and safety](https://optiscaler.ink/guides)
- [How does OptiScaler work in a game?](https://optiscaler.ink/faq/how-does-optiscaler-work)
- [Does OptiScaler support DirectX 11?](https://optiscaler.ink/faq/directx-11-support)
- [Does OptiScaler support DirectX 12?](https://optiscaler.ink/faq/directx-12-support)

## Download

ZIP next to the game executable: [Download OptiScaler](https://optiscaler.ink/download)

Markdown mirror: https://optiscaler.ink/faq/what-is-optiscaler.md