---
title: "OptiScaler glossary | OptiScaler"
description: "Short definitions: input upscaler, output upscaler, OptiFG, proxy DLL, Insert overlay, FSR4 and fallback paths."
canonical: https://optiscaler.ink/glossary
updated: 2026-10-18
---

# OptiScaler terms: OptiFG, proxy DLL, input and output

Short definitions: input upscaler, output upscaler, OptiFG, proxy DLL, Insert overlay, FSR4 and fallback paths.

## 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

## What this hub is

Short definitions: input upscaler, output upscaler, OptiFG, proxy DLL, Insert overlay, FSR4 and fallback paths.

OptiScaler 0.9.4 is a community translation layer for DirectX 11, DirectX 12 and Vulkan games. This host is an independent guide, not the official project site. Start from [Download](https://optiscaler.ink/download), then come back here for the per-game checks.

## The safe order

1. Back up the game folder.

2. Extract the ZIP next to the main game executable.

3. Launch offline and press Insert.

4. Change one output at a time, and never test in online or anti-cheat protected games.

## Pages in OptiScaler terms

- [Input upscaler](https://optiscaler.ink/glossary/input-upscaler) — The upscaler a game already exposes — DLSS, FSR, XeSS or another supported temporal path.

- [Output upscaler](https://optiscaler.ink/glossary/output-upscaler) — The backend you select in the overlay to produce the final image.

- [OptiFG](https://optiscaler.ink/glossary/optifg) — OptiScaler's experimental frame generation for some DirectX 12 scenarios.

- [Insert overlay](https://optiscaler.ink/glossary/overlay-insert-key) — The in-game OptiScaler configuration overlay, commonly opened with Insert.

- [Proxy DLL](https://optiscaler.ink/glossary/proxy-dll) — The library name OptiScaler uses to load beside the game executable for that game and API.

- [FSR4](https://optiscaler.ink/glossary/fsr4) — AMD's newer ML upscaling generation, reachable in OptiScaler only on supported output/GPU/driver/game combinations.

- [INT8 / fallback path](https://optiscaler.ink/glossary/int8-fallback) — The lower-precision or older-generation path used when full FSR4 requirements are not met.

- [Frame generation](https://optiscaler.ink/glossary/frame-generation) — Synthetic frames inserted between rendered frames to raise displayed frame rate.

- [OptiScaler INI](https://optiscaler.ink/glossary/optiscaler-ini) — The per-game configuration file that stores OptiScaler options next to the game.

- [Sharpening](https://optiscaler.ink/glossary/sharpening) — Post-upscale edge enhancement you can tune in the overlay.

- [Anti-cheat risk](https://optiscaler.ink/glossary/anti-cheat-risk) — Replaced or injected DLLs can be flagged in online and anti-cheat protected games.

## FAQ

### 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.

### 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.

## Related

- [OptiScaler FAQ: the official 20 questions, answered](https://optiscaler.ink/faq)
- [OptiScaler guides: install, FSR4, Linux, performance and safety](https://optiscaler.ink/guides)
- [Input upscaler](https://optiscaler.ink/glossary/input-upscaler)
- [Output upscaler](https://optiscaler.ink/glossary/output-upscaler)
- [OptiFG](https://optiscaler.ink/glossary/optifg)
- [Insert overlay](https://optiscaler.ink/glossary/overlay-insert-key)

## Download

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

Markdown mirror: https://optiscaler.ink/glossary.md