In short
Understand how to use OptiScaler, choose an output upscaler, open the overlay, verify the active path, and tune settings without changing everything at once.
Steps
- Identify the input: check whether the game exposes DLSS, FSR, XeSS or another supported temporal upscaler.
- Install OptiScaler beside the game executable.
- Open the overlay with Insert and select a compatible output backend and quality mode.
- Verify the intended output is active, then tune sharpening, scaling or frame generation carefully.
Facts that do not change
Reference build is OptiScaler 0.9.4. Install is a ZIP next to the main game executable; the overlay opens with Insert. Avoid online or anti-cheat protected games, and test offline first.
Frequently asked questions
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.
Practical Checklist
- Keep original files backed up before changing the game folder.
- Test one setting or backend at a time.
- Avoid anti-cheat protected online sessions.
- Document the working configuration before updating.
Related Guides
Continue with the related guides in the sidebar for setup, compatibility, performance, or safety topics.
- OptiScaler guides: install, FSR4, Linux, performance and safety — Step-by-step OptiScaler guides for installation, compatibility, performance, Linux, FSR4 and common user questions.
- OptiScaler FAQ: the official 20 questions, answered — Standalone URLs for the official site's 20 OptiScaler questions — APIs, overlay, FSR4, Linux, anti-cheat and the manager question.
- OptiScaler install guide: clean setup from start to finish — A practical OptiScaler install workflow with backups, correct game executable placement, first launch checks, and reversible troubleshooting.
- OptiScaler compatibility guide for DirectX 11, DirectX 12 and Vulkan — Review OptiScaler compatibility concepts for DirectX 11, DirectX 12, Vulkan, upscaler inputs, outputs, and game-specific limitations.
- Best OptiScaler performance settings: a practical tuning method — Use a repeatable method to tune OptiScaler performance settings, image quality, sharpening, output ratio and frame generation without guessing.