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How Do I Enable OpenGL in Photoshop?

Last updated on February 17, 2023 @ 5:49 am

OpenGL (Open Graphics Library[3]) is a cross-language, cross-platform application programming interface (API) for rendering 2D and 3D vector graphics. The OpenGL API is a software interface that provides a platform for applications to interact with high-performance graphics hardware.

Photoshop uses the OpenGL API to enable advanced graphics features such as 3D support, advanced compositing, and faster rendering times. To enable OpenGL in Photoshop, go to Edit > Preferences > Performance.

Go to Photoshop Edit menu and click Performances under the Preferences menu

Then, select Enable OpenGL Drawing. You can find it in Graphics Processor Settings. If for some reason you’re experiencing issues with disabled OpenGL, you should try changing or updating your GPU drivers.

In the Photoshop performance dialog box, check the Graphic Processor and open the Advanced settings to enable OpenGL

OpenGL can significantly improve the performance of Photoshop on both Windows and Mac OS. For example, on Windows, Photoshop can take advantage of faster hardware-accelerated drawing when using OpenGL. On Mac OS, Photoshop uses OpenGL to improve zooming and panning performance.

To learn more about how to take advantage of OpenGL in Photoshop, check out this Adobe help page.

How Do I Enable OpenGL in Photoshop?

To enable OpenGL in Photoshop, go to Edit > Preferences > Performance. Doing this can significantly improve the performance of Photoshop on both Windows and Mac OS.

PRO TIP: The following steps show how to enable OpenGL in Photoshop: 1. Open Photoshop and go to the ‘Edit’ menu. 2. Select ‘Preferences’. 3. Go to the ‘Performance’ tab. 4. Select the ‘Enable OpenGL Drawing’ checkbox. 5. Click ‘OK’.

If you are not familiar with OpenGL, or if you are having problems getting OpenGL to work properly, please consult your graphics card manufacturer or a qualified computer technician before proceeding.

Drew Clemente

Drew Clemente

Devops & Sysadmin engineer. I basically build infrastructure online.