A cross-platform, cross-language application programming interface (API) called OpenGL (Open Graphics Library) is used to render 2D and 3D vector graphics. A software system called the OpenGL API gives programs a way to communicate with powerful graphics hardware.

Advanced graphics capabilities, including 3D support, sophisticated compositing, and quicker rendering speeds in Photoshop are made possible via the OpenGL API. Go to Edit > Preferences > Performance in Photoshop to activate OpenGL. Select OpenGL Drawing after that.

Both on Windows and Mac OS, OpenGL may greatly enhance Photoshop’s efficiency. For instance, Photoshop might benefit from quicker hardware-enhanced drawing when utilizing OpenGL on Windows. Photoshop leverages OpenGL on Mac OS to enhance magnification and panning functionality.

Continue reading below to find out more about how to utilize OpenGL in Photoshop.

How to Enable Opengl in Photoshop

Follow the steps written in this section below to enable Opengl in Photoshop. 

For more detailed instructions on how to enable Opengl in Photoshop, watch this video below:

Photoshop OpenGL problem solution ! Solve in 2 Minutes.

Access 3D Settings Options

You must first set up 3D options in the NVIDIA control panel before utilizing OpenGL in Photoshop. Because NVIDIA made OpenGL, you can use it to get to the NVIDIA control panel on your Windows PC.

You may locate “manage 3D settings” in the 3D Settings menu bar on the left side of the display in the NVIDIA control panel.

Choose Your Preferred GPU

There is an option for “OpenGL rendering GPU” when you’re in the “Manage 3D Settings” section. The standard option in that area will be “Use global settings,” which will instantly choose the GPU that Photoshop will use by default.

This might lead to issues, particularly if you own two distinct devices, such as an Intel and an NVIDIA. The GPU may rotate between the two, which would make it impossible for OpenGL to function.

You must choose the GPU you like to use if you want to prevent this issue. Doing this may keep your option and guarantee that Photoshop will always provide you access to OpenGL.

Restart the Computer

You must restart your computer to ensure the change will occur after choosing your desired GPU in the NVIDIA control panel. You will have OpenGL enabled in Photoshop when the restart is finished, which would also make graphics programming simpler.

Rotate the Canvas. After the restart is complete, launch Photoshop. Rotating the canvas is a good way to see if OpenGL is on. You may either use the Rotate View Tool or just click the standard keyboard shortcut, R, to do this.

Make Use of the Registry Editor

You might need to use an alternative method of turning on OpenGL if you encounter an issue when trying to rotate the canvas. The registry editor may be used to do this. You must first launch it by entering “Regedit” into the taskbar’s search field.

From the start menu, choose “run,” then type “Regedit” beside “open:” to access the registry editor. By doing so, the registry editor will open, allowing you to view Photoshop settings.

When you’re in the registry editor, proceed to the following path:

Computer > HKEY CURRENT USER > SOFTWARE > Adobe Photoshop > 150.0

A document list will appear on the pane on the right when you click on the 150.0 folders. To make a new document, right-click in the same window and choose “new.” Choose the QWORD (32/64-bit) Value.

Once the file has been generated, rename it to “AllowOldGPUs.” In newer versions of Photoshop that might not detect your selected GPU, this will activate OpenGL by design and is among the best solutions to utilize.

Start Photoshop Again

Restart Photoshop after having used the registry editor. You’ll have OpenGL turned on the moment you use it again. Use the same technique for rotating the canvas to test it. The rotation ought to be functioning normally, and the error message ought to have vanished.

When you program 3D graphics using OpenGL, you may utilize PlaceIt’s online design tools to view your project.

How to Enable OpenGL on a Mac

If you use a Mac OS, you might not understand how to turn on OpenGL in Photoshop, leading you to believe that you can’t use it. On a Mac, the Photoshop menu may be accessed from the left side of the top menu, where it can then be clicked to activate OpenGL.

Choose “preferences” and then “performance.” You will see a “use graphics processor” checkbox under the performance options. OpenGL will be activated in Photoshop for your Mac when this is checked.

Update your GPU drivers if you are having problems with errors or if Photoshop indicates that OpenGL is disabled. Maintaining constant Mac updates will make this simple to do.

Conclusion

So, there you are. In this article, we discussed the simple steps through which you can enable Opengl in Photoshop. This will allow you to work more efficiently, with a range of extra functionalities. We hope the instructions in this article will prove to be helpful. Happy editing!