OpenGL for OS X

OpenGL is the foundation for hardware-accelerated graphics in OS X. It powers Core Animation, Core Image, and Quartz Extreme and gives your app access to amazing 3D graphics capabilities. Use this industry standard graphics API to create a range of apps, including games, animation software, and medical imaging solutions.

Programming Guides and Reference

OpenGL Programming Guide for Mac Learn about OpenGL on the Mac, including drawing content, design strategies, vertex and texture data, performance tuning, and more.
GLKit Framework Reference Use functions and classes that reduce the effort required to create new shader-based apps.

Sample Code

GLEssentials View sample code on using Vertex Buffer Objects, Vertex Array Objects, Framebuffer Objects, GLSL Program Objects, and more.
GL3 Text View sample code for rendering text using OpenGL Core Profile.

Technical Notes and FAQs

OpenCL and OpenGL Support in OS X Mavericks Get details on the OpenCL and OpenGL versions supported by Mac computers running OS X Mavericks.
Allowing OpenGL apps to utilize the integrated GPU See how you can run your OpenGL app on integrated GPUs in OS X 10.7 and later.
Specifying required OpenGL capabilities for the Mac App Store Specify OpenGL requirements to ensure that your apps are available only to customers who have the proper graphics hardware to run them.
How do I take an image snapshot of the screen on OS X? Learn how to take an image snapshot with Quartz Display Services.
OpenGL Performance Optimization: The Basics Get an overview of basic concepts and techniques for optimizing performance in OpenGL-based apps.
Real World Profiling with the OpenGL Profiler Learn practical techniques for app analysis, testing, and profiling with OpenGL Profiler.