A modern cross-platform low-level graphics API abstraction layer and rendering framework for game engines and 3D applications.
Diligent Engine is a modern cross-platform low-level graphics library and rendering framework that abstracts over multiple graphics APIs (Direct3D11/12, Vulkan, Metal, OpenGL/GLES, WebGPU). It provides a consistent API for writing rendering code once and deploying it across Windows, Linux, macOS, iOS, Android, and the web. The framework solves the complexity of supporting diverse graphics backends while enabling access to cutting-edge GPU features like ray tracing and mesh shaders.
Graphics engineers, game engine developers, and creators of interactive 3D simulations or visualization applications who need a high-performance, cross-platform rendering solution without being locked into a single graphics API.
Developers choose Diligent Engine for its clean abstraction over modern and legacy graphics APIs, allowing them to leverage API-specific optimizations without platform-specific code. Its modular design, extensive feature set, and permissive Apache 2.0 license make it a versatile foundation for both commercial and open-source projects.
A modern cross-platform low-level graphics library and rendering framework
Open-Awesome is built by the community, for the community. Submit a project, suggest an awesome list, or help improve the catalog on GitHub.
Provides identical client code and HLSL shader compatibility across Direct3D, Vulkan, Metal, and OpenGL, eliminating platform-specific conditionals.
Leverages modern graphics API features like multithreaded command buffers and async compute for efficient GPU utilization.
Allows projects to include only necessary components, such as Core, Tools, or FX modules, reducing bloat and dependency overhead.
Enables access to advanced capabilities like ray tracing, mesh shaders, and bindless resources across supported backends.
Requires managing Git submodules, CMake configurations, and platform-specific dependencies like Vulkan SDKs or commercial Metal licenses, which can be daunting for newcomers.
On Apple platforms, the Metal backend necessitates a commercial license, adding cost and legal overhead for iOS or macOS projects.
While DiligentFX offers some components, developers must often build high-level rendering systems from scratch, unlike more comprehensive engines with built-in tooling.