How does LLGL compare to bgfx?

LLGL and bgfx are both cross-platform graphics abstraction libraries, but LLGL focuses on a thinner layer with closer API coupling, while bgfx offers more high-level features and a larger community. LLGL supports more languages natively, but bgfx might be better for projects needing extensive tooling.

How to install LLGL on Linux?

On Linux, install development libraries for X11 and Xrandr, then use CMake to build LLGL with Vulkan or OpenGL backends. Follow the build notes for specific dependencies and ensure your system meets the requirements listed in the README.

Can LLGL be used for 2D games?

Yes, LLGL can be used for 2D games as it provides low-level rendering primitives, but it lacks built-in 2D-specific features like sprite batching. Developers would need to implement such functionality on top of the abstraction, unlike dedicated 2D libraries.

What graphics APIs does LLGL support on iOS?

On iOS, LLGL supports Vulkan, OpenGL, and Metal, allowing developers to choose based on performance and compatibility. The platform support table confirms Metal and Vulkan availability, though Vulkan support on iOS is limited to MoltenVK or similar translations.

How to integrate LLGL with GLFW?

LLGL includes an extensibility example with GLFW in the getting started PDF. You can use GLFW for window creation and input handling, while LLGL manages the rendering context, requiring manual setup to link the two libraries together.

Does LLGL work with WebAssembly?

Yes, LLGL supports WebAssembly via the OpenGL backend for WebGL, enabling graphics applications to run in browsers. The library has WebGL examples and CI builds for Wasm, but note that only OpenGL is available in this environment.

Open-Awesome

LLGL

BSD-3-ClauseC++

A thin abstraction layer for modern graphics APIs (OpenGL, Direct3D, Vulkan, Metal) across desktop and mobile platforms.

GitHub

2.6k stars157 forks0 contributors

What is LLGL?

LLGL (Low Level Graphics Library) is a cross-platform graphics abstraction layer that provides a unified interface to modern rendering APIs like OpenGL, Direct3D, Vulkan, and Metal. It simplifies graphics programming by allowing developers to write code once and deploy across multiple platforms, including desktop and mobile. The library offers close coupling with underlying APIs to enable advanced graphics features while reducing architectural complexity.

Target Audience

Graphics engineers, game developers, and application developers who need to support multiple graphics APIs and platforms without rewriting rendering code for each target.

Value Proposition

Developers choose LLGL for its thin abstraction design that minimizes overhead while providing extensive API coverage and cross-platform support. Its language wrappers (C99, C#, Go) and integration with build systems like CMake make it accessible and practical for diverse development environments.

Overview

Low Level Graphics Library (LLGL) is a thin abstraction layer for the modern graphics APIs OpenGL, Direct3D, Vulkan, and Metal

Use Cases

Best For

Developing cross-platform games with support for multiple graphics backends
Building graphics applications that need to run on Windows, Linux, macOS, and mobile
Prototyping rendering techniques that work across OpenGL, Direct3D, Vulkan, and Metal
Creating educational tools for learning modern graphics APIs with a unified interface
Integrating graphics into applications using C#, Go, or C alongside C++
Targeting WebAssembly with OpenGL for web-based graphics applications

Not Ideal For

Projects targeting only a single graphics API without cross-platform requirements
Teams needing a full game engine with built-in tools, asset pipelines, and editor support
Rapid prototyping where higher-level libraries like Raylib or Unity allow faster iteration
Applications with extreme performance constraints where any abstraction overhead is unacceptable

Pros & Cons

Pros

Multi-API Abstraction

Unifies OpenGL, Direct3D 11/12, Vulkan, and Metal under a single interface, enabling code reuse across different graphics backends as shown in the platform support table.

Wide Platform Support

Supports Windows, Linux, macOS, iOS, Android, UWP, and WebAssembly, allowing deployment across desktop, mobile, and web with minimal changes.

Language Wrappers Available

Provides C99, C# 6.0, and Go bindings alongside C++11, making it accessible for projects in multiple programming languages without sacrificing low-level control.

Rich Example Code

Includes examples for advanced techniques like PBR, shadow mapping, and physics simulations, demonstrating practical implementation and reducing learning curve.

Cons

Beta Stability Concerns

At version 0.05 Beta, the library may have instability, breaking changes, and lack production-ready maturity, as noted in the documentation.

Complex Build Setup

Requires platform-specific toolchains like Visual Studio 2015+, Xcode 9+, or Android NDK, and dependencies such as X11 on Linux, increasing initial configuration effort.

PDF-Only Documentation

Documentation is provided as static PDF files (e.g., reference manual), which are less searchable and harder to update compared to web-based interactive docs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Projects

imgui

Dear ImGui: Bloat-free Graphical User interface for C++ with minimal dependencies

Stars74,986

Forks11,931

Last commit16 hours ago

C/C++

A curated list of awesome C++ (or C) frameworks, libraries, resources, and shiny things. Inspired by awesome-... stuff.

Stars72,398

Forks8,320

Last commit5 days ago

ProtoBuf

Protocol Buffers - Google's data interchange format

Stars71,621

Forks16,200

Last commit4 hours ago

JSON for Modern C++

Stars50,198

Forks7,437

Last commit13 hours ago

Community-curated · Updated weekly · 100% open source

Found a gem we're missing?

Open-Awesome is built by the community, for the community. Submit a project, suggest an awesome list, or help improve the catalog on GitHub.

Submit a project Star on GitHub