GPU acceleration for OpenGL
Running Linux OpenGL on the Mac's real GPU, and the version ceiling that decides whether you want to.
On this page 3 sections
Off by default. With it on, Linux OpenGL is rendered on your Mac's real GPU through Metal instead of on the CPU.
The ceiling, which is the whole decision#
| Good on the GPU | Better on the CPU |
|---|---|
| Chromium's GL, many games, older CAD | Blender and anything else needing OpenGL 4.2 or newer |
| Anything that stays at OpenGL 4.1 or below | Anything that renders incorrectly on the GPU |
It needs a piece that is installed separately#
The GPU path needs a renderer on the Mac side. Without it this switch does nothing at all and apps stay on the CPU — quietly, which is the right failure: you get working software rather than a broken window.
Per-app, not just global#
This switch is the default for every app, but each app can be set on its own from its right-click menu in the Applications tab — see The app right-click menu. An app pinned to the CPU stays there whatever this switch says, which is how you keep Blender working while everything else uses the GPU.
Takes effect after the instance restarts.