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In this post I will show you how to fix OpenGL in Photoshop. Opening Adobe Photoshop and noticing an OpenGL error on your screen can be very annoying. The most common reason for this is that your graphics processor isn’t being detected and OpenGL is being disabled.
Features like the 3D Rotate View Tool and 3D options will be auto-disabled on Photoshop as a result of this error. In this post I will show you 6 easy steps you can follow to solve the error.
Without OpenGL enabled, Photoshop will not properly use a computer GPU, limiting performance and features. The steps to fixing your OpenGL and getting the graphics processor working again are not complicated. Before yo start, I recommend you Download the necessary OpenGL file.
Related: Top Free Photoshop Alternatives
Step-by-Step Video: Fix OpenGL in Photoshop
Quick Summary
To fix OpenGL issues in Photoshop, first check if the graphics processor is disabled under Preferences > Performance and confirm in System Info if OpenGL shows as disabled.
Close Photoshop, then download the required OpenGL file. Choose the correct version (32-bit or 64-bit) based on your system type, and copy it into the Photoshop installation folder.
Finally, restart Photoshop—your graphics processor, 3D settings, and OpenGL should now be enabled.
Steps How to Fix OpenGL in Photoshop
- Check if the Graphics Processor Is Disabled
- Confirm OpenGL Status
- Close Photoshop and Download the Fix File
- Choose the Right Version
- Copy the File into Photoshop’s Folder
- Restart Photoshop
Step 1: Check if the Graphics Processor Is Disabled
Step 2: Confirm OpenGL Status
Step 3: Close Photoshop and Download the Fix File
Step 5: Choose the Right Version
Step 6: Copy the File into Photoshop’s Folder
Step 7: Restart Photoshop
Here is another easier to follow video.
Check if the Graphics Processor Is Disabled
Open Photoshop and navigate to Edit > Preferences > Performance. In the Graphics Processor Settings section, check whether the option is unchecked or grayed out. You’ll also notice that the 3D settings below are inactive. This confirms the issue. For now, simply click OK to close the window before moving on to the fix.
Confirm OpenGL Status
Go to Help > System Info in Photoshop and scroll down until you find OpenGL Drawing. If it shows Disabled, that confirms the problem and means Photoshop isn’t detecting your graphics processor properly.
Close Photoshop and Download the Fix File
Close Photoshop completely to ensure no files are still running in the background. Download the necessary OpenGL file. Once the download is complete, open your Downloads folder, and you’ll find two versions available: one for 64-bit systems and one for 32-bit systems.
Check whether your computer runs on a 32- or 64-bit OS.
Determine which version of the OpenGL file you need by checking your system type. On Windows, right-click This PC and select Properties. Under the system information, look for system type. Once you know whether your computer is 64-bit or 32-bit, select the matching OpenGL file.
Copy the file in the software folder
Copy the OpenGL file you selected, then navigate to your Photoshop installation folder. By default, this is usually located at C:\Program Files\Adobe\Adobe Photoshop [Version]. Once you open the folder, paste the file directly into the Photoshop directory to replace or add the necessary OpenGL component.
Restart Photoshop.
Go to Edit > Preferences > Performance, where you should now see the Use Graphics Processor option and the 3D settings active. To confirm everything is working, go to Help > System Info—this time, OpenGL Drawing should show as Enabled.
Fix OpenGL in Photoshop: Conclusion
That’s it. You’ve successfully re-enabled OpenGL in Photoshop, and your graphics processor, Rotate View Tool, and 3D features should now be active.
Make sure that you copied the correct file for your system type (32-bit or 64-bit) and placed it in the right Photoshop folder. Once fixed, you’ll have full access to GPU-accelerated tools and smoother performance.
If you encounter issues, please email me and I will help.
Frequently Asked Questions
What causes the OpenGL error in Photoshop?
The OpenGL error usually happens when Photoshop cannot detect your graphics processor (GPU). This may be due to missing or corrupted OpenGL files, outdated drivers, or disabled GPU settings in Photoshop.
Why is my Graphics Processor option greyed out in Photoshop?
If the “Use Graphics Processor” option is greyed out, it means Photoshop cannot access your GPU. This is often because OpenGL is disabled or the necessary files are missingDo you need OpenGL for Photoshop to work?
Yes. OpenGL allows Photoshop to use your GPU for enhanced performance and features. Without it, tools like Rotate View, 3D options, and smooth canvas navigation won’t work properly. However OpenGl is not a must have for Photoshop. It is still possible to use Ohotoshop without it.How can I check if my system is 32-bit or 64-bit?
On Windows, right-click This PC > Properties, then look under System Type. This will tell you if your computer is 32-bit or 64-bit, which determines the correct OpenGL file to install.What should I do if the fix doesn’t work?
If the error continues, try updating your GPU drivers, reinstalling Photoshop, or checking for compatibility issues between your graphics card and the Photoshop version you are using.