OpenGL

AstroFlat Pro uses OpenGL to display its preview image in the Viewport and to render the final image that's written back to your editor. This provides both high performance and excellent display quality in most cases. However, OpenGL compatibility issues may occur on some systems.

OpenGL 2.1 has been supported by Windows and the major GPU makers for quite a long time now. If somehow you still have a system that doesn't provide 2.1 support, it will likely be possible for you to get a free update for your system's display driver that does support it.

Troubleshooting OpenGL Problems

  • Note that this plug-in requires that your system support OpenGL version 2.1 or later with Frame Buffer Object support. The plug-in will refuse to run if your display driver implementation does not have the minimum OpenGL capabilities available.

  • Most OpenGL problems, on modern systems, can be traced to your Windows display driver, which provides the OpenGL implementation needed by AstroFlat Pro. Display driver software is extremely complex and bugs are not uncommon. We recommend that you visit the web site of the maker of your computer (laptops) or the maker of your graphics card (desktop systems) to download and install the latest driver software available.

    Note that Windows update will not necessarily provide the latest and best software for your graphics card.

  • If your system has dual low-power / high-power GPU hardware, we recommend configuring your system to use the more powerful GPU when editing images with your image editor. AstroFlat Pro will use the GPU you have selected for your image editor. Display drivers for dual GPU systems are more complex and should be updated from the system manufacturer's web site.

  • If your preview display is corrupted and/or your GPU, monitor, or monitor cabling do not facilitate the use of 30 bit color, try disabling the Use 30 bit color if available checkbox in the Preview Bit Depth section of the Preferences Dialog.

  • Make sure that your Windows system software is up to date. Microsoft may have already addressed your problem with one of their constant stream of updates and bug fixes.