What is Direct3D?

Direct3D is a low-level application programming interface (API) created to facilitate the rendering of primitives through the graphics pipeline and the execution of parallel tasks with compute shaders. To delve deeper, Direct3D 12 presents a solid API and platform that enables applications to fully exploit the graphical and computational capabilities of computers equipped with one or several GPUs compatible with Direct3D 12. In addition, Microsoft Direct3D 11 is utilized for generating 3-D graphics across various domains, including gaming, scientific research, and desktop applications. The DXGI component plays a crucial role in numerous functions such as enumerating graphics adapters, managing display modes, selecting buffer formats, sharing resources between processes, and presenting the rendered frames on monitors or windows. HLSL, or High-Level Shader Language, is the primary medium for developing C-like programmable shaders tailored for the Direct3D pipeline, offering developers greater flexibility. Furthermore, the DirectDraw surface file format (DDS) accommodates both uncompressed and compressed (DXTn) textures, as well as supporting mipmaps, cube maps, and volume maps, thereby enhancing texture management in graphic applications. Overall, this wide array of features highlights the pivotal role of Direct3D in contemporary graphics development and its impact on the efficiency of rendering processes.

Integrations

Offers API?:
Yes, Direct3D provides an API

Screenshots and Video

Direct3D Screenshot 1

Company Facts

Company Name:
Microsoft
Date Founded:
1975
Company Location:
United States
Company Website:
docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/win32/direct3d

Product Details

Deployment
Windows
Training Options
Documentation Hub
Support
Web-Based Support

Product Details

Target Company Sizes
Individual
1-10
11-50
51-200
201-500
501-1000
1001-5000
5001-10000
10001+
Target Organization Types
Mid Size Business
Small Business
Enterprise
Freelance
Nonprofit
Government
Startup
Supported Languages
English

Direct3D Categories and Features