Maximum number of varyings ?

PowerVR Insider
1

Hello. 


Recently, I am using many varyings in my shader. 

How many varying variables can I use in a GLSL ES shader ? 

I searched this issue, and some people says only 8 varyings can be used on GLSL ES. 

Maybe there are limitations depending on hardware. 

I’m usually working on iPad 3rd gen and iphone 4s. 


Thanks in advance. 
2

Hi,

You can query the maximum value with glGet(GL_MAX_VARYING_VECTORS). The OpenGL ES 2.0 manual pages have more information about this: http://www.khronos.org/opengles/sdk/docs/man/

It’s worth noting that on some PowerVR platforms, the compiler will not pack for you - if 8 varying vectors are available, you need to ensure that you are only using a maximum of 8 vec4 varyings. This means that  you may not be able to, for example, have 7 vec4 varyings and 4 float varyings as the compiler may not be able to pack this into 8 vec4’s automatically.

Thanks,
Joe



3

Thanks, Joe. 


I just tested on a simulator because I don’t have a device now. 
On the iPhone simulator, glGet gave me 8. 

Actually, I need 12 varying variables for my shader. 
So I may be able to declare them as 3 vec4 vectors. 
Am I on a right way ? 


4

If you run the free app: OpenGL Extension Viewer (available on both iOS and Android), you can find many information about OpenGL ES capability.

Both of my iPod Touch 4G (SGX 535) and iPad 2 (SGX 543) have 8 varying vectors.

5

Hi,

Yes - if you need 12 scalar varying values, it will be best to pack them into vec4’s. This should solve your problem :slight_smile:

Thanks,
Joe