RenderDoc
RenderDoc is a free, open-source frame-capture graphics debugger for graphics development.
What RenderDoc is
RenderDoc is a free, open-source frame-capture graphics debugger for graphics development. It supports Vulkan, D3D11, D3D12, OpenGL, and OpenGL ES. The project lists Windows, Linux, and Android, with Nintendo Switch support for authorized developers using NintendoSDK. Its support table marks OpenGL 1.0–2.0 compatibility as supported, while D3D9/10 and Metal are unavailable. Linux support is limited to 64-bit x86. Windows users can choose 32-bit or 64-bit builds, or a portable ZIP; the 64-bit build can capture 32-bit programs. Binary releases include stable and nightly builds, and stable builds are recommended for new users because nightlies may be less stable. Documentation is available online for the latest stable version and as a CHM file in builds, with introductory videos also linked. The project lists GitHub issues, email, IRC, and Discord for questions or problems. RenderDoc is intended for debugging programs users created, and public support channels do not allow discussion of capturing programs users did not create.
Good
- Free and released under the MIT license
- Supports Vulkan, D3D11, D3D12, OpenGL, and OpenGL ES
- Windows portable ZIP is available
- Online documentation and introductory videos are listed
Watch out
- Linux support is limited to 64-bit x86
- D3D9/10 and Metal are unavailable
- Nightly builds may be less stable
- Support channels exclude discussion of capturing others' programs
Who it suits
RenderDoc suits graphics developers who need to debug their own programs across its supported graphics APIs. Linux users need a 64-bit x86 system, and Nintendo Switch support is for authorized developers using NintendoSDK.
Verdict
RenderDoc offers frame-capture debugging for a range of graphics APIs at no cost. Check the API support table and platform requirements to confirm it fits your development setup.
Plans and prices
From RenderDoc's own pricing page, checked 4 Oct 2026.
| Plan | Price | What it gives you |
|---|---|---|
| RenderDoc | Free | Open-source software under the MIT license |
The facts
Each one read from RenderDoc's own pages, with the date it was checked.
What it does
- API limits
- The support table marks OpenGL 1.0–2.0 compatibility and D3D9/10 unsupported, and lists Metal as unavailable.checked 4 Oct 2026
- Documentation
- Documentation is available online for the latest stable version and as a CHM file in builds, with introductory videos also linked.checked 4 Oct 2026
- Downloads
- Binary releases include stable and nightly builds, and the README recommends stable builds for new users because nightly builds may be less stable.checked 4 Oct 2026
- Graphics APIs
- The project describes support for Vulkan, D3D11, D3D12, OpenGL, and OpenGL ES.checked 4 Oct 2026
- Integrations
- The README links a community extensions repository and says projects made with third-party engines such as Unreal or Unity are supported.checked 4 Oct 2026
- Intended use
- RenderDoc is intended for debugging your own programs, and its public support channels do not allow discussion of capturing programs you did not create.checked 4 Oct 2026
- License
- RenderDoc is released under the MIT license.checked 4 Oct 2026
- Purpose
- RenderDoc is a frame-capture based graphics debugger for graphics development.checked 4 Oct 2026
- Support
- The project lists GitHub issues, email, IRC, and Discord as channels for questions, suggestions, or problems.checked 4 Oct 2026
- Supported systems
- The README lists Windows, Linux, and Android, and separately notes Nintendo Switch support for authorized developers through NintendoSDK.checked 4 Oct 2026
The company
- Founded
- 2014checked 28 Sep 2026
Where it runs
- Linux requirement
- The README says Linux support is limited to 64-bit x86.checked 4 Oct 2026
- Windows installation
- Windows users can install 32-bit or 64-bit builds or download a portable ZIP; the 64-bit build supports capturing 32-bit programs.checked 4 Oct 2026
Alternatives to RenderDoc
- 1
LLDB
Free planAndroidiOSLinuxmacOS7.3Free plan - 2
IDA Pro
Free planLinuxmacOSWindows7.0From $1,099 a year - 3
PonyDebugger
Free planiOSWebmacOSSelf-hosted6.8Free plan - 4
pyOCD
Free planAPILinuxmacOSSelf-hosted6.8Free plan - 5
Perl Debugger
Free planLinuxmacOSWindows6.5Free plan - 6
Black Magic Debug
Free planLinuxmacOSWindows6.4Free plan