WEBGL_lose_context

The WEBGL_lose_context extension is part of the WebGL API and exposes functions to simulate losing and restoring a WebGLRenderingContext.

WebGL extensions are available using the WebGLRenderingContext.getExtension() method. For more information, see also Using Extensions in the WebGL tutorial.

Availability: This extension is available to both, WebGL1 and WebGL2 contexts.

Methods

WEBGL_lose_context.loseContext()
Simulates losing the context.
WEBGL_lose_context.restoreContext()
Simulates restoring the context.

Examples

With this extension, you can simulate the webglcontextlost and webglcontextrestored events:

const canvas = document.getElementById('canvas');
const gl = canvas.getContext('webgl');

canvas.addEventListener('webglcontextlost', (event) => {
  console.log(event);
});

gl.getExtension('WEBGL_lose_context').loseContext();

// WebGLContextEvent event with type "webglcontextlost" is logged.

Specifications

Specification Status Comment
WEBGL_lose_context
The definition of 'WEBGL_lose_context' in that specification.
Recommendation Initial definition.

Browser compatibility

DesktopMobile
ChromeEdgeFirefoxInternet ExplorerOperaSafariAndroid webviewChrome for AndroidFirefox for AndroidOpera for AndroidSafari on iOSSamsung Internet
loseContextChrome Full support YesEdge Full support 17Firefox Full support 22
Full support 22
No support 19 — 58
Prefixed
Prefixed Implemented with the vendor prefix: MOZ_
IE ? Opera Full support YesSafari ? WebView Android Full support YesChrome Android Full support YesFirefox Android ? Opera Android Full support YesSafari iOS ? Samsung Internet Android Full support Yes

Legend

Full support
Full support
Compatibility unknown
Compatibility unknown
Requires a vendor prefix or different name for use.
Requires a vendor prefix or different name for use.

See also