WebGLRenderingContext.activeTexture()

The WebGLRenderingContext.activeTexture() method of the WebGL API specifies which texture unit to make active.

Syntax

void gl.activeTexture(texture);

Parameters

texture
The texture unit to make active. The value is a gl.TEXTUREI where I is within the range from 0 to gl.MAX_COMBINED_TEXTURE_IMAGE_UNITS - 1.

Return value

None.

Exceptions

If texture is not one of gl.TEXTUREI, where I is within the range from 0 to gl.MAX_COMBINED_TEXTURE_IMAGE_UNITS - 1, a gl.INVALID_ENUM error is thrown.

Examples

The following call selects gl.TEXTURE1 as the current texture. Subsequent calls that modify the texture state will affect this texture.

gl.activeTexture(gl.TEXTURE1);

The number of texture units is implementation dependent, you can get this number with the help of the MAX_COMBINED_TEXTURE_IMAGE_UNITS constant. It is, per specification, at least 8.

gl.getParameter(gl.MAX_COMBINED_TEXTURE_IMAGE_UNITS);

To get the active texture, query the ACTIVE_TEXTURE constant.

gl.activeTexture(gl.TEXTURE0);
gl.getParameter(gl.ACTIVE_TEXTURE);
// returns "33984" (0x84C0, gl.TEXTURE0 enum value)

Specifications

Specification Status Comment
WebGL 1.0
The definition of 'activeTexture' in that specification.
Recommendation Initial definition.
OpenGL ES 2.0
The definition of 'glActiveTexture' in that specification.
Standard Man page of the OpenGL API.

Browser compatibility

DesktopMobile
ChromeEdgeFirefoxInternet ExplorerOperaSafariAndroid webviewChrome for AndroidFirefox for AndroidOpera for AndroidSafari on iOSSamsung Internet
activeTextureChrome Full support 9Edge Full support 12Firefox Full support 4IE Full support 11Opera Full support 12Safari Full support 5.1WebView Android Full support YesChrome Android Full support 25Firefox Android Full support YesOpera Android Full support 12Safari iOS Full support 8Samsung Internet Android Full support 1.5

Legend

Full support
Full support

See also