WebGLRenderingContext.bindBuffer()

The WebGLRenderingContext.bindBuffer() method of the WebGL API binds a given WebGLBuffer to a target.

Syntax

void gl.bindBuffer(target, buffer);

Parameters

target
A GLenum specifying the binding point (target). Possible values:
  • gl.ARRAY_BUFFER: Buffer containing vertex attributes, such as vertex coordinates, texture coordinate data, or vertex color data.
  • gl.ELEMENT_ARRAY_BUFFER: Buffer used for element indices.
  • When using a WebGL 2 context, the following values are available additionally:
    • gl.COPY_READ_BUFFER: Buffer for copying from one buffer object to another.
    • gl.COPY_WRITE_BUFFER: Buffer for copying from one buffer object to another.
    • gl.TRANSFORM_FEEDBACK_BUFFER: Buffer for transform feedback operations.
    • gl.UNIFORM_BUFFER: Buffer used for storing uniform blocks.
    • gl.PIXEL_PACK_BUFFER: Buffer used for pixel transfer operations.
    • gl.PIXEL_UNPACK_BUFFER: Buffer used for pixel transfer operations.
buffer
A WebGLBuffer to bind.

Return value

None.

Exceptions

Only one target can be bound to a given WebGLBuffer. An attempt to bind the buffer to another target will throw an INVALID_OPERATION error and the current buffer binding will remain the same.

A WebGLBuffer which has been marked for deletion with deleteBuffer cannot be (re-)bound. An attempt to do so will generate an INVALID_OPERATION error, and the current binding will remain untouched.

Examples

Binding a buffer to a target

var canvas = document.getElementById('canvas');
var gl = canvas.getContext('webgl');
var buffer = gl.createBuffer();

gl.bindBuffer(gl.ARRAY_BUFFER, buffer);

Getting current bindings

To check the current buffer bindings, query the ARRAY_BUFFER_BINDING and ELEMENT_ARRAY_BUFFER_BINDING constants.

gl.getParameter(gl.ARRAY_BUFFER_BINDING);
gl.getParameter(gl.ELEMENT_ARRAY_BUFFER_BINDING);

Specifications

Specification Status Comment
WebGL 1.0
The definition of 'bindBuffer' in that specification.
Recommendation Initial definition for WebGL.
OpenGL ES 2.0
The definition of 'glBindBuffer' in that specification.
Standard Man page of the (similar) OpenGL ES 2 API.
WebGL 2.0
The definition of 'bindBuffer' in that specification.
Editor's Draft

Updated definition for WebGL 2.

Adds new target buffers:
gl.COPY_READ_BUFFER,
gl.COPY_WRITE_BUFFER,
gl.TRANSFORM_FEEDBACK_BUFFER,
gl.UNIFORM_BUFFER,
gl.PIXEL_PACK_BUFFER,
gl.PIXEL_UNPACK_BUFFER

OpenGL ES 3.0
The definition of 'glBindBuffer' in that specification.
Standard Man page of the (similar) OpenGL ES 3 API.

Browser compatibility

DesktopMobile
ChromeEdgeFirefoxInternet ExplorerOperaSafariAndroid webviewChrome for AndroidFirefox for AndroidOpera for AndroidSafari on iOSSamsung Internet
bindBufferChrome 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
WebGL2Chrome Full support 56Edge Full support 79Firefox Full support 51IE No support NoOpera Full support 43Safari No support NoWebView Android Full support 58Chrome Android Full support 58Firefox Android Full support 51Opera Android Full support 43Safari iOS No support NoSamsung Internet Android Full support 7.0

Legend

Full support
Full support
No support
No support

See also