WebGLRenderingContext.clear()

The WebGLRenderingContext.clear() method of the WebGL API clears buffers to preset values.

The preset values can be set by clearColor(), clearDepth() or clearStencil().

The scissor box, dithering, and buffer writemasks can affect the clear() method.

Syntax

void gl.clear(mask);

Parameters

mask
A GLbitfield bitwise OR mask that indicates the buffers to be cleared. Possible values are:
  • gl.COLOR_BUFFER_BIT
  • gl.DEPTH_BUFFER_BIT
  • gl.STENCIL_BUFFER_BIT

Return value

None.

Exceptions

If mask is not one of the listed possible values, a gl.INVALID_ENUM error is thrown.

Examples

The clear() method accepts multiple values.

gl.clear(gl.DEPTH_BUFFER_BIT);
gl.clear(gl.DEPTH_BUFFER_BIT | gl.COLOR_BUFFER_BIT);

To get the current clear values, query the COLOR_CLEAR_VALUE, DEPTH_CLEAR_VALUE, and STENCIL_CLEAR_VALUE constants.

gl.getParameter(gl.COLOR_CLEAR_VALUE);
gl.getParameter(gl.DEPTH_CLEAR_VALUE);
gl.getParameter(gl.STENCIL_CLEAR_VALUE);

Specifications

Specification Status Comment
WebGL 1.0
The definition of 'clear' in that specification.
Recommendation Initial definition.
OpenGL ES 2.0
The definition of 'glClear' 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
clearChrome 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