WebGL: Troubleshooting and Enabling in Browsers

WebGL (Web Graphics Library) is a JavaScript API that allows browsers to render 2D and 3D graphics without plugins. Some Testlify assessments rely on WebGL for interactive features. If WebGL is disabled or unsupported, you may encounter display or functionality issues.

This article covers common reasons for WebGL failure, and step-by-step instructions to enable it in popular browsers.

Common Reasons for WebGL Failure

WebGL may fail due to several factors:

• Browser disabled: WebGL is manually disabled in browser settings.
• Outdated drivers: Old or unsupported graphics card drivers.
• Hardware acceleration disabled: Either in browser or system settings.
• Blacklisted GPU: Some older GPUs are blacklisted by browsers.
• Security restrictions: Corporate firewalls, antivirus, or other security software blocking WebGL.

Enable WebGL in Browsers

Chrome

1. Open Chrome flags page: chrome://flags/

   Search for WebGL-related flags:

   • WebGL 2.0
   • Hardware-accelerated 3D graphics
   • (Optional) Override software rendering list
2. Set each to Enabled
3. Click Relaunch at the bottom
4. Verify WebGL: chrome://gpu  → WebGL and WebGL 2.0 should be Hardware accelerated

Firefox

1. Open configuration page: about:config
2. Search for webgl.disabled
3. Set it to false

Edge

1. Open flags page: edge://flags/
2. Enable WebGL 2.0

Step-by-Step Guide for Chrome Users

1. Open Chrome flags: chrome://flags/

   Use the search box to find:

   • WebGL 2.0
   • Hardware-accelerated 3D graphics
2. Enable both flags from the dropdown. If available, enable Override software rendering list as well.

3. Click Relaunch to apply changes.

   Verify WebGL: chrome://gpu  or test online:

   • WebGL 1 Test
   • WebGL 2 Test

If WebGL still doesn’t work:

• Ensure hardware acceleration is enabled in Chrome settings: chrome://settings/system  → Turn on Use hardware acceleration when available
• Restart Chrome
• Update GPU drivers
• On macOS, ensure Chrome has permission to use GPU: System Preferences → Security & Privacy

Additional Resources

For broader candidate troubleshooting, including clearing cache, device compatibility, and permissions, see the Candidate Troubleshooting Guide.