VSync

Waxed handles all frame timing so your plugin doesn’t have to. Ensures tear-free rendering by synchronizing frame presentation with display refresh cycles.

How It Works

VSync (Vertical Synchronization) coordinates frame presentation with the display’s refresh cycle. When enabled, frames are only presented when the display is ready to accept them, preventing the visual artifact known as “tearing” where parts of multiple frames are visible simultaneously.

Core Implementation

Waxed implements VSync at the DRM/KMS level, using the atomic commit infrastructure to precisely time when frames appear on screen. This means:

Zero plugin code required - VSync is handled entirely by the core
Consistent behavior - All plugins get the same tear-free experience
No configuration - Works out of the box with sensible defaults

Benefits for Plugin Developers

No frame timing logic - Don’t worry about when to present frames
Predictable rendering - Know exactly when frames will appear
Smooth animations - Consistent frame pacing for UI effects

Technical Details

Uses DRM atomic commits with page-flip events
Integrates with the frame pipeline for optimal scheduling
Works alongside triple buffering for reduced latency
Compatible with VRR when displays support it

Plugin Integration

Frame presentation is handled automatically by the core. Plugins simply render to the provided surface, and Waxed handles timing.

Triple Buffering - Reduces latency with VSync
Variable Refresh Rate - Adaptive sync support
DRM Planes - Hardware compositing