# NSOpenGLPFAMultisample ``` var NSOpenGLPFAMultisample: Int { get } ``` ## Discussion A Boolean attribute. If present and used with `NSOpenGLPFASampleBuffers` and `NSOpenGLPFASamples`, this attribute hints to OpenGL to prefer multi-sampling. Multi-sampling will sample textures at the back buffer dimensions vice the multi-sample buffer dimensions and use that single sample for all fragments with coverage on the back buffer location. This means less total texture samples than with super-sampling (by a factor of the number of samples requested) and will likely be faster though less accurate (texture sample wise) than super-sampling. If the underlying video card does not have enough VRAM to support this feature, this hint does nothing. The `NSOpenGLPFASampleBuffers` and `NSOpenGLPFASamples` attributes must be configured to request anti-aliasing as follows: ```objc NSOpenGLPFAMultisample, NSOpenGLPFASampleBuffers, (NSOpenGLPixelFormatAttribute)1 NSOpenGLPFASamples, (NSOpenGLPixelFormatAttribute)4, ``` If after adding these options, multisamping still does not work, try removing the `NSOpenGLPFAPixelBuffer` attribute (if present). Some graphics cards may not support this option in specific versions of macOS. If removing the attribute still does not enable multisampling, try adding the `NSOpenGLPFANoRecovery` attribute. --- Copyright © 2026 Apple Inc. All rights reserved. | [Terms of Use](https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/terms/site.html) | [Privacy Policy](https://www.apple.com/privacy/privacy-policy)