<!--
{
  "availability" : [
    "iOS: 8.0.0 - 26.0.0",
    "iPadOS: 8.0.0 - 26.0.0",
    "macCatalyst: 13.1.0 - 26.0.0",
    "macOS: 10.8.0 - 26.0.0",
    "tvOS: 9.0.0 - 26.0.0",
    "visionOS: 1.0.0 - 26.0.0",
    "watchOS: 3.0.0 - 26.0.0"
  ],
  "documentType" : "symbol",
  "framework" : "SceneKit",
  "identifier" : "/documentation/SceneKit/SCNSceneRenderer/renderingAPI",
  "metadataVersion" : "0.1.0",
  "role" : "Instance Property",
  "symbol" : {
    "kind" : "Instance Property",
    "modules" : [
      "SceneKit"
    ],
    "preciseIdentifier" : "c:objc(pl)SCNSceneRenderer(py)renderingAPI"
  },
  "title" : "renderingAPI"
}
-->

# renderingAPI

The graphics technology SceneKit uses to render the scene.

```
var renderingAPI: SCNRenderingAPI { get }
```

## Discussion

You choose a graphics technology when initializing a scene renderer:

- When initializing a [`SCNView`](/documentation/SceneKit/SCNView) object, use the [`init(frame:options:)`](/documentation/SceneKit/SCNView/init(frame:options:)) initializer and the [`preferredRenderingAPI`](/documentation/SceneKit/SCNView/Option/preferredRenderingAPI) key. Alternatively, create a view in Interface Builder and use the Rendering API control in the inspector. During initialization, the view will attempt to use the preferred API, but will fall back to a different API if the preferred one is not supported on the current hardware.
- To create a [`SCNRenderer`](/documentation/SceneKit/SCNRenderer) object that renders into your own OpenGL contect, use the [`init(context:options:)`](/documentation/SceneKit/SCNRenderer/init(context:options:)) initializer. To create a renderer for use in your own Metal workflow, use the [`init(device:options:)`](/documentation/SceneKit/SCNRenderer/init(device:options:)) initializer.
- The rendering technology used by a [`SCNLayer`](/documentation/SceneKit/SCNLayer) object is determined by Core Animation.

After initializing a renderer, this property reflects the rendering technology in use.

---

Copyright &copy; 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)