# Command encoder factory methods A command encoder defines the actions of a single pass, such as GPU commands that draw, compute, or quickly copy resource data. ## Topics ### Creating render encoders A render encoder creates a render pass that draws graphics with a GPU. [`makeRenderCommandEncoder(descriptor:)`](/documentation/Metal/MTLCommandBuffer/makeRenderCommandEncoder(descriptor:)) Creates a render command encoder from a descriptor. ### Creating parallel render encoders A parallel render encoder creates multiple render encoders that all contribute to a single render pass that draws graphics with a GPU. [`makeParallelRenderCommandEncoder(descriptor:)`](/documentation/Metal/MTLCommandBuffer/makeParallelRenderCommandEncoder(descriptor:)) Creates a parallel render command encoder from a descriptor. ### Creating acceleration structure encoders An acceleration structure encoder creates a pass that builds or refits data for ray tracing with a GPU. [`makeAccelerationStructureCommandEncoder(descriptor:)`](/documentation/Metal/MTLCommandBuffer/makeAccelerationStructureCommandEncoder(descriptor:)) Creates a ray-tracing acceleration structure command encoder from a descriptor. [`makeAccelerationStructureCommandEncoder()`](/documentation/Metal/MTLCommandBuffer/makeAccelerationStructureCommandEncoder()) Creates a ray-tracing acceleration structure command encoder that uses default settings. ### Creating compute encoders A compute encoder creates a pass that runs computations in parallel with the GPU. [`makeComputeCommandEncoder(descriptor:)`](/documentation/Metal/MTLCommandBuffer/makeComputeCommandEncoder(descriptor:)) Creates a compute command encoder from a descriptor. [`makeComputeCommandEncoder()`](/documentation/Metal/MTLCommandBuffer/makeComputeCommandEncoder()) Creates a compute command encoder that uses default settings. [`makeComputeCommandEncoder(dispatchType:)`](/documentation/Metal/MTLCommandBuffer/makeComputeCommandEncoder(dispatchType:)) Creates a compute command encoder with a dispatch type. [`MTLDispatchType`](/documentation/Metal/MTLDispatchType) The type of dispatch method to use when calling encoded functions. ### Creating blit encoders A block information transfer (blit) encoder creates a pass that quickly copies data between GPU resources, including buffers and textures. [`makeBlitCommandEncoder()`](/documentation/Metal/MTLCommandBuffer/makeBlitCommandEncoder()) Creates a block information transfer (blit) encoder. [`makeBlitCommandEncoder(descriptor:)`](/documentation/Metal/MTLCommandBuffer/makeBlitCommandEncoder(descriptor:)) Creates a block information transfer (blit) encoder from a descriptor. ### Creating resource state encoders A resource state encoder creates a pass that manages memory for sparse textures. [`resourceStateCommandEncoder(with:)`](/documentation/Metal/MTLCommandBuffer/resourceStateCommandEncoder(with:)) Creates a resource state command encoder from a descriptor. [`makeResourceStateCommandEncoder()`](/documentation/Metal/MTLCommandBuffer/makeResourceStateCommandEncoder()) Creates a resource state command encoder that uses default settings. --- 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)