# stages() Queries a bitmask representing the shader stages on which commands currently present in this command encoder operate. ``` func stages() -> MTLStages ``` ## Return Value a bitmask representing shader stages that commands currently present in this command encoder operate on. ## Discussion Metal dynamically updates this property based on the commands you encode into the command encoder, for example, it sets the bit [`dispatch`](/documentation/Metal/MTLStages/dispatch) if this encoder contains any commands that dispatch a compute kernel. Similarly, it sets the bit [`blit`](/documentation/Metal/MTLStages/blit) if this encoder contains any commands to copy or modify buffers, textures, or indirect command buffers. Finally, Metal sets the bit [`accelerationStructure`](/documentation/Metal/MTLStages/accelerationStructure) if this encoder contains any commands that build, copy, or refit acceleration structures. --- 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)