# dxvk

> DirectX on Vulkan library

**Wikidata**: [Q116445859](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q116445859)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DXVK)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/dxvk

## Summary
DXVK is a free software library that translates Direct3D API calls into Vulkan commands, enabling DirectX applications to run on Linux systems. It was developed by Philip Rebohle and Joshua Ashton, with the first public release occurring on January 14, 2018. DXVK is widely used by Proton, Valve's compatibility layer for running Windows games on Linux.

## Key Facts
- **Implementation of Direct3D**: DXVK supports Direct3D 9, 10, and 11, allowing games and applications using these APIs to function on Linux.
- **License**: Distributed under the zlib License, as of January 27, 2023.
- **Operating System**: Primarily designed for Linux, a Unix-like operating system first released on September 17, 1991.
- **Used by**: Proton, a compatibility tool developed by Valve for running Windows games on Linux.
- **Developer**: Created by Philip Rebohle and Joshua Ashton, with notable releases including versions 0.70 (August 17, 2018) and 0.94 (December 15, 2018).
- **Package Availability**: Available as packages for Linux distributions such as Arch Linux (AUR), Gentoo (app-emulation/dxvk), Ubuntu (dxvk), and openSUSE (dxvk).
- **Source Code**: Hosted on GitHub at [https://github.com/doitsujin/dxvk](https://github.com/doitsujin/dxvk).
- **Wikipedia Entry**: Documented on Wikipedia under the title "DXVK" in English and French.
- **Publication Date**: First released on January 14, 2018.

## FAQs
### Q: What is DXVK used for?
A: DXVK is used to translate Direct3D API calls into Vulkan commands, allowing DirectX applications to run on Linux systems. It is a key component of Proton, Valve's compatibility layer for running Windows games on Linux.

### Q: Who developed DXVK?
A: DXVK was developed by Philip Rebohle and Joshua Ashton. Philip Rebohle is also known for his work on Proton, Valve's compatibility tool.

### Q: Is DXVK free software?
A: Yes, DXVK is free software distributed under the zlib License, allowing users to freely run, study, change, and distribute it.

### Q: Which versions of Direct3D does DXVK support?
A: DXVK supports Direct3D 9, 10, and 11, enabling compatibility for a wide range of DirectX applications.

### Q: Where can I find DXVK for my Linux distribution?
A: DXVK is available as packages for various Linux distributions, including Arch Linux (AUR), Gentoo (app-emulation/dxvk), Ubuntu (dxvk), and openSUSE (dxvk).

## Why It Matters
DXVK plays a crucial role in gaming on Linux by enabling DirectX applications to run efficiently on Vulkan-supported hardware. Its development was driven by the need to improve compatibility and performance for Windows games on Linux, particularly through its integration with Proton. By translating Direct3D calls into Vulkan commands, DXVK helps bridge the gap between Windows and Linux gaming ecosystems, making it easier for users to enjoy a broader range of games on their Linux systems. Its open-source nature also allows for community contributions and continuous improvements, ensuring its relevance in the evolving landscape of gaming technology.

## Notable For
- **Compatibility Layer**: DXVK serves as a critical compatibility layer, enabling DirectX applications to run on Linux without requiring native DirectX support.
- **Proton Integration**: It is a key component of Proton, Valve's compatibility tool, which has significantly expanded the library of games available on Linux.
- **Open-Source Development**: DXVK's development is open-source, allowing for community contributions and continuous improvements.
- **Wide Distribution**: Available as packages for multiple Linux distributions, including Arch Linux, Gentoo, Ubuntu, and openSUSE.
- **Performance Optimization**: DXVK focuses on optimizing performance, ensuring that DirectX applications run efficiently on Vulkan-supported hardware.

## Body
### Overview
DXVK is a free software library that translates Direct3D API calls into Vulkan commands, enabling DirectX applications to run on Linux systems. It was developed by Philip Rebohle and Joshua Ashton, with the first public release occurring on January 14, 2018. DXVK is widely used by Proton, Valve's compatibility layer for running Windows games on Linux.

### Development and Releases
DXVK was developed by Philip Rebohle and Joshua Ashton. Notable releases include versions 0.70 (August 17, 2018), 0.71 (September 2, 2018), 0.72 (September 14, 2018), 0.80 (September 23, 2018), 0.81 (October 5, 2018), 0.90 (October 13, 2018), 0.91 (November 4, 2018), 0.92 (November 11, 2018), 0.93 (November 24, 2018), and 0.94 (December 15, 2018). The source code is hosted on GitHub at [https://github.com/doitsujin/dxvk](https://github.com/doitsujin/dxvk).

### Technical Details
DXVK supports Direct3D 9, 10, and 11, allowing games and applications using these APIs to function on Linux. It is distributed under the zlib License, as of January 27, 2023. DXVK is available as packages for Linux distributions such as Arch Linux (AUR), Gentoo (app-emulation/dxvk), Ubuntu (dxvk), and openSUSE (dxvk).

### Usage and Impact
DXVK is primarily used to enable DirectX applications on Linux, particularly through its integration with Proton. It plays a crucial role in gaming on Linux by improving compatibility and performance for Windows games. Its open-source nature allows for community contributions and continuous improvements, ensuring its relevance in the evolving landscape of gaming technology.

### Documentation and Availability
DXVK is documented on Wikipedia under the title "DXVK" in English and French. It is also available on PCGamingWiki, where users can find additional information, guides, and improvements for games that use DXVK. The project is also tracked on Repology, a repository that monitors the availability of software packages across different Linux distributions.

## References

1. [Source](https://www.gamingonlinux.com/2018/09/an-interview-with-the-developer-of-dxvk-part-of-what-makes-valves-steam-play-tick/)
2. [Source](https://api.github.com/repos/doitsujin/dxvk)
3. [Release 0.70. 2018](https://github.com/doitsujin/dxvk/releases/tag/v0.70)
4. [Release 0.71. 2018](https://github.com/doitsujin/dxvk/releases/tag/v0.71)
5. [Release 0.72. 2018](https://github.com/doitsujin/dxvk/releases/tag/v0.72)
6. [Release 0.80. 2018](https://github.com/doitsujin/dxvk/releases/tag/v0.80)
7. [Release 0.81. 2018](https://github.com/doitsujin/dxvk/releases/tag/v0.81)
8. [Release 0.90. 2018](https://github.com/doitsujin/dxvk/releases/tag/v0.90)
9. [Release 0.91. 2018](https://github.com/doitsujin/dxvk/releases/tag/v0.91)
10. [Release 0.92. 2018](https://github.com/doitsujin/dxvk/releases/tag/v0.92)
11. [Release 0.93. 2018](https://github.com/doitsujin/dxvk/releases/tag/v0.93)
12. [Release 0.94. 2018](https://github.com/doitsujin/dxvk/releases/tag/v0.94)
13. [Release 0.95. 2019](https://github.com/doitsujin/dxvk/releases/tag/v0.95)
14. [Release 0.96. 2019](https://github.com/doitsujin/dxvk/releases/tag/v0.96)
15. [Release 1.0. 2019](https://github.com/doitsujin/dxvk/releases/tag/v1.0)
16. [Release 1.0.1. 2019](https://github.com/doitsujin/dxvk/releases/tag/v1.0.1)
17. [Release 1.0.2. 2019](https://github.com/doitsujin/dxvk/releases/tag/v1.0.2)
18. [Release 1.0.3. 2019](https://github.com/doitsujin/dxvk/releases/tag/v1.0.3)
19. [Release 1.1.1. 2019](https://github.com/doitsujin/dxvk/releases/tag/v1.1.1)
20. [Release 1.2. 2019](https://github.com/doitsujin/dxvk/releases/tag/v1.2)
21. [Release 1.2.1. 2019](https://github.com/doitsujin/dxvk/releases/tag/v1.2.1)
22. [Release 1.2.2. 2019](https://github.com/doitsujin/dxvk/releases/tag/v1.2.2)
23. [Release 1.2.3. 2019](https://github.com/doitsujin/dxvk/releases/tag/v1.2.3)
24. [Release 1.3. 2019](https://github.com/doitsujin/dxvk/releases/tag/v1.3)
25. [Release 1.3.1. 2019](https://github.com/doitsujin/dxvk/releases/tag/v1.3.1)
26. [Release 1.3.2. 2019](https://github.com/doitsujin/dxvk/releases/tag/v1.3.2)
27. [Release 1.3.3. 2019](https://github.com/doitsujin/dxvk/releases/tag/v1.3.3)
28. [Release 1.3.4. 2019](https://github.com/doitsujin/dxvk/releases/tag/v1.3.4)
29. [Release 1.4. 2019](https://github.com/doitsujin/dxvk/releases/tag/v1.4)
30. [Release 1.4.1. 2019](https://github.com/doitsujin/dxvk/releases/tag/v1.4.1)
31. [Release 1.4.2. 2019](https://github.com/doitsujin/dxvk/releases/tag/v1.4.2)
32. [Release 1.4.3. 2019](https://github.com/doitsujin/dxvk/releases/tag/v1.4.3)
33. [Release 1.4.4. 2019](https://github.com/doitsujin/dxvk/releases/tag/v1.4.4)
34. [Release 1.4.5. 2019](https://github.com/doitsujin/dxvk/releases/tag/v1.4.5)
35. [Release 1.4.6. 2019](https://github.com/doitsujin/dxvk/releases/tag/v1.4.6)
36. [Release 1.5. 2019](https://github.com/doitsujin/dxvk/releases/tag/v1.5)
37. [Release 1.5.1. 2020](https://github.com/doitsujin/dxvk/releases/tag/v1.5.1)
38. [Release 1.5.2. 2020](https://github.com/doitsujin/dxvk/releases/tag/v1.5.2)
39. [Release 1.5.3. 2020](https://github.com/doitsujin/dxvk/releases/tag/v1.5.3)
40. [Release 1.5.4. 2020](https://github.com/doitsujin/dxvk/releases/tag/v1.5.4)
41. [Release 1.5.5. 2020](https://github.com/doitsujin/dxvk/releases/tag/v1.5.5)
42. [Release 1.6. 2020](https://github.com/doitsujin/dxvk/releases/tag/v1.6)
43. [Release 1.6.1. 2020](https://github.com/doitsujin/dxvk/releases/tag/v1.6.1)
44. [Release 1.7. 2020](https://github.com/doitsujin/dxvk/releases/tag/v1.7)
45. [Release 1.7.1. 2020](https://github.com/doitsujin/dxvk/releases/tag/v1.7.1)
46. [Release 1.7.2. 2020](https://github.com/doitsujin/dxvk/releases/tag/v1.7.2)
47. [Release 1.7.3. 2020](https://github.com/doitsujin/dxvk/releases/tag/v1.7.3)
48. [Release 1.8. 2021](https://github.com/doitsujin/dxvk/releases/tag/v1.8)
49. [Release 1.8.1. 2021](https://github.com/doitsujin/dxvk/releases/tag/v1.8.1)
50. [Release 1.9. 2021](https://github.com/doitsujin/dxvk/releases/tag/v1.9)