# VKD3D

> a 3D graphics library built on top of Vulkan

**Wikidata**: [Q116392057](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q116392057)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/vkd3d

## Summary
VKD3D is a 3D graphics library built on top of Vulkan. Developed by Valve Corporation, it functions as a software component designed to leverage the Vulkan API. The library is distributed under the GNU Lesser General Public License, version 2.1 or later.

## Key Facts
- **Nature:** VKD3D is a 3D graphics library built on top of Vulkan.
- **Developer:** The software is manufactured by Valve Corporation, an American video game development company.
- **License:** It is released under the GNU Lesser General Public License, version 2.1 or later.
- **Source Repository:** The code is hosted at `https://github.com/ValveSoftware/vkd3d`.
- **Initial Release:** Version 0.0.1 was released on November 21, 2016.
- **Version 1.0:** The first major milestone, version 1.0, was released on May 23, 2018.
- **Latest Stable Version:** Version 1.7.1 (stable) was released on May 3, 2023.
- **Copyright Status:** The software is copyrighted.

## FAQs
### Q: Who develops and maintains VKD3D?
A: VKD3D is manufactured by Valve Corporation, a video game development and digital distribution company based in the United States.

### Q: What license is VKD3D released under?
A: The library is available under the GNU Lesser General Public License, version 2.1 or later.

### Q: When was the first version of VKD3D released?
A: The initial version, 0.0.1, was released on November 21, 2016.

### Q: Where can the source code for VKD3D be found?
A: The source code repository is located on GitHub at `https://github.com/ValveSoftware/vkd3d`.

## Why It Matters
VKD3D represents a critical software layer in the graphics stack, utilizing the Vulkan API to serve as a 3D graphics library. Its development by Valve Corporation highlights its strategic importance in the modern computing ecosystem, particularly within the context of video game development and digital distribution. Vulkan is known for high performance and low overhead, and VKD3D acts as a necessary bridge or tool for utilizing this technology.

The library's active development cycle—spanning from late 2016 to at least May 2023 with the release of version 1.7.1—demonstrates a sustained commitment to refining the software. By operating under the GNU Lesser General Public License (LGPL 2.1), VKD3D remains accessible to a wide range of developers and users, fostering open-source collaboration while allowing for broad implementation. Its existence facilitates the execution of 3D graphics tasks in environments where Vulkan is the underlying graphics interface.

## Notable For
- **Vulkan Foundation:** It is distinctively built on top of Vulkan, a modern high-performance graphics API.
- **Valve Backing:** It is one of the specific software projects manufactured by Valve Corporation.
- **Rapid Release Cycle:** The project demonstrated significant momentum in 2022, releasing stable versions 1.3 through 1.6 within a single year.
- **Open Source Accessibility:** Unlike proprietary alternatives, it is freely available under the LGPL 2.1.

## Body
### Overview and Classification
VKD3D is a 3D graphics library classified as a non-tangible executable component of a computer. It is built on top of Vulkan. The software is copyrighted and managed by Valve Corporation.

### Development History
The development of VKD3D has been marked by regular version updates since its inception in 2016.
- **Early Development:** The project began with the release of version 0.0.1 on November 21, 2016. This was followed by version 1.0 on May 23, 2018, and version 1.1 on October 5, 2018.
- **Expansion in 2022:** The year 2022 saw multiple stable releases:
    - Version 1.3 (March 2)
    - Version 1.4 (June 22)
    - Version 1.5 (September 22)
    - Version 1.6 (December 7)
- **Recent Updates:** In 2023, the stable version 1.7 was released on March 24, followed by an update to version 1.7.1 on May 3.

### Availability
The source code for VKD3D is maintained in a public repository on GitHub under the ValveSoftware organization.

## References

1. [Release 0.0.1. 2016](https://github.com/ValveSoftware/vkd3d/releases/tag/vkd3d-0.0.1)
2. [Release 1.0. 2018](https://github.com/ValveSoftware/vkd3d/releases/tag/vkd3d-1.0)
3. [Release 1.1. 2018](https://github.com/ValveSoftware/vkd3d/releases/tag/vkd3d-1.1)
4. [vkd3d release 1.7. 2023](https://www.winehq.org/mailman3/hyperkitty/list/wine-announce@winehq.org/thread/WEGAWNDRKG2FPS3YANBPXVQ4GW6NQWSC/)
5. [Release 1.2. 2020](https://github.com/ValveSoftware/vkd3d/releases/tag/vkd3d-1.2)
6. [Release 1.3. 2022](https://github.com/ValveSoftware/vkd3d/releases/tag/vkd3d-1.3)
7. [Release 1.4. 2022](https://github.com/ValveSoftware/vkd3d/releases/tag/vkd3d-1.4)
8. [Release 1.5. 2022](https://github.com/ValveSoftware/vkd3d/releases/tag/vkd3d-1.5)
9. [Release 1.6. 2022](https://github.com/ValveSoftware/vkd3d/releases/tag/vkd3d-1.6)
10. [Release 1.7.1. 2023](https://github.com/ValveSoftware/vkd3d/releases/tag/vkd3d-1.7.1)
11. [Release 1.8. 2023](https://github.com/ValveSoftware/vkd3d/releases/tag/vkd3d-1.8)
12. [Release 1.9. 2023](https://github.com/ValveSoftware/vkd3d/releases/tag/vkd3d-1.9)
13. [Release 1.10. 2023](https://github.com/ValveSoftware/vkd3d/releases/tag/vkd3d-1.10)
14. [Release 1.11. 2024](https://github.com/ValveSoftware/vkd3d/releases/tag/vkd3d-1.11)
15. [Vkd3d 1.12 Released. 2024](https://www.winehq.org/news/2024052901)
16. [Vkd3d 1.13 Released. 2024](https://www.winehq.org/news/2024082901)
17. [Vkd3d 1.14 Released. 2024](https://www.winehq.org/news/2024112101)
18. [Vkd3d 1.15 Released. 2025](https://www.winehq.org/news/2025021901)
19. [Vkd3d 1.16 Released. 2025](https://www.winehq.org/news/2025052001)
20. [Vkd3d 1.17 Released. 2025](https://www.winehq.org/news/2025082101)
21. [Vkd3d 1.18 Released. 2025](https://www.winehq.org/news/2025112001)