GemDiagram Docs

System Requirements

GemDiagram runs entirely in your browser — nothing to install. Here's what your device needs to run it.

Minimum

GemDiagram will run on:

  • Operating System: Windows 10, macOS 11, Linux, ChromeOS, iOS 15.4+, or Android 9+
  • Browser: Chrome or Edge 100+, Firefox 100+, or Safari 15.4+ (with WebGL2 enabled)
  • GPU: Any GPU with WebGL2 support — integrated graphics (Intel UHD, Apple silicon, recent Android) work fine for Solid mode
  • RAM: 4 GB
  • Display: 1024×768 or larger
  • Network: Any broadband connection; about 2–3 MB for the initial load, minimal data after that
  • Input: Touch or mouse

For smooth performance in Realistic mode, recording videos, and using the 3D showcase:

  • Browser: Modern browser (Chrome/Edge/Firefox/Safari) in the last 2 versions
  • GPU: Dedicated or recent integrated GPU (Apple silicon, Intel Iris Xe+, AMD Radeon, or any discrete card)
  • RAM: 8 GB
  • Display: 1920×1080 or larger; mouse or trackpad
  • Rendering: Realistic mode and the showcase show their best work on hardware with strong GPU support; the 2D Solid mode and editor work fine on older GPUs

Mobile and tablets

GemDiagram's UI adapts to phones and tablets (1100px breakpoint):

  • Supported: Off-canvas drawers, touch gestures, responsive layout
  • Performance: Realistic ray-traced mode is much slower on phones; use Solid mode for editing
  • Video recording: Browser-dependent; iOS Safari has limitations
  • Serious design work: Easier and faster on desktop due to screen real estate and mouse/trackpad precision

If the app won't start

If GemDiagram fails to load or shows a blank canvas, WebGL2 is likely disabled or unavailable on your device. Here's how to check and enable it:

Chrome or Edge

  1. Open Settings → Advanced → System
  2. Toggle Hardware acceleration on
  3. Restart the browser
  4. Visit GemDiagram again

If it still doesn't work, check chrome://gpu — look for "WebGL2" in the list. If marked as "disabled," your GPU driver may need updating. Visit your GPU manufacturer's website and download the latest driver (Intel, NVIDIA, AMD, or Apple).

Firefox

  1. Open about:config in the address bar
  2. Search for webgl and verify webgl.disabled is false
  3. Restart the browser

Safari

  1. Open Preferences → Advanced
  2. Check Show Develop menu in menu bar
  3. In the menu bar, go Develop → verify WebGL is checked
  4. Restart Safari

General troubleshooting

  • Old browser: Update to the latest version. WebGL2 requires recent software
  • GPU driver outdated: Visit your GPU maker's site and update your driver
  • VM or remote desktop: Virtual graphics environments often don't support WebGL2. Use a physical device or a machine with direct GPU access
  • Still stuck: Open the browser console (F12 → Console) and look for WebGL error messages. Copy them and contact support

See Troubleshooting & FAQ for more help.