Using display lists

Display lists help you display repeated images faster. When display lists are enabled, every drawing operation is recorded in a list that can be quickly replayed if necessary. This results in faster image refreshes on most systems but requires graphics memory to record each drawing operation. Display lists are not used at all in the Visualization module (Abaqus/Viewer). In Abaqus/CAE display lists are usually enabled; you should disable them if you experience memory problems or a degradation of graphics performance while displaying exceptionally large models.

Related Topics
Choosing a highlight method
Choosing a translucency mode
Controlling drag mode
Choosing background colors

  1. Locate the display lists options.

    From the main menu bar, select ViewGraphics Options.

    Abaqus/CAE displays the Graphics Options dialog box.

  2. From the Hardware options, toggle Use display lists on or off to control the use of display lists for images. This option has no effect in the Visualization module.

    When Use display lists is on, you may notice a brief delay the first time an image is drawn; this occurs because Abaqus/CAE must construct the display lists. Subsequent drawing of the image is faster.

  3. Click OK to implement your changes and to close the dialog box.

    Your changes are saved for the duration of the session.