VapourSynth
VapourSynth provides a video processing framework, with documentation and information about GPU support on its site.
About VapourSynth
VapourSynth is a video processing framework. Its site carries documentation and posts about GPU support, which requires a GPU that supports Vulkan 1.4; on Linux that can include hardware close to ten years old. Vulkan was chosen because it works across Windows, Linux and macOS (via MoltenVK on macOS). Only one GPU is usable at a time.
GPU video nodes and GPU video frames extend the existing types, and clips move between processor and GPU with std.GPUUpload() and std.GPUDownload(). All internal core filters have GPU support and, apart from some esoteric resize transfer options, match their CPU counterparts except that GPU filters do not accept variable format or size input. GPU support is also available to test in the vukvuk2 branch.
Key features
- GPU video nodes and frames stored in GPU memory
- std.GPUUpload() and std.GPUDownload() transfer clips between GPU and local
- Vulkan 1.4-based GPU support across Windows, Linux and macOS via MoltenVK
- Internal core filters have GPU versions with near-complete feature parity
- Exported handles for CUDA and other Vulkan plugin interoperability
- Automatic best-GPU selection, overridable with core.set_vulkan_device()
Best for: People building scripted video processing pipelines who want to move filter chains onto a supported GPU.
Good for
- GPU support covers all internal core filters with near-complete feature parity
- Best GPU is picked automatically, and core.vulkan_devices() with core.set_vulkan_device() allows manual choice
- Interoperability handles are exported for CUDA and other Vulkan environments
Watch out for
- Only one GPU can be used at a time
- GPU filters do not accept variable format or size input, and multi-node filters cannot mix local and GPU nodes
- Running out of GPU memory crashes because there is no swap for GPU memory
- Integrated GPUs are supported but may be markedly slower, often slower than CPU filters
VapourSynth at a glance
- Website
- vapoursynth.com
- Category
- Design & Creative › Video Editing & Animation
- Type
- Online tool
- Pricing
- Not confirmed. Check the site
- Platforms
- Linux, Web, Windows
- Open source
- Not stated
- Language
- English
- Last checked
- Oct 5, 2026 · Online when checked
- Listed
- Oct 5, 2026
Guides for Video Editing & Animation
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VapourSynth FAQ
What GPU do I need for GPU support?
A modern GPU that supports Vulkan 1.4. On Linux, "modern" may mean hardware close to ten years old.
How do I control which GPU is used?
By default the best GPU is selected, with discrete devices picked first and VRAM used to break ties. You can list devices with core.vulkan_devices() and choose one with core.set_vulkan_device() before running any GPU filters.
Can plugins be written in CUDA or other APIs?
Yes. The handles needed to map memory, semaphores and similar are exported, and interoperability mainly targets CUDA and other Vulkan environments.
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