# Linux Framebuffer Driver (/integration/embedded_linux/drivers/fbdev)



Overview [#overview]

The Linux framebuffer (fbdev) is a linux subsystem used to display graphics. It is a hardware-independent API that gives user space software
access to the framebuffer (the part of a computer's video memory containing a current video frame) using only the Linux kernel's own basic
facilities and its device file system interface, avoiding the need for libraries that implement video drivers in user space.

Prerequisites [#prerequisites]

Your system has a framebuffer device configured (usually under `/dev/fb0`).

Configuring the driver [#configuring-the-driver]

Enable the framebuffer driver support in lv\_conf.h, by cmake compiler define or by KConfig. Additionally you may configure the rendering
mode.

```c title=" " lineNumbers=1
#define LV_USE_LINUX_FBDEV           1
#define LV_LINUX_FBDEV_RENDER_MODE   LV_DISPLAY_RENDER_MODE_PARTIAL
```

Usage [#usage]

To set up a framebuffer-based display, first create a display with `lv_linux_fbdev_create`. Afterwards set the framebuffer device
node on the display (usually this is `/dev/fb0`).

```c title=" " lineNumbers=1
lv_display_t *disp = lv_linux_fbdev_create();
lv_linux_fbdev_set_file(disp, "/dev/fb0");
```

If your screen stays black or only draws partially, you can try enabling direct
rendering via <ApiLink name="LV_DISPLAY_RENDER_MODE_DIRECT" />. Additionally, you can
activate a force refresh mode with `lv_linux_fbdev_set_force_refresh(true)`. This
usually has a performance impact though and shouldn't be enabled unless really needed.

Hide the cursor [#hide-the-cursor]

You may encounter a blinking cursor on the screen. The method to hide it
varies depending on the platform. For instance, here is how it can be done
on a Raspberry Pi:

1. Edit `/boot/cmdline.txt` file.
   2\. Add `vt.global_cursor_default=0`.

Common mistakes [#common-mistakes]

Default resolution issue [#default-resolution-issue]

When the Linux kernel initializes, it sets up subsystems like the framebuffer
(fbdev) to manage display output. If an HDMI display is connected, the kernel
detects it and allocates a portion of RAM as the framebuffer, which holds the
pixel data for rendering images.

However, a common issue arises when the display is not powered on during the
boot process. If the board is powered on before the screen, the kernel may
incorrectly configure the framebuffer resolution. As a result, both the visible
and virtual resolutions can be incorrect, leading to display problems.

This issue often occurs with HDMI connections where the display is powered up
after the system has already booted.

The following command outputs the current settings of the specified framebuffer
device, such as resolution, pixel depth, and timings.

```c title=" " lineNumbers=1
fbset -fb /dev/fb0
```

To prevent display-related issues, it is recommended to ensure all devices,
including the HDMI display, are connected and powered on before powering up
the board.