Quartz Composer: 32-bit or 64-bit?

Mac OS 10.4 and 10.5

In Mac OS 10.4 and 10.5, the Quartz Composer Editor runs only in 32-bit mode.

Mac OS 10.6 and 10.7

In Mac OS 10.6 and 10.7, the Quartz Composer Editor can run in either 32-bit mode or 64-bit mode. On 64-bit-capable machines, it runs in 64-bit mode by default.

Known issues with Quartz Composer in 64-bit mode

  • The built-in Video Input patch doesn't see some video input sources.
  • Some older third-party plugins don't include 64-bit binaries, so Quartz Composer won't load them.
    • When in doubt, download and install the latest version of the plugin.

Forcing Quartz Composer Editor to run in 32-bit mode

  • Locate Quartz Composer.app in Finder (either navigate to the /Developer/Applications/ folder, or command-click on its icon in the Dock).
  • Right-click and select "Get Info".
  • Turn on the "Open in 32-bit mode" checkbox.