glReadBuffer specifies a color buffer as the source for subsequent glReadPixels, glCopyTexImage1D, glCopyTexImage2D, glCopyTexSubImage1D, glCopyTexSubImage2D, glCopyTexSubImage3D, and glCopyPixels commands. mode accepts one of twelve or more predefined values. (GL_AUX0 through GL_AUX3 are always defined.) In a fully configured system, GL_FRONT, GL_LEFT, and GL_FRONT_LEFT all name the front left buffer, GL_FRONT_RIGHT and GL_RIGHT name the front right buffer, and GL_BACK_LEFT and GL_BACK name the back left buffer.

Nonstereo double-buffered configurations have only a front left and a back left buffer. Single-buffered configurations have a front left and a front right buffer if stereo, and only a front left buffer if nonstereo. It is an error to specify a nonexistent buffer to glReadBuffer.

mode is initially GL_FRONT in single-buffered configurations, and GL_BACK in double-buffered configurations.

GL_INVALID_OPERATION is generated if glReadBuffer is executed between the execution of glBegin and the corresponding execution of glEnd.

glCopyPixels , glCopyTexImage1D , glCopyTexImage2D , glCopyTexSubImage1D , glCopyTexSubImage2D , glCopyTexSubImage3D , glDrawBuffer , glReadPixels