---
name: "al_install_haptic"
section: "3"
platform: "linux"
package: "allegro"
version: "5.2.11.3-2"
release: "Arch Linux 2026-11-01"
platforms: ["linux"]
url: "https://new.carta.tech/al_install_haptic"
---

# al\_install\_haptic(3)

Allegro 5 API

## NAME

al\_install\_haptic - Allegro 5 API

## SYNOPSIS

-

  ```
  #include <allegro5/allegro.h>
  bool al_install_haptic(void)
  ```

## DESCRIPTION

Installs the haptic (force feedback) device subsystem. This must be called before using any other haptic-related functions. Returns true if the haptics subsystem could be initialized correctly, false in case of error.

For portability you should first open a display before calling [al\_install\_haptic(3)](/al_install_haptic/3.md). On some platforms, such as DirectInput under Windows, [al\_install\_haptic(3)](/al_install_haptic/3.md) will only work if at least one active display is available. This display must stay available until [al\_uninstall\_haptic(3)](/al_uninstall_haptic/3.md) is called.

If you need to close and reopen your active display for example, then you should call [al\_uninstall\_haptic(3)](/al_uninstall_haptic/3.md) before closing the display, and [al\_install\_haptic(3)](/al_install_haptic/3.md) after opening it again.

## SINCE

5\.1.8

*\[Unstable API\]:* Perhaps could be simplified due to limited support for all the exposed features across all of the platforms. Awaiting feedback from users.