Abstract: The described embodiments provide a system that renders graphics for a computer system. During operation, the system loads a software client and a software service in the computing system. Next, the system receives a set of rendering commands from the software client in a command buffer, wherein the rendering commands include at least one of a state change command, a resource allocation command, a direct memory access (DMA) command, buffer data, and a synchronization command. Finally, the system uses the software service to render an image corresponding to the rendering commands by reading the rendering commands from the command buffer and executing the rendering commands.