1 files changed, 36 insertions, 0 deletions
diff --git a/include/uapi/drm/drm_fourcc.h b/include/uapi/drm/drm_fourcc.h
index d43949b5bb3e..21c50b39596f 100644
--- a/include/uapi/drm/drm_fourcc.h
+++ b/include/uapi/drm/drm_fourcc.h
@@ -30,6 +30,42 @@
 extern "C" {
 #endif
 
+/**
+ * DOC: overview
+ *
+ * In the DRM subsystem, framebuffer pixel formats are described using the
+ * fourcc codes defined in `include/uapi/drm/drm_fourcc.h`. In addition to the
+ * fourcc code, a Format Modifier may optionally be provided, in order to
+ * further describe the buffer's format - for example tiling or compression.
+ *
+ * Format Modifiers
+ * ----------------
+ *
+ * Format modifiers are used in conjunction with a fourcc code, forming a
+ * unique fourcc:modifier pair. This format:modifier pair must fully define the
+ * format and data layout of the buffer, and should be the only way to describe
+ * that particular buffer.
+ *
+ * Having multiple fourcc:modifier pairs which describe the same layout should
+ * be avoided, as such aliases run the risk of different drivers exposing
+ * different names for the same data format, forcing userspace to understand
+ * that they are aliases.
+ *
+ * Format modifiers may change any property of the buffer, including the number
+ * of planes and/or the required allocation size. Format modifiers are
+ * vendor-namespaced, and as such the relationship between a fourcc code and a
+ * modifier is specific to the modifer being used. For example, some modifiers
+ * may preserve meaning - such as number of planes - from the fourcc code,
+ * whereas others may not.
+ *
+ * Vendors should document their modifier usage in as much detail as
+ * possible, to ensure maximum compatibility across devices, drivers and
+ * applications.
+ *
+ * The authoritative list of format modifier codes is found in
+ * `include/uapi/drm/drm_fourcc.h`
+ */
+
 #define fourcc_code(a, b, c, d) ((__u32)(a) | ((__u32)(b) << 8) | \
 				 ((__u32)(c) << 16) | ((__u32)(d) << 24))