A variable rendering system is described that automatically transitions between hardware-accelerated rendering and software rendering of application data based on system performance and without user interaction or noticeable impact on the user experience. When hardware-accelerated rendering is available, the system renders application data using hardware-accelerated rendering. If an event occurs that causes hardware-accelerated rendering to fail, then the system dynamically transitions from hardware-accelerated rendering to software-accelerated rendering. Periodically, the system attempts to transition back to hardware-accelerated rendering.