diff --git a/pcbnew/pcb_draw_panel_gal.cpp b/pcbnew/pcb_draw_panel_gal.cpp
index 557dac11b0..b99e9f0d15 100644
--- a/pcbnew/pcb_draw_panel_gal.cpp
+++ b/pcbnew/pcb_draw_panel_gal.cpp
@@ -386,7 +386,9 @@ void PCB_DRAW_PANEL_GAL::OnShow()
         // Fallback to software renderer
         DisplayError( frame, e.what() );
         bool use_gal = SwitchBackend( GAL_TYPE_CAIRO );
-        frame->UseGalCanvas( use_gal );
+
+        if( frame )
+            frame->UseGalCanvas( use_gal );
     }
 
     if( frame )