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Reference Library: Cocoa
Cocoa provides classes for custom drawing based on Quartz graphics, and utility functions for common graphics tasks such as copying and drawing bitmap data. To go beyond what Cocoa provides, developers can use the graphics and imaging frameworks in Mac OS X. Cocoa applications have access to a wide variety of graphics technologies including Quartz 2D, Quartz Services, OpenGL, QuickTime, and the Mac OS X printing system.

View all Graphics & Imaging Reference Library.
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Quartz Composer Programming Guide (HTML) (PDF)
Describes how to used the framework to load, play, and control compositions.
Guides 2007-07-11
Image I/O Programming Guide (HTML) (PDF)
Explains how to read and write image data using the Image I/O framework.
Guides 2007-07-02
QCComposition Class Reference (HTML) (PDF)
Describes the class that represents a Quartz Composer composition.
Reference 2007-06-26
Quartz 2D Transformer (HTML) (DMG) (ZIP)
Shows how to use Quartz 2D to manipulate an image
Sample Code 2007-06-21
LayerBackedOpenGLView (HTML) (DMG) (ZIP)
"LayerBackedOpenGLView" provides a simple example of hosting Cocoa controls as subviews of an NSOpenGLView.
Sample Code 2007-06-12
BasicCocoaAnimations (HTML) (DMG) (ZIP)
"BasicCocoaAnimations" demonstrates the use of the animator proxy to easily animate Cocoa views and windows.
Sample Code 2007-06-11
QuartzComposerSamplePatches (HTML) (DMG) (ZIP)
A short list of new patches in Quartz Composer Mac OS X 10.5
Sample Code 2007-06-11
CIImage Additions Reference (HTML) (PDF)
Describes the API for supporting Cocoa images in Core Image.
Reference 2007-06-08
Core Animation Release Notes (HTML)
Describes features, issues, and workarounds related to Mac OS X v10.5 and its support of Core Animation.
Release Notes 2007-05-31
NSBox Class Reference (HTML) (PDF)
Describes the class that implements a view that can display its border and a title.
Reference 2007-05-30
Image Capture Applications Programming Guide (HTML) (PDF)
Describes the interaction between applications programs and image capture devices such as cameras and scanners.
Guides 2007-05-16
VideoHardwareInfo (HTML) (DMG) (ZIP)
Query VRAM, Quartz Extreme support, OpenGL extensions and renderer, GLSL version and support.
Sample Code 2007-05-14
Using UTIs to Identify Image Files (HTML)
QA1518: Explains how to use Uniform Type Identifiers to identify what files can be opened at images.
Technical Q&As 2007-05-11
QCCompositionParameterView Class Reference (HTML) (PDF)
Describes the class used to edit the input parameters of a composition in a view.
Reference 2007-05-09
QCCompositionParameterViewDelegate Protocol Reference (HTML) (PDF)
Describes the protocol for responding to changes in a QCCompositionParameterView object.
Reference 2007-05-09
QCCompositionPickerPanel Class Reference (HTML) (PDF)
Describes the class used to display a utility window for browsing and selecting a composition.
Reference 2007-05-09
QCCompositionPickerView Class Reference (HTML) (PDF)
Describes the class used to display a view for browsing and selecting a composition.
Reference 2007-05-09
QCCompositionPickerViewDelegate Protocol Reference (HTML) (PDF)
Describes the protocol for responding to changes in a QCCompositionPickerView object.
Reference 2007-05-09
QCCompositionRepository Class Reference (HTML) (PDF)
Describes the class that represents a system-wide, central repository of Quartz Composer compositions.
Reference 2007-05-09
QCPlugInContext Protocol Reference (HTML) (PDF)
Describes the protocol used by execution contexts.
Reference 2007-05-09
QCPlugInOutputImageProvider Protocol Reference (HTML) (PDF)
Describes the methods for managing image data that's produced as output from a QCPlugIn object.
Reference 2007-05-09
QCPlugInViewController Class Reference (HTML) (PDF)
Describes the class that provides a controller object for a user interface to edit the settings for a QCPlugIn object.
Reference 2007-05-09
QCRenderer Class Reference (HTML) (PDF)
Describes the class used to load, play, and control a Quartz Composer composition to an arbitrary OpenGL context.
Reference 2007-05-09
QCView Class Reference (HTML) (PDF)
Describes the class used to load, play, and control a Quartz Composer composition to a custom NSView object.
Reference 2007-05-09
Resolution Independence Guidelines (HTML) (PDF)
Describes resolution independence and how to start updating applications to support high-resolution monitors.
Guides 2007-05-04
NSViewController Class Reference (HTML) (PDF)
Describes the class used to manage a view, usually a view stored in a nib file.
Reference 2007-05-02
NSColorPickingDefault Protocol Reference (HTML) (PDF)
Describes the protocol that color pickers implement to provide a basic user interface for color panels.
Reference 2007-04-27
NSAlert Class Reference (HTML) (PDF)
Describes the class used to display a message and obtain the user's response to it.
Reference 2007-04-25
NSGradient Class Reference (HTML) (PDF)
Describes the methods for creating gradient fill patterns.
Reference 2007-04-12
PictureTaker (HTML) (DMG) (ZIP)
Demonstrates the PictureTaker in a basic Cocoa application
Sample Code 2007-04-02
NSColorPickingCustom Protocol Reference (HTML) (PDF)
Describes the protocol that color pickers implement to provide a customized user interface for color panels.
Reference 2007-04-01
CIContext Class Reference (HTML) (PDF)
Describes the class that provides an evaluation context for rendering a Core Image image through Quartz 2D or OpenGL.
Reference 2007-03-16
ImageBrowser (HTML) (DMG) (ZIP)
Demonstrates the ImageKit's IKImageBrowserView to browse images in a basic Cocoa application.
Sample Code 2007-03-13
NSBezierPath Class Reference (HTML) (PDF)
Describes the class for drawing path-based shapes.
Reference 2007-03-02
NSGraphicsContext Class Reference (HTML) (PDF)
Describes the class whose objects represent graphics contexts, which are destinations for drawing operations.
Reference 2007-03-01
Grady (HTML) (DMG) (ZIP)
Demonstrates how to use the NSGradient class.
Sample Code 2007-02-28
NSAffineTransform Additions Reference (HTML) (PDF)
Describes the Application Kit additions to the class for creating, concatenating, and applying affine transformations.
Reference 2007-02-28
NSBitmapImageRep Class Reference (HTML) (PDF)
Describes the class for rendering images from representations of bitmap data.
Reference 2007-02-28
NSColorList Class Reference (HTML) (PDF)
Describes the class used to store an ordered list of NSColor objects, identified by keys.
Reference 2007-02-28
NSColorPanel Class Reference (HTML) (PDF)
Describes the class used to provide a standard user interface for selecting color in an application.
Reference 2007-02-28
NSColorPicker Class Reference (HTML) (PDF)
Describes the abstract superclass used to add color pickers (custom user interfaces for color selection) to NSColorPanel.
Reference 2007-02-28
NSColorSpace Class Reference (HTML) (PDF)
Describes the class used to support the creation of objects representing custom color spaces.
Reference 2007-02-28
NSColorWell Class Reference (HTML) (PDF)
Describes the class used for selecting and displaying a single color value.
Reference 2007-02-28
Quartz Core Framework Reference (HTML) (PDF)
Describes the API for Core Image and Core Video.
Reference 2007-02-17
NSOpenGLPixelBuffer Class Reference (HTML) (PDF)
Describes the class for managing OpenGL bitmaps.
Reference 2007-01-31
NSQuickDrawView Class Reference (HTML) (PDF)
Describes the class for using QuickDraw in Cocoa views.
Reference 2007-01-30
NSScreen Class Reference (HTML) (PDF)
Describes the class for retrieving screen-based information.
Reference 2007-01-30
NSShadow Class Reference (HTML) (PDF)
Describes the class for adding shadow effects to rendered shapes.
Reference 2007-01-30
NSOpenGLPixelFormat Class Reference (HTML) (PDF)
Describes the class for managing OpenGL rendering attributes.
Reference 2007-01-26
NSOpenGLView Class Reference (HTML) (PDF)
Describes the class for a view that supports OpenGL drawing calls.
Reference 2007-01-26
NSPDFImageRep Class Reference (HTML) (PDF)
Describes the class for managing PDF image data.
Reference 2007-01-26
NSPICTImageRep Class Reference (HTML) (PDF)
Describes the class for managing PICT image data.
Reference 2007-01-26
Quartz Composer Reference Collection (HTML) (PDF)
Describes the Objective-C API that supports loading, playing, and controlling compositions.
Reference 2007-01-25
NSEPSImageRep Class Reference (HTML) (PDF)
Describes the class for handling EPS image data.
Reference 2007-01-22
Working Around Incorrect -needsToDrawRect: Behavior in Custom View Classes (HTML)
TN2107: Describes how to work around a bug in NSView's -needsToDrawRect: method.
Technical Notes 2007-01-22
NSCustomImageRep Class Reference (HTML) (PDF)
Describes the class for supporting custom image formats.
Reference 2007-01-19
NSAffineTransform Class Reference (HTML) (PDF)
Describes the class for manipulating the current coordinate space.
Reference 2007-01-15
NSCachedImageRep Class Reference (HTML) (PDF)
Describes the class for accessing image cache information.
Reference 2007-01-15
NSCIImageRep Class Reference (HTML) (PDF)
Describes the class for using Core Image with Cocoa images.
Reference 2007-01-15
IKImageBrowserItem Protocol Reference (HTML) (PDF)
Describes the informal protocol used by an image browser view to access the data source for an item.
Reference 2007-01-12
CIImageAccumulator Class Reference (HTML) (PDF)
Describes the class that enables feedback-based image processing.
Reference 2007-01-05
IKImageBrowserView Class Reference (HTML) (PDF)
Describes the class that can display and browse a large amount of images and movies in an efficient manner.
Reference 2006-12-13
CIFilterShape Class Reference (HTML) (PDF)
Describes the class that defines the bounding shape of a filter and the domain of definition of a filter operation.
Reference 2006-12-07
CIPlugInRegistration Protocol Reference (HTML) (PDF)
Describes the protocol used to load Core Image image units.
Reference 2006-12-07
CISampler Class Reference (HTML) (PDF)
Describes the class that retrieves samples of images that are then processed by a Core Image kernel.
Reference 2006-12-07
CIVector Class Reference (HTML) (PDF)
Describes the class used to pass parameter values to Core Image filters.
Reference 2006-12-07
IKFilterCustomUIProvider Protocol Reference (HTML) (PDF)
Descibes the protocol that defines a method for providing a view for a filter.
Reference 2006-12-07
IKImageBrowserDelegate Protocol Reference (HTML) (PDF)
Describes the informal protocol for the delegate of an image browser view.
Reference 2006-12-07
CIFilter Image Kit Additions (HTML) (PDF)
Describes the category that extends Core Image filters for use with Image Kit.
Reference 2006-12-06
IKFilterBrowserView Class Reference (HTML) (PDF)
Describes the class that supports browsing Core Image filters.
Reference 2006-12-06
IKFilterUIView Class Reference (HTML) (PDF)
Describes the class that provides a user interface for Core Image filters.
Reference 2006-12-06
IKImageEditPanel Class Reference (HTML) (PDF)
Describes the class that provides a panel optimized for image editing.
Reference 2006-12-06
IKImageEditPanelDataSource Protocol Reference (HTML) (PDF)
Describes the mthods than an image edit panel object uses to access the contents of its data source object.
Reference 2006-12-06
IKSaveOptions Class Reference (HTML) (PDF)
Describes the class that initializes, adds, and manages user interface options for saving image data.
Reference 2006-12-06
IKSlideshowDataSource Protocol Reference (HTML) (PDF)
Describes the methods that a slideshow object uses to access the contents of its data source object.
Reference 2006-12-06
Image Kit Reference Collection (HTML) (PDF)
Describes the Objective-C API for providing a user interface for images, image editing, and image processing.
Reference 2006-12-06
CIColor Class Reference (HTML) (PDF)
Describes the class used to manage color values and color spaces for Core Image filters.
Reference 2006-12-05
CIFilterGenerator Class Reference (HTML) (PDF)
Describes the class that supports chaining together image processing filters.
Reference 2006-12-05
CIImageProvider Protocol Reference (HTML) (PDF)
Describes the informal protocol used to supply bitmap data for creating or initializing a Core Image image.
Reference 2006-12-05
CIKernel Class Reference (HTML) (PDF)
Describes the class that operates on individual pixels using a kernel routine.
Reference 2006-12-05
CIPlugIn Class Reference (HTML) (PDF)
Describes the class that is responsible for loading image units.
Reference 2006-12-05
Core Image Reference Collection (HTML) (PDF)
Describes the Objective-C API for using and creating filters for image processing.
Reference 2006-12-05
MyCustomColorPicker (HTML) (DMG) (ZIP)
Shows how to write a custom color picker using Cocoa.
Sample Code 2006-10-09
Color Programming Topics for Cocoa (HTML) (PDF)
Explains how applications specify colors and how users choose colors in Cocoa.
Guides 2006-10-03
CarbonQuartzComposer_TV (HTML) (DMG) (ZIP)
Demonstrates how to integrate Cocoa based QuartzComposer window into a Carbon based application
Sample Code 2006-10-02
ImageBackground (HTML) (DMG) (ZIP)
Shows how to draw an image in the background of an NSOutlineView and NSTableView.
Sample Code 2006-10-02
Quartz2DBasics (HTML) (DMG) (ZIP)
Carbon and Cocoa sample code demonstrating some basic usage of the Quartz 2D API
Sample Code 2006-09-11
QCFundamentals (HTML) (DMG) (ZIP)
Demonstrates Coordinate, Interpolation, and Iterative systems in Quartz Composer with an amusing animation
Sample Code 2006-08-07
QCGalaxy (HTML) (DMG) (ZIP)
Demonstrates use of Particle Systems and Core Image Filters in Quartz Composer
Sample Code 2006-08-07
LiveVideoMixer3 (HTML) (DMG) (ZIP)
LiveVideoMixer3 is extended to support Video In via QTKit
Sample Code 2006-08-01
PDF Annotation Editor (HTML) (DMG) (ZIP)
Demonstrates how to use PDF Kit to examine, edit, and create PDF annotations.
Sample Code 2006-07-31
PDF Calendar (HTML) (DMG) (ZIP)
Demonstrates how to use PDF Kit to create PDF content.
Sample Code 2006-07-31
CarbonCocoaCoreImageTab (HTML) (DMG) (ZIP)
Carbon-based application creates a Cocoa-based web window which used CoreImage filters to transition between tabbed WebViews
Sample Code 2006-07-25
GLSLShowpiece (HTML) (DMG) (ZIP)
GLSLShowpiece demonstrates several Vertex and Fragment shaders
Sample Code 2006-07-17
Printing Programming Topics for Cocoa (HTML) (PDF)
Explains how to support printing in Cocoa applications.
Guides 2006-06-28
Scroll View Programming Guide for Cocoa (HTML) (PDF)
Describes how to use scroll views in Cocoa applications.
Guides 2006-06-28
Animation Programming Guide for Cocoa (HTML) (PDF)
Describes how to use Cocoa animation objects to enhance user interface transitions.
Guides 2006-05-23
CIColor Additions Reference (HTML) (PDF)
Describes the API for supporting Cocoa colors in Core Image.
Reference 2006-05-23
NSClipView Class Objective-C Reference (HTML) (PDF)
Describes the class that contains and scrolls the document view of a scroll view.
Reference 2006-05-23
NSColor Class Reference (HTML) (PDF)
Describes the class used to represent a color defined in a color space.
Reference 2006-05-23