# init(_:size:auxiliaryInfo:) Creates a layer object that is associated with a graphics context. ``` init?(_ context: CGContext, size: CGSize, auxiliaryInfo: CFDictionary?) ``` ## Parameters `context` The graphics context you want to create the layer relative to. The layer uses this graphics context as a reference for initialization. `size` The size, in default user space units, of the layer relative to the graphics context. `auxiliaryInfo` Reserved for future use. Pass `NULL`. ## Return Value A CGLayer object. In Objective-C, you’re responsible for releasing this object using the function [`CGLayerRelease`](/documentation/CoreGraphics/CGLayerRelease) when you no longer need the layer. ## Discussion After you create a [`CGLayer`](/documentation/CoreGraphics/CGLayer) object, you should reuse it whenever you can to facilitate the Core Graphics caching strategy. Core Graphics caches any objects that are reused, including [`CGLayer`](/documentation/CoreGraphics/CGLayer) objects. Objects that are reused frequently remain in the cache. In contrast, objects that are used once in a while may be moved in and out of the cache according to their frequency of use. If you don’t reuse [`CGLayer`](/documentation/CoreGraphics/CGLayer) objects, Core Graphics won’t cache them. This means that you lose an opportunity to improve the performance of your application. --- Copyright © 2026 Apple Inc. All rights reserved. | [Terms of Use](https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/terms/site.html) | [Privacy Policy](https://www.apple.com/privacy/privacy-policy)