# CVPixelBufferCreate(_:_:_:_:_:_:) Creates a single pixel buffer for a given size and pixel format. ``` func CVPixelBufferCreate(_ allocator: CFAllocator?, _ width: Int, _ height: Int, _ pixelFormatType: OSType, _ pixelBufferAttributes: CFDictionary?, _ pixelBufferOut: UnsafeMutablePointer) -> CVReturn ``` ## Parameters `allocator` The allocator to use for creating the buffer pool. Pass for the `allocator` parameter to use the default allocator. See for additional values you can use. `width` The width of the pixel buffer, in pixels. `height` The height of the pixel buffer, in pixels. `pixelFormatType` The pixel format identified by its four-character code. `pixelBufferAttributes` An optional dictionary that contains the attributes for the pixel buffer. See [Pixel Buffer Attribute Keys](/documentation/CoreVideo/pixel-buffer-attribute-keys) for possible values. `pixelBufferOut` On output, the newly created pixel buffer. ## Return Value A Core Video result code. See [Result Codes](/documentation/CoreVideo/result-codes) for possible values. ## Discussion Some of the parameters specified in this function override equivalent pixel buffer attributes. For example, if you set values for the [`kCVPixelBufferWidthKey`](/documentation/CoreVideo/kCVPixelBufferWidthKey) and [`kCVPixelBufferHeightKey`](/documentation/CoreVideo/kCVPixelBufferHeightKey) keys in the `pixelBufferAttributes` dictionary, the values for the `width` and `height` parameters override the values in the dictionary. Use [`CVPixelBufferRelease`](/documentation/CoreVideo/CVPixelBufferRelease) to release ownership of the `pixelBufferOut` object when you’re done with it. > Tip: > If you need to create and release multiple pixel buffers, use `CVPixelBufferPool` to create a pixel buffer pool that efficiently reuses pixel buffer memory. --- 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)