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# VTPixelTransferSession

An object converts video data from source pixel buffers to destination pixel buffers.

## Discussion

A pixel transfer session supports the copying and/or conversion of images from source pixel buffers to destination pixel buffers. The basic workflow used when working with a pixel transfer session is as follows:

1. Create a pixel transfer session by calling [`VTPixelTransferSessionCreate(allocator:pixelTransferSessionOut:)`](/documentation/VideoToolbox/VTPixelTransferSessionCreate(allocator:pixelTransferSessionOut:)).
2. Optionally, configure the session with your desired [Pixel Transfer Properties](/documentation/VideoToolbox/pixel-transfer-properties) by calling [`VTSessionSetProperty(_:key:value:)`](/documentation/VideoToolbox/VTSessionSetProperty(_:key:value:)) or [`VTSessionSetProperties(_:propertyDictionary:)`](/documentation/VideoToolbox/VTSessionSetProperties(_:propertyDictionary:)).
3. Transfer images by calling [`VTPixelTransferSessionTransferImage(_:from:to:)`](/documentation/VideoToolbox/VTPixelTransferSessionTransferImage(_:from:to:)).
4. When you finish with the pixel transfer session, call [`VTPixelTransferSessionInvalidate(_:)`](/documentation/VideoToolbox/VTPixelTransferSessionInvalidate(_:)) to tear it down, and <doc://com.apple.documentation/documentation/CoreFoundation/CFRelease> to free its memory.

## Topics

### Creating Sessions

[`func VTPixelTransferSessionCreate(allocator: CFAllocator?, pixelTransferSessionOut: UnsafeMutablePointer<VTPixelTransferSession?>) -> OSStatus`](/documentation/VideoToolbox/VTPixelTransferSessionCreate(allocator:pixelTransferSessionOut:))

Creates a session for transferring images between Core Video image buffers that hold pixels in main memory.

### Configuring Sessions

[Pixel Transfer Properties](/documentation/VideoToolbox/pixel-transfer-properties)

Properties used to configure a VideoToolbox pixel transfer session.

### Converting Image Data

[`func VTPixelTransferSessionTransferImage(VTPixelTransferSession, from: CVPixelBuffer, to: CVPixelBuffer) -> OSStatus`](/documentation/VideoToolbox/VTPixelTransferSessionTransferImage(_:from:to:))

Copies and/or converts an image from one pixel buffer to another.

### Inspecting Sessions

[`func VTPixelTransferSessionGetTypeID() -> CFTypeID`](/documentation/VideoToolbox/VTPixelTransferSessionGetTypeID())

Retrieves the Core Foundation type identifier for the pixel transfer session.

### Ending Sessions

[`func VTPixelTransferSessionInvalidate(VTPixelTransferSession)`](/documentation/VideoToolbox/VTPixelTransferSessionInvalidate(_:))

Tears down a pixel transfer session.

### Data Types

[`class VTPixelTransferSession`](/documentation/VideoToolbox/VTPixelTransferSession)

A reference to a VideoToolbox pixel transfer session.


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