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# context

Creates a context without a specific rendering destination, using default options.

```
+ (CIContext *) context;
```

## Return Value

A new Core Image context.

## Discussion

If you create a context without specifying a rendering destination, Core Image automatically chooses and internally manages a rendering destination based on the current device’s capabilities. You cannot use a context without an explicit destination for the methods listed in Drawing Images. Instead, use the methods listed in Rendering Images.

To specify additional options for the context, use the [`contextWithOptions:`](/documentation/CoreImage/CIContext/contextWithOptions:) method instead.

## See Also

  [Image Unit Tutorial](https://developer.apple.com/library/archive/documentation/GraphicsImaging/Conceptual/ImageUnitTutorial/Introduction/Introduction.html#//apple_ref/doc/uid/TP40004531)

  [Core Image Programming Guide](https://developer.apple.com/library/archive/documentation/GraphicsImaging/Conceptual/CoreImaging/ci_intro/ci_intro.html#//apple_ref/doc/uid/TP30001185)


---

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