RichGraphics

A tour of the technologies you need to know to render rich graphics on Apple platforms.

Modules

SwiftUI

Powerful animations from the framework you already know. Start your graphics journey here.

SwiftUI Animation

UIKit

A whole new dimension of rich graphics and physics, opened up by UIKit.

UIKit Dynamics

CoreGraphics

When you need to draw, start with PencilKit. Drop down to CoreGraphics when that isn't enough.

PencilKit CoreGraphics

SceneKit

3D graphics built in Swift. Open up a whole spatial world inside your app.

SpriteKit SceneKit CoreAnimation

CoreImage

Wait, you can stack filters on the iPhone camera like a DSLR with interchangeable lenses?

Core Image AVFoundation

Quick Reference

Not sure which framework to pick? Check the Framework Comparison — purpose, difficulty, and trade-offs side by side.

Goal Recommended framework
UI transitions / motion SwiftUI Animation
Drawing / painting CoreGraphics + PencilKit
2D games / physics SpriteKit
3D visualization SceneKit
Custom GPU rendering Metal
Image processing Core Image
Particles / effects CAEmitterLayer
Physics-based UI UIKit Dynamics