Core Image is designed to perform GPU-accelerated image processing operations at blistering speeds to create spectacular visual effects and transitions. It includes a large library of built-in filters that can be used to enhance still images, process RAW photos, generate video effects, and visualize scientific processes. You can also create new filters that harness the power of programmable graphics hardware for your own custom algorithms.
Articles
Developing with Core Image
Provides a high-level overview of how Core Image works, how to access the built-in filters, and how you can create your own filters to deliver custom image processing functionality to any application that supports the Image Unit plug-in API.
Lineform Uses Xcode and Core Image
Freeverse's Will Thimbleby could have spent hundreds of hours hand-coding effects, but fortunately he didn't need to. He had Core Image at his disposal, easy access to it through Xcode, and Apple-supplied sample code.
Documentation
Core Image Programming Guide
Describes Core Image Concepts, shows how to set up and use Core Image filters, and describes how to write and package custom filters.
Image Unit Tutorial
Provides the steps to write a custom image processing filter and package it for use in other applications.
Core Image Reference Collection
The Core Image Reference Collection provides a detailed description of the objects and methods available in the Core Image API.
Image Filter Reference
Describes the image processing filters that Apple provides with Mac OS X and shows how images appear before and after processing with a filter.
Kernel Language Reference
Describes the language for creating kernel routines for custom filters.
Related Links
Leopard Technology Series for Developers: Graphics & Media Overview
Read how Core Image, OpenGL, Core Animation, Image Kit, QTKit, and improvements to Quartz Composer all help make Mac OS X Leopard a great graphics development platform.
Mac†OS†X System Architecture
See how the graphics layer relates to other technologies in the Mac†OS†X System Architecture diagram.
