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Leopard Reference Library
Cocoa is an object-oriented application environment designed for developing Mac OS X native applications. The Cocoa frameworks support rapid development and high productivity. Cocoa provides developers starting new Mac OS X projects the fastest way to full-featured implementations. Applications from other platforms can also be brought to Mac OS X quickly using Cocoa.

A guided introduction and learning path for developers new to Cocoa.   Essential information for developers using Objective-C.   Objective-C API references organized by framework.
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Calendar Store Framework Reference (HTML) (PDF)
Describes the Calendar Store framework classes and methods used to access iCal data.
General Reference 2007-07-08
Calendar Store Programming Guide (HTML) (PDF)
Explains how to access iCal data.
General Guides 2007-10-31
Checkout Lets You 'Get a Mac, Start a Store': Madebysofa Does It with Python and Cocoa (HTML)
Success story on how Mac-only Checkout was built using Python and Cocoa.
General Articles 2007-07-10
Core Data Framework Reference (HTML) (PDF)
Describes the Objective-C API for the Core Data framework.
General Reference 2007-07-24
Core Data Reference Update (HTML) (PDF)
Summarizes the symbols added to the Core Data framework.
General Release Notes 2007-07-18
Core Data Release Notes (HTML)
Describes features, issues, and workarounds related to Mac OS X v10.5 and its support of Core Data.
General Release Notes 2007-12-11
Foundation Framework Reference (HTML) (PDF)
Describes the Foundation framework API.
General Reference 2008-06-27
Foundation Reference Update (HTML) (PDF)
Summarizes the symbols added to the Foundation framework.
General Release Notes 2007-07-18
Foundation Release Notes (10.4 and earlier) (HTML)
Release notes for older versions of Mac OS X.
General Release Notes 2009-01-06
Instant Message Programming Guide (HTML) (PDF)
Explains how to access iChat services and buddies and use iChat Theater through code samples.
General Guides 2007-10-31
Preference Panes Framework Reference (HTML) (PDF)
Describes the Objective-C API for supporting and working with preference panes.
General Reference 2006-05-23
Screen Saver Framework Reference (HTML) (PDF)
Describes the Objective-C API for supporting and working with screen effects.
General Reference 2006-05-23
Security Interface Framework Reference (HTML) (PDF)
Describes the Objective-C API for creating views and dialogs relating to authorization, certificates, and keychains.
General Reference 2006-07-14
WebKit Objective-C Framework Reference (HTML) (PDF)
Describes the Objective-C API used to display web content in windows.
General Reference 2008-10-15
2D Graphics Release Notes for Mac OS X v10.5 (HTML)
Describes the changes and issues related to Core Image and Quartz 2D in Mac OS X v10.5.
Graphics & Imaging Release Notes 2008-04-08
Animating the frame of a CALayer. (HTML)
QA1620: Explains how the frame property of a layer interacts with animations.
Graphics & Imaging Technical Q&As 2008-10-24
Animation Overview (HTML) (PDF)
Describes the animation facilities provided by Mac OS X.
Graphics & Imaging Guides 2008-10-15
Animation Programming Guide for Cocoa (HTML) (PDF)
Describes how to use Cocoa animation objects to enhance user interface transitions.
Graphics & Imaging Guides 2006-05-23
Animation Types and Timing Programming Guide (HTML) (PDF)
Describes the animation and timing classes used by both Core Animation and Cocoa Animation proxies.
Graphics & Imaging Guides 2008-04-08
BasicCocoaAnimations (HTML) (DMG) (ZIP)
"BasicCocoaAnimations" demonstrates the use of the animator proxy to easily animate Cocoa views and windows.
Graphics & Imaging Sample Code 2007-06-11
BoingX (HTML) (DMG) (ZIP)
Shows off using Quartz Extreme to provide borderless OpenGL content on the desktop.
Graphics & Imaging Sample Code 2007-11-06
Boinx Starts with Sample Code: FotoMagico Is a Powerful Digital Slideshow (HTML)
Starting with Apple sample code, tools and technologies, Boinx wrote FotoMagico in a matter of months.
Graphics & Imaging Articles 2007-12-11
CAAction Protocol Reference (HTML) (PDF)
Describes the interface for receiving actions initiated by a layer.
Graphics & Imaging Reference 2007-07-24
CAAnimation Class Reference (HTML) (PDF)
Describes the interface for managing the actions and timing of an animation.
Graphics & Imaging Reference 2007-10-31
CAAnimationGroup Class Reference (HTML) (PDF)
Describes a grouping of multiple animations into a single animation.
Graphics & Imaging Reference 2008-03-11
CABasicAnimation Class Reference (HTML) (PDF)
Describes the basic interpolation of a layer property.
Graphics & Imaging Reference 2007-07-24
CAConstraint Class Reference (HTML) (PDF)
Describes a single geometric constraint between two layers.
Graphics & Imaging Reference 2007-07-24
CAConstraintLayoutManager Class Reference (HTML) (PDF)
Describes a layout manager that applies a set of constraints to a layer tree.
Graphics & Imaging Reference 2007-12-11
CAKeyframeAnimation Class Reference (HTML) (PDF)
Describes an animation that provides keyframe interpolation of a layer property.
Graphics & Imaging Reference 2007-07-24
CALayer Class Reference (HTML) (PDF)
Describes a node of animated visual content.
Graphics & Imaging Reference 2009-02-04
CALayerEssentials (HTML) (DMG) (ZIP)
Demonstrates the basics of setting up various Core Animation layers
Graphics & Imaging Sample Code 2008-09-30
CALayoutManager Protocol Reference (HTML) (PDF)
Describes the interface for receiving requests to arrange a layout tree.
Graphics & Imaging Reference 2007-07-24
CAMediaTiming Protocol Reference (HTML) (PDF)
Describes the interface for the time behavior of an animation.
Graphics & Imaging Reference 2009-03-04
CAMediaTimingFunction Class Reference (HTML) (PDF)
Describes the pacing of an animation as a timing curve.
Graphics & Imaging Reference 2008-07-11
CAOpenGLLayer Class Reference (HTML) (PDF)
Describes a layer that acts as a target for OpenGL commands.
Graphics & Imaging Reference 2008-03-11
CAPropertyAnimation Class Reference (HTML) (PDF)
Describes the interface for manipulating values of layer properties.
Graphics & Imaging Reference 2007-07-24
CarbonCocoaCoreImageTab (HTML) (DMG) (ZIP)
Carbon-based application creates a Cocoa-based web window which used CoreImage filters to transition between tabbed WebViews
Graphics & Imaging Sample Code 2006-07-25
CarbonQuartzComposer_TV (HTML) (DMG) (ZIP)
Demonstrates how to integrate Cocoa based QuartzComposer window into a Carbon based application
Graphics & Imaging Sample Code 2006-10-02
CARenderer Class Reference (HTML) (PDF)
Describes an object that draws a layer to a Core Graphics context.
Graphics & Imaging Reference 2008-04-30
CAScrollLayer Class Reference (HTML) (PDF)
Describes a layer that displays a scrollable portion of another layer.
Graphics & Imaging Reference 2007-07-24
CATextLayer Class Reference (HTML) (PDF)
Describes a layer that draws text.
Graphics & Imaging Reference 2007-12-11
CATiledLayer Class Reference (HTML) (PDF)
Describes a layer that draws tiles of content as needed.
Graphics & Imaging Reference 2007-07-24
CATransaction Class Reference (HTML) (PDF)
Describes a batch of Core Animation updates that are applied to a render tree atomically.
Graphics & Imaging Reference 2007-07-24
CATransition Class Reference (HTML) (PDF)
Describes the class that provides transition animations to layers.
Graphics & Imaging Reference 2007-10-31
CGBitmapContextCreate Supported Color Spaces (HTML)
QA1037: Lists the color space and alpha info combinations currently supported by CGBitmapContextCreate.
Graphics & Imaging Technical Q&As 2007-07-18
CGContext Bounds (HTML)
QA1048: Explains how to determine the bounds of a CGContext.
Graphics & Imaging Technical Q&As 2001-07-02
CGContextAddLineToPoint, CGContextAddCurveToPoint, et. al. (HTML)
QA1049: Explains why the CGContextAddXYZ APIs don't draw anything immediately.
Graphics & Imaging Technical Q&As 2001-07-02
CGContextClosePath (HTML)
QA1046: Explains when you should call CGContextClosePath.
Graphics & Imaging Technical Q&As 2001-10-02
CGDrawPicture (HTML) (DMG) (ZIP)
Deprecated - Shows how to use the QDPictDrawToCGContext API.
Graphics & Imaging Sample Code 2003-01-14
CGImageRef contents are immutable (HTML) (日本語 HTML)
QA1276: Explains that CGImageRef contents are considered immutable once created.
Graphics & Imaging Technical Q&As 2003-07-17
CIAnnotation (HTML) (DMG) (ZIP)
Image annotation application using Core Image Filters. Demonstrates creation and usage of Image Units.
Graphics & Imaging Sample Code 2005-08-01
CIColor Additions Reference (HTML) (PDF)
Describes additions to support Cocoa color information.
Graphics & Imaging Reference 2006-05-23
CIColor Class Reference (HTML) (PDF)
Describes the class used to manage color values and color spaces for Core Image filters.
Graphics & Imaging Reference 2006-12-05
CIColorTracking (HTML) (DMG) (ZIP)
An Objective-C applicaton that implements a GPU-based technique to find the location of a uniquely colored object in a scene
Graphics & Imaging Sample Code 2008-04-24
CIContext Class Reference (HTML) (PDF)
Describes the class that provides an evaluation context for rendering a Core Image image through Quartz 2D or OpenGL.
Graphics & Imaging Reference 2007-03-16
CIFilter Class Reference (HTML) (PDF)
Describes the class that processes image data and produces a Core Image image as output.
Graphics & Imaging Reference 2007-12-11
CIFilter Core Animation Additions (HTML) (PDF)
Describes the category that extends Core Image filters for use with Layer Kit.
Graphics & Imaging Reference 2007-07-24
CIFilter Image Kit Additions (HTML) (PDF)
Describes the category that extends Core Image filters for use with Image Kit.
Graphics & Imaging Reference 2006-12-06
CIFilterGenerator Class Reference (HTML) (PDF)
Describes the class that supports chaining together image processing filters.
Graphics & Imaging Reference 2006-12-05
CIFilterShape Class Reference (HTML) (PDF)
Describes the class that defines the bounding shape of a filter and the domain of definition of a filter operation.
Graphics & Imaging Reference 2006-12-07
CIImage Additions Reference (HTML) (PDF)
Describes additions for manipulating Cocoa images.
Graphics & Imaging Reference 2007-06-08
CIImage Class Reference (HTML) (PDF)
Describes the class that represents an immutable Core Image image.
Graphics & Imaging Reference 2007-10-31
CIImageAccumulator Class Reference (HTML) (PDF)
Describes the class that enables feedback-based image processing.
Graphics & Imaging Reference 2007-01-05
CIImageProvider Protocol Reference (HTML) (PDF)
Describes the informal protocol used to supply bitmap data for creating or initializing a Core Image image.
Graphics & Imaging Reference 2006-12-05
CIKernel Class Reference (HTML) (PDF)
Describes the class that operates on individual pixels using a kernel routine.
Graphics & Imaging Reference 2006-12-05
CIPlugIn Class Reference (HTML) (PDF)
Describes the class that is responsible for loading image units.
Graphics & Imaging Reference 2006-12-05
CIPlugInRegistration Protocol Reference (HTML) (PDF)
Describes the protocol used to load Core Image image units.
Graphics & Imaging Reference 2006-12-07
CISampler Class Reference (HTML) (PDF)
Describes the class that retrieves samples of images that are then processed by a Core Image kernel.
Graphics & Imaging Reference 2006-12-07
CIVector Class Reference (HTML) (PDF)
Describes the class used to pass parameter values to Core Image filters.
Graphics & Imaging Reference 2006-12-07
Cocoa CG aliasing demo (HTML) (DMG) (ZIP)
Shows how to draw both aliased and anti-aliased text and graphics using Quartz and Cocoa.
Graphics & Imaging Sample Code 2003-07-17
Cocoa CG arc demo (HTML) (DMG) (ZIP)
Shows how to draw both aliased and anti-aliased arcs using Quartz and Cocoa.
Graphics & Imaging Sample Code 2003-07-17
Cocoa Drawing Guide (HTML) (PDF)
Explains how to use Cocoa to draw your application's user interface.
Graphics & Imaging Guides 2009-01-06
Cocoa OpenGL (HTML) (DMG) (ZIP)
Demonstrates using Cocoa with OpenGL, including window setup and event handling.
Graphics & Imaging Sample Code 2007-10-22
CocoaSlides (HTML) (DMG) (ZIP)
An image browser written using AppKit's Core Animation-based compositing and animation functionality
Graphics & Imaging Sample Code 2007-11-02
Color Management Overview (HTML) (PDF)
Introduces basic concepts and defines color spaces.
Graphics & Imaging Guides 2005-07-07
Color Programming Topics for Cocoa (HTML) (PDF)
Explains how applications specify colors and how users choose colors in Cocoa.
Graphics & Imaging Guides 2009-03-04
Color Sampler (HTML) (DMG) (ZIP)
Demonstrates one way to sample the color at a given point in an NSView.
Graphics & Imaging Sample Code 2003-01-14
ColorBars (HTML) (DMG) (ZIP)
Shows how to enumerate, select, capture, manipulate, draw to, and release displays using the CGDirectDisplay API.
Graphics & Imaging Sample Code 2003-01-14
ColorMatching (HTML) (DMG) (ZIP)
Performs simple color matching of images using ColorSync or the QuickTime 6.4 Graphics Importers.
Graphics & Imaging Sample Code 2003-12-18
ColorSyncDevices-Cocoa (HTML) (DMG) (ZIP)
Demonstrates how to use the new ColorSync Device Manager routines in the Cocoa environment.
Graphics & Imaging Sample Code 2003-01-14
Core Animation Cookbook (HTML) (PDF)
Demonstrates common Core Animation tasks.
Graphics & Imaging Guides 2008-03-11
Core Animation Function Reference (HTML) (PDF)
Describes the C functions that support Core Animation.
Graphics & Imaging Reference 2007-07-24
Core Animation Programming Guide (HTML) (PDF)
Introduces the main components and services of Core Animation.
Graphics & Imaging Guides 2008-11-13
Core Animation properties and Reference Counting (HTML)
QA1565: Describes a discrepancy between the property declarations in Core Animation and the actual behavior.
Graphics & Imaging Technical Q&As 2008-11-24
Core Animation QuickTime Layer (HTML) (DMG) (ZIP)
Shows the use of controls in a Layer over a Core Animation QTMovieLayer
Graphics & Imaging Sample Code 2007-09-26
Core Animation Reference Collection (HTML) (PDF)
Describes the API for Core Animation.
Graphics & Imaging Reference 2008-06-26
Core Animation Release Notes (HTML)
Describes features, issues, and workarounds related to Mac OS X v10.5 and its support of Core Animation.
Graphics & Imaging Release Notes 2007-05-31
Core Image Kernel Language Reference (HTML) (PDF)
Describes the symbols for writing image-processing kernels.
Graphics & Imaging Reference 2008-06-09
Core Image Programming Guide (HTML) (PDF)
Provides an overview and explains how to use and create image filters and image units.
Graphics & Imaging Guides 2008-06-09
Core Image Reference Collection (HTML) (PDF)
Describes the Objective-C API for using and creating filters for image processing.
Graphics & Imaging Reference 2006-12-05
Cropped Image (HTML) (DMG) (ZIP)
Demonstrates how to extract a sub-image from another image, and some ways of indicating a selection.
Graphics & Imaging Sample Code 2003-01-14
CTMClip (HTML) (DMG) (ZIP)
Deprecated - Shows how to manipulate the Quartz 2D Current Transform Matrix (CTM) for image drawing with clipping.
Graphics & Imaging Sample Code 2003-01-14
CTMDemo (HTML) (DMG) (ZIP)
Deprecated - Shows how to manipulate the Quartz 2D Current Transform Matrix (CTM) for image drawing without clipping.
Graphics & Imaging Sample Code 2003-01-14
CubePuzzle (HTML) (DMG) (ZIP)
Models a Rubik's Cube using Cocoa and OpenGL
Graphics & Imaging Sample Code 2003-04-21
Debugging Graphics with QuartzDebug (HTML) (日本語 HTML)
QA1236: Explains how to use QuartzDebug to debug graphics issues.
Graphics & Imaging Technical Q&As 2006-01-12
DragItemAround (HTML) (DMG) (ZIP)
Illustrates creating a custom subclass of NSView.
Graphics & Imaging Sample Code 2006-03-16
Drawing a Path Multiple Times (HTML)
QA1047: Explains that path drawing operations consume the path.
Graphics & Imaging Technical Q&As 2001-07-02
Driving OpenGL Rendering Loops (HTML)
QA1385: Using Core Video display links (CVDisplayLink) or Cocoa timers (NSTimer) to drive an OpenGL rendering loop
Graphics & Imaging Technical Q&As 2009-05-01
FancyAbout (HTML) (DMG) (ZIP)
Demonstrates several visual effects for "About..." panels such as scrolling text, window without a title bar, and ways to dismiss the window.
Graphics & Imaging Sample Code 2003-10-27
Finding an NSView's current magnification. (HTML)
QA1346: How to discover the current magnification (zoom level) of any NSView.
Graphics & Imaging Technical Q&As 2005-03-08