Gain insights into computer graphics with Python's Pycairo library. Learn about pixel vs. vector graphics, create complex shapes, work with transforms, text, gradients, and more for VR and game development.

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Pycairo

In this course, you will use Python’s Pycairo library to draw complex shapes. So if you have an appetite for virtual reality, or game development, then this course will serve you well.

You will start with basic concepts like: What is the difference between pixel and vector graphics? After that, you will learn to make basic drawings and then you will move on to complex shapes. Throughout, you will cover important concepts like transform and state, working with text, gradients, and a whole lot more.

By the time you finish this course, you will have a powerful new library at your disposal, and you’ll be able to construct beautiful graphics that users will love.

Computer Graphics in Python and Pycairo

# Upcoming topics 

Pycairo draws its output to a **surface**. There are separate surface types for different types of output, each derived from the abstract base type `Surface`. Normally, we create a surface of the required type, and then we obtain a `Context` to do the drawing.

There are separate surfaces for various output formats, namely:

- ***ImageSurface***: for creating pixel image output, and it is useful for PNG output and for transferring image data to NumPy or Pillow.
- ***SVGSurface***:for creating SVG output.
- ***PDFSurface***:for creating PDF output.
- ***PSSurface***:for creating PostScript (PS) or Encapsulated PostScipt (EPS) output.

There are several surfaces that are not used to create output, namely:

- ***RecordingSurface***: records high-level drawing operations that can be “played back” to another surface, for example, to add a starting template to another surface.
- ***ScriptSurface***: records drawing operations as a script.
- ***TeeSurface***: allows two or more surfaces to be drawn simultaneously.

Pycairo can also be used with GTK windows. GTK uses Cairo internally, so the GTK drawing callback supplies a Pycairo Context to be drawn on.

Each of these surfaces is described in the upcoming lessons. We will look at the main features of each surface, although some of the more specialized ones will be covered in lesser detail and we will need to look at the documentation for the Cairo library itself for these.


We will learn about the following topics in detail in the upcoming lessons

Introduction

Introduction to Vector Graphics

Basic Drawing Operations

Paths and Complex Shapes

Computer Color

Transforms and State

Working with Text

Gradients and Image Fills

Clipping, Masking and Compositing

Surfaces and Output Formats

Integration with Other Libraries

Conclusion

Learning Objectives

Upcoming topics