---
title: Introduction to Image Kit Programming Guide
framework: graphicsimaging
role: article
path: apple-archive/documentation/GraphicsImaging/Conceptual/ImageKitProgrammingGuide/Introduction
---

# Introduction to Image Kit Programming Guide

Explains how to support browsing, viewing, editing, and processing images.

## At a Glance

Image Kit has a variety of image capabilities that your app can adopt. You should first read [Basics of Using the Image Kit](../ImageKitComponents/ImageKitComponents.html#//apple_ref/doc/uid/TP40004907-CH3-SW1) to can an understanding of the tasks that each Image Kit class supports. You’ll also get an overview of how to use the framework with Apple’s developer tools.

### Image Views Support Viewing, Editing, and Saving Images

Image Kit provides a user interface that displays a single image and supports editing and saving images.

**Relevant Chapter:** [Viewing, Editing, and Saving Images in an Image View](../ImageViews/ImageViews.html#//apple_ref/doc/uid/TP40004907-CH4-SW9)

### Use and Image Browser to Support Looking Through Large Image Sets

Image Kit’s browser class (`IKImageBrowserView`) provides a user interface that allows users to view large sets of images.

**Relevant Chapter:** [Browsing Images](../ImageBrowser/ImageBrowser.html#//apple_ref/doc/uid/TP40004907-CH5-SW1)

### Slideshows are Easy to Support

The `IKSlideshow` class provides controls for viewing and advancing through a slideshow. You can also allow users to see index sheets and view slides in fullscreen mode.

**Relevant Chapter:** [Showing Slides](../Slideshows/Sildeshows.html#//apple_ref/doc/uid/TP40004907-CH6-SW1)

### Use the Picture Taker to Support Setting Buddy Photos

The `IKPictureTaker` class is a lightweight panel that you can use to allow users to choose pictures and take snapshots for use as a “buddy” picture or anywhere the user needs an icon-sized image.

**Relevant Chapter:** [Taking Snapshots and Setting Pictures](../IKImagePicker/IKImagePicker.html#//apple_ref/doc/uid/TP40004907-CH7-SW1)

### Browse and Set Parameters for Core Image Filters

The `IKFilterBrowserPanel` and `IKFilterBrowserView` classes support browsing built-in Core Image filters by category, previewing a filter’s effect, and applying the filter to an image.

**Relevant Chapter:** [Browsing Filters and Setting Input Parameters](../IKFilterBrowser/IKFilterBrowser.html#//apple_ref/doc/uid/TP40004907-CH8-SW1)

## See Also

The following documents are helpful guides and references for many of the tasks described in the book:

- *Image Kit Reference Collection* contains the class and protocol reference documentation. - *[Core Image Programming Guide](../../CoreImaging/ci_intro/ci_intro.html#//apple_ref/doc/uid/TP30001185)* shows how to create Core Image filters (`CIFilter` objects) and apply them to images. - *[Image I/O Programming Guide](../../ImageIOGuide/imageio_intro/ikpg_intro.html#//apple_ref/doc/uid/TP40005462)* provides information on how to create an image source and extract an image from an image source.

[Next](../ImageKitComponents/ImageKitComponents.html)

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