---
title: context
framework: coreimage
role: symbol
role_heading: Type Method
path: coreimage/cicontext/context
---

# context

Creates a context without a specific rendering destination, using default options.

## Declaration

```occ
+ (CIContext *) context;
```

## Return Value

Return Value A new Core Image context.

## Discussion

Discussion If you create a context without specifying a rendering destination, Core Image automatically chooses and internally manages a rendering destination based on the current device’s capabilities. You cannot use a context without an explicit destination for the methods listed in Drawing Images. Instead, use the methods listed in Rendering Images. To specify additional options for the context, use the contextWithOptions: method instead.

## See Also

### Related Documentation

- [Image Unit Tutorial](apple-archive/documentation/GraphicsImaging/Conceptual/ImageUnitTutorial/Introduction.md)
- [Core Image Programming Guide](apple-archive/documentation/GraphicsImaging/Conceptual/CoreImaging/ci_intro.md)

### Creating a Context Without Specifying a Destination

- [init()](coreimage/cicontext/init().md)
- [contextWithOptions:](coreimage/cicontext/contextwithoptions:.md)