SkiaSharp is a cross-platform 2D graphics API for .NET platforms based on Google's Skia graphics library. It provides a powerful, flexible, and efficient way to draw 2D graphics, text, and images across various .NET platforms, including mobile, desktop, and web applications.

Pros

• Cross-platform compatibility (iOS, Android, Windows, macOS, Linux, etc.)
• High-performance graphics rendering
• Extensive API with support for complex drawing operations
• Active development and community support

Cons

• Steeper learning curve compared to simpler drawing libraries
• Large binary size, which may impact app size on mobile platforms
• Limited 3D capabilities (primarily focused on 2D graphics)
• Some platform-specific features may require additional setup or workarounds

Code Examples

1. Drawing a simple shape:

using SkiaSharp;

using (var surface = SKSurface.Create(new SKImageInfo(300, 300)))
{
    var canvas = surface.Canvas;
    canvas.Clear(SKColors.White);

    using (var paint = new SKPaint { Color = SKColors.Blue })
    {
        canvas.DrawCircle(150, 150, 100, paint);
    }

    // Save the surface as a PNG image
    using (var image = surface.Snapshot())
    using (var data = image.Encode(SKEncodedImageFormat.Png, 100))
    using (var stream = File.OpenWrite("output.png"))
    {
        data.SaveTo(stream);
    }
}

2. Drawing text with a custom font:

using SkiaSharp;

using (var typeface = SKTypeface.FromFile("path/to/custom-font.ttf"))
using (var paint = new SKPaint
{
    Typeface = typeface,
    TextSize = 36,
    Color = SKColors.Black,
    IsAntialias = true
})
{
    canvas.DrawText("Hello, SkiaSharp!", 50, 100, paint);
}

3. Applying a gradient to a path:

using SkiaSharp;

var path = new SKPath();
path.MoveTo(50, 50);
path.LineTo(250, 50);
path.LineTo(150, 250);
path.Close();

using (var paint = new SKPaint
{
    Style = SKPaintStyle.Fill,
    Shader = SKShader.CreateLinearGradient(
        new SKPoint(50, 50),
        new SKPoint(250, 250),
        new[] { SKColors.Red, SKColors.Blue },
        null,
        SKShaderTileMode.Clamp)
})
{
    canvas.DrawPath(path, paint);
}

Getting Started

1. Install the SkiaSharp NuGet package in your project:

   dotnet add package SkiaSharp
   

2. Add the following using statement to your C# file:

   using SkiaSharp;
   

3. Create an SKSurface to draw on:

   using (var surface = SKSurface.Create(new SKImageInfo(300, 300)))
   {
       var canvas = surface.Canvas;
       // Perform drawing operations on the canvas
   }
   

4. Use the various drawing methods provided by the SKCanvas class to create your graphics.