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

In addition to the normal font style, the text is displayed in italic or bold styles. These styles are applied via optional parameters when we create the font.

# FontSlant

This is how we can create italic fonts:

import cairo

# Set up surface
surface = cairo.ImageSurface(cairo.FORMAT_RGB24, 600, 400)
ctx = cairo.Context(surface)
ctx.set_source_rgb(0.8, 0.8, 0.8)
ctx.paint()

# Select font
ctx.set_font_size(50)
ctx.set_source_rgb(0, 0, 0)
ctx.select_font_face('Times', cairo.FontSlant.NORMAL)
ctx.move_to(100, 100)
ctx.show_text("Normal")
ctx.select_font_face('Times', cairo.FontSlant.ITALIC)
ctx.move_to(100, 200)
ctx.show_text("Italic")
ctx.select_font_face('Times', cairo.FontSlant.OBLIQUE)
ctx.move_to(100, 300)
ctx.show_text("Oblique")

The first example creates normal text, using the default times font. The font slant parameter is optional in this case. It defaults to `NORMAL` if it is left off.
The second and third examples create italic and oblique Times fonts.

> **Note**: Italic and oblique styles are both slanted forms of the basic font. In the oblique version of the font, the characters are identical to the normal font characters but are slanted. In the italic version, the characters are slightly different from the normal font. They are slightly more cursive or fancy-looking. The difference is subtle. Some fonts don’t have oblique or italic versions. The normal font is transformed to create these versions. In this case, the italic and oblique styles are usually identical to each other. In any case, unless we are into advanced typography, it is safe to stick with the italic style.

# FontWeight

This is how we create bold fonts:


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

Font Style

FontSlant