Create Stunning Graphics with SkiaSharp
About Us
SkiaSharp is a .NET wrapper around Google’s powerful Skia graphics engine. It enables developers to create 2D graphics — including shapes, images, text, and animations — across multiple platforms, such as Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, and WebAssembly.
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Features
Faster Rendering
Achieve smooth visuals through optimized GPU powered rendering performance
Cross Platform
Develop once, deploy seamlessly on Windows, Android, iOS, and web.
Easy Integration
Seamlessly integrates with .NET, libraries, and essential developer tools.
Secure Graphics
Ensures safe rendering with enterprise security, stability, and trusted reliability.
Rich Effects
Apply vibrant filters, gradients, and shadows for stunning graphic designs.
Scalable Graphics
Maintain crisp details with resolution-independent scalable vector graphics.
High Performance
Deliver reliable performance through optimized rendering and reduced memory usage.
Flexible API
Offers developers modular tools ensuring flexible integration across multiple platforms.
How to Download
Find Package1
Visit the official SkiaSharp website and open the downloads section.
Choose Version2
Select the latest stable release or a version you need.
Click Download3
Press the download button to get the ZIP package.
Extract Files4
Unzip the downloaded file into your desired project folder.
Verify Integrity5
Verify the SHA256 checksum provided to ensure file integrity and security.
Select Platform6
Choose correct DLLs and binaries for Windows, Linux, macOS, iOS.
Add References7
Include the SkiaSharp DLL in your project and update references.
Build & Run8
Compile your project and confirm SkiaSharp is working correctly.
Start Designing9
Start creating stunning cross-platform graphics with SkiaSharp APIs.
How to Install
- 1. Open your project in Visual Studio or Rider.
- 2. Run the NuGet command for your platform.
- 3. Add the correct native assets package (Linux/macOS).
- 4. Build and run your project — SkiaSharp is ready to use.
How it Works
- 1. 🖥️ Your .NET App – Write drawing commands in C# using SkiaSharp API.
- 1. 🔄 SkiaSharp API – Translates your C# commands into instructions the Skia engine understands.
- 1. ⚙️ Skia Engine – Processes instructions, handling rendering logic for the specific platform.
- 1. 🎨 Rendered Graphics – Displays smooth, high-quality graphics consistently on all devices.
Compatibility
Explore how SkiaSharp powers graphics across Windows, macOS, and Android. Each platform benefits from native acceleration, smooth rendering, and easy integration for building modern, high-performance applications with .NET.
Windows
Seamlessly run SkiaSharp on Windows with smooth graphics, full GPU acceleration, and effortless .NET integration.
- Supports DirectX and OpenGL
- Easy NuGet package integration
- Optimized for .NET developers
macOS
Build advanced macOS apps with SkiaSharp, leveraging Metal acceleration, OpenGL rendering, and powerful Catalyst compatibility.
- MacCatalyst and Xamarin
- Xcode package integration
- Optimized macOS apps
Android
Deliver high-quality graphics on Android using SkiaSharp with GPU acceleration, lightweight rendering, and touch-friendly support.
- Skia engine rendering
- Android package integration
- Optimized mobile apps
What People Say & Choose
Explore how SkiaSharp powers graphics across Windows, macOS, and Android. Each platform benefits from native acceleration, smooth rendering, and easy integration for building modern, high-performance applications with .NET.
Guide:
Can SkiaSharp Improve Mobile App UI Performance on Android and iOS?
Mobile applications in 2025 demand fast, visually appealing user interfaces (UIs) to meet user expectations...
How to Implement Smooth Image Scaling and Rotation in SkiaSharp?
Creating visually appealing applications often involves manipulating images to enhance user experience, such as scaling...
How to Create Dynamic Charts and Graphs in ASP.NET Core with SkiaSharp?
Data visualization is a critical component of modern web applications, enabling users to interpret complex...
Troubleshooting
Missing Native Assets on Linux
Common Symptoms
- DllNotFoundException: libSkiaSharp.so not found
- App runs locally but fails on Linux/Docker
Why This Happens
- SkiaSharp is a C# binding over the native Skia engine.
- Linux requires native
.solibraries. - Missing binaries → runtime load failure.
Solutions
Step 1: Install native assets
dotnet add package SkiaSharp.NativeAssets.Linux --version 3.119.0For minimal environments:
dotnet add package SkiaSharp.NativeAssets.Linux.NoDependenciesStep 2: Docker/Containers
- Use
NoDependenciesfor slim containers. - Or install system libs inside Dockerfile.
Step 3: Verify runtime
ldd /path/to/libSkiaSharp.soThis shows missing shared libraries.
Quick Reference
| Symptom | Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
DllNotFoundException |
Missing .so file |
Install NativeAssets.Linux |
Text not visible |
Fonts missing |
Install or embed fonts |
Error in Docker |
Libraries missing |
Use NoDependencies or install libs |
Performance Slowdowns
Common Symptoms
- Low frame rate in animations
- High CPU usage
- UI freezes on complex graphics
Why This Happens
- CPU-only rendering is slow
- Skia can use GPU acceleration
Solutions
Step 1: Use GPU-backed views
- For WPF/MAUI: SKGLView or SKGLControl
<skia:SKGLView PaintSurface="OnPaintSurface" />Step 2: Optimize code
- Reuse paints/paths
- Avoid object creation in loops
- Use partial redraws
Step 3: Verify GPU usage
- Windows: ensure dedicated GPU
- macOS: check GPU History in Activity Monitor
Quick Checklist
| Checkpoint | Best Practice |
|---|---|
Using SKGLView? |
Switch to GPU-backed view |
Objects per frame? |
Reuse paints/paths |
Complex scripts? |
Cache shaped runs |
GPU not used? |
Update drivers, check selector |
Useful Docs
Seamless Graphics Everywhere
Description: SkiaSharp empowers developers with a fast, unified graphics engine that runs across mobile, desktop, and cross-platform environments. Designed for modern .NET apps, it ensures smooth rendering, flexible integration, and consistent results, making development easier and visuals more reliable everywhere.
Why SkiaSharp vs Other Graphics Libraries?
| Feature | SkiaSharp | GDI+ (Legacy) | Direct2D / Others |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cross-Platform Support | ✅ Yes | ❌ Windows Only | ⚠️ Limited |
| Open Source | ✅ MIT License | ❌ Proprietary | ⚠️ Mixed |
| Performance | 🚀 High | 🐢 Low | ⚠️ Medium |
| Modern APIs | ✅ Updated | ❌ Outdated | ⚠️ Complex |
Developer Documentation
Quick Start Guides
Beginner-friendly tutorials to help you get started with drawing, shapes, text, and images.
API Reference
Complete reference of classes, methods, and properties to explore SkiaSharp in detail.
Sample Projects
- MAUI and Xamarin mobile apps
- WPF and WinForms desktop integration
- Server-side rendering examples
- WebAssembly demos
Best Practices
- Use caching for heavy rendering tasks
- Prefer GPU acceleration for animations and real-time graphics
- Optimize memory usage and avoid unnecessary redraws
What’s Next for SkiaSharp
- GPU acceleration enhancements
- WebAssembly performance updates
- More platform-native integrations
- Advanced text shaping and font rendering
Where You Can Use SkiaSharp
- Mobile apps (MAUI, Xamarin)
- Desktop software (WPF, WinForms)
- Server-side image rendering
- WebAssembly graphics applications
- Data visualization and charting
- Game development and 2D animations
Join the Community
- GitHub discussions & issues
- NuGet packages & updates
- Tutorials & guides
- Stack Overflow Q&A
Contribute to SkiaSharp
SkiaSharp is open-source and thrives on community support. You can:
- Fix bugs or report issues
- Improve documentation
- Add new features
- Share code samples
Start Building with SkiaSharp Today
Bring your ideas to life with powerful, cross-platform 2D graphics. Download SkiaSharp, explore the documentation, and start coding with confidence.
FAQ's
What is SkiaSharp and how does it work?
SkiaSharp is a cross-platform 2D graphics library for .NET that provides managed bindings to Google’s Skia engine. It lets developers draw text, shapes, images, filters, and animations on different platforms (Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, WASM). SkiaSharp works by exposing the low-level Skia API in C#, supplying native assets per platform so graphics operations perform efficiently.
Which platforms does SkiaSharp support?
SkiaSharp supports a broad set of platforms, including .NET on Windows, macOS, Linux; mobile platforms (Android, iOS); UWP; .NET MAUI; Xamarin; WebAssembly (WASM). For each platform, it provides the required native libraries so that rendering works correctly without extra manual setup.
How to install SkiaSharp in a .NET project?
To include SkiaSharp, open your project in Visual Studio (or your IDE) and run: dotnet add package SkiaSharp --version [latest] Also include matching Views or NativeAssets packages depending on your platform (e.g., SkiaSharp.Views.WPF, SkiaSharp.NativeAssets.Linux) to enable rendering and provide native binaries.
How do I render text properly using SkiaSharp?
Use SKPaint and SKCanvas.DrawText for simple text. For complex scripts, ligatures, or RTL languages, install SkiaSharp.HarfBuzz and use SKShaper with DrawShapedText. Make sure to pick the right font that supports the script, enable antialiasing, and handle font fallback if necessary. 2.
What are the performance tips for SkiaSharp?
Some key performance tips include: reuse SKPaint, SKPath, and other reusable objects instead of recreating each frame; batch operations; use GPU-backed views (SKGLView, SKGLControl) where supported; minimize allocations inside the rendering loop; only draw what’s necessary, avoid full canvas redraws when partial invalidation is possible.
How can I use GPU acceleration with SkiaSharp?
To leverage GPU acceleration, use views or controls that support OpenGL / Vulkan contexts (for example, SKGLView in MAUI/Xamarin or SKGLControl in desktop apps). These views render via the GPU. On some platforms, you may need to ensure drivers are up-to-date and the system supports the needed graphics APIs.
How to deploy a SkiaSharp application on Linux?
When deploying on Linux, ensure that you include the native assets package: SkiaSharp.NativeAssets.Linux (or NoDependencies version if suitable). Also, install required system dependencies (fontconfig, glibc, etc.) or use an image/container with them included. Validate that libSkiaSharp.so is loaded properly using tools like ldd.
What are the common build issues with SkiaSharp, and how to resolved?
Some common build issues include missing SDKs on macOS / .NET SDK version mismatches, missing native libraries (especially on Linux), or incorrect package versions. To resolve: make sure you are using the latest stable .NET SDK; use a global.json to pin SDK version; include necessary native asset packages; check project target frameworks and platform dependencies.
Can SkiaSharp render SVG images?
Yes. SkiaSharp can render vector graphics like SVG by using supporting libraries such as Svg.Skia. You load an SVG, parse it, and draw it onto SKCanvas. Be aware of font embedding or font fallback, especially if the SVG uses custom fonts.
Is SkiaSharp free to use? What is its license?
SkiaSharp is released under the MIT License. It is free for commercial and personal use. The license allows modification, distribution, and private or public usage, subject to including license notices as required under MIT.
How to update SkiaSharp to the latest version safely?
To update, check the latest stable version on NuGet. In your project, change the package version, run dotnet restore, and rebuild. Also, check the release notes for breaking changes. Always test across all target platforms (especially mobile and Linux) after updating.
How can I debug SkiaSharp rendering issues (like blank canvas or wrong colors)?
Debug by confirming that the SKCanvas surface is valid; check native assets are loaded; ensure correct color space and pixel format; verify your drawing code (e.g., are you clearing the canvas before draw, are coordinates correct?); test on multiple platforms; enable logging or diagnostic outputs.
How does SkiaSharp manage memory and resources?
SkiaSharp wraps native Skia resources (bitmaps, surfaces, typefaces) in managed C# objects. These must be disposed of properly (via Dispose() or using) to free native memory. Failing to dispose of can lead to increased memory usage or leaks. Also, avoid holding onto large bitmaps longer than needed.
Can SkiaSharp be used in server-side image generation (e.g., ASP.NET, Azure Functions)?
Yes. SkiaSharp is often used in server-side scenarios to generate or modify images, PDFs, charts, or thumbnails. When used in a server environment, ensure all native dependencies are available, and avoid GPU views. Use offscreen surfaces, avoid UI dependencies, and ensure your hosting environment's OS is compatible.
What are the keyboard and touch input options when drawing with SkiaSharp?
SkiaSharp itself is a graphics library and doesn’t provide input controls; input (keyboard, mouse, touch) is handled by the UI framework (e.g., WPF, Xamarin, MAUI). You listen to UI events, get position or touch points, then draw on a SKCanvas or invalidate the surface. For gesture support, integrate with the framework’s gesture APIs.
Does SkiaSharp support high-DPI (retina / scaling) displays?
Yes. SkiaSharp supports high-density displays. You can scale your drawing according to the device pixel ratio or DPI. Most view components provide a scaling factor. Use proper coordinate transforms, size your canvas appropriately, and load high-resolution images or vector resources to avoid blurriness.
How can I draw animations with SkiaSharp?
To animate with SkiaSharp, update canvas content in a loop or timer, call InvalidateSurface() to trigger redraws, and change drawn content per frame (positions, colors, transformations). Use GPU-accelerated views for better performance. Ensure smooth frame rates by minimizing work done per frame.
Is there community support or documentation for SkiaSharp?
Yes. SkiaSharp has extensive API documentation on Microsoft Learn / .NET docs. The GitHub repo has a README, samples, an issue tracker, and a wiki. There are also blog posts, community forums (StackOverflow), and third-party tutorials.
How to handle font fallback or custom fonts in SkiaSharp?
If the font for a given script / glyph is not available, enable fallback by loading custom font files (SKTypeface.FromFile or FromStream). For complex scripts, use HarfBuzz shaping and ensure the fallback font has the needed glyphs. Embed or distribute fonts with your app if needed.
SkiaSharp – Cross-Platform .NET Graphics Library
SkiaSharp is a cross-platform .NET graphics library for creating fast, high-quality 2D graphics on mobile, desktop, and web apps.
Price: Free
Price Currency: $
Operating System: Windows
Application Category: Software
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