Core Image

Implemented as part of the QuartzCore framework of Mac OS X 10.4 and later, Core Image provides a plugin-based architecture for applying filters and effects within the Quartz graphics rendering layer.

Combined with preset or user-defined input parameters, the filter can be applied to the original pixel data without modifying it, thereby providing non-destructive image editing.

Regardless of the number of filters, Core Image assembles the code for this instruction pipeline with a just-in-time compiler, which is executed by either the CPU or graphics card's GPU, whichever can perform the calculation faster.

[6] When a compatible GPU is available, the Core Image compiler writes the instruction pipeline using GLSL, handling buffers and states transparently.

[9] Early examples of its use can be found in the ripple effect in Dashboard, and Apple's professional digital photography application, Aperture.

Apple has used the following graphics cards to support Core Image GPU processing in Mac OS X 10.4 and Aperture, so the following list could be considered an example of minimum requirements:[10][14] Note that any GPU capable of handling Core Image instructions is also Quartz Extreme capable.