What's a good 2D graphics drawing API for Windows/C++?

Jengerer picture Jengerer · Sep 1, 2010 · Viewed 7.2k times · Source

I've been working on a small little application, and I've been using DirectX/3D to draw textures to the screen (all 2-dimensional elements). The API, I find, is pretty easy to use and to incorporate using OOP principles, but I can't help but feel that using DirectX on something this small is insanely over-kill.

I can't seem to find consensus on a good alternative, though. Any suggestions?

EDIT: Native alpha-blending and PNG file support is necessary.

With much first-post love, Jengerer

Answer

Franci Penov picture Franci Penov · Sep 1, 2010

If you don't need XP support, use Direct2D.
Otherwise, use GDI+.