A simple, easy-to-use C library for game development.
Multiplatform support with no external dependencies.
Focuses on a code-centric approach with extensive examples.
Pricing: Free forever
Best for: Individuals & startups
Pros & Cons
Pros
Simple and easy to learn, especially for C programmers.
Highly portable across many platforms.
No external dependencies, simplifying setup and deployment.
Extensive examples and community support for learning.
Free and open source, promoting accessibility and collaboration.
Cons
No fancy GUI tools or visual helpers, requiring a pure coding approach.
Relies on a cheatsheet and examples for learning, not traditional API documentation.
May have a steeper learning curve for those unfamiliar with C or low-level graphics programming.
Preview
Key Features
No external dependencies, all required libraries includedMultiplatform support (Windows, Linux, MacOS, RPI, Android, HTML5)Written in plain C code (C99)Hardware accelerated with OpenGL (1.1, 2.1, 3.3, 4.3 or ES 2.0)Unique OpenGL abstraction layer: rlglPowerful Fonts module (SpriteFonts, BMfonts, TTF, SDF)Multiple texture formats support, including compressed formats (DXT, ETC, ASTC)Full 3D support for shapes, models, billboards, heightmaps
Pricing
Free
Raylib is completely free to use with no hidden costs.
raylib is a programming library designed for individuals who want to learn and enjoy videogames programming through a pure coding approach. It emphasizes a minimalistic design, providing core functionalities without a fancy interface, visual helpers, or GUI tools, catering to "spartan-programmers" who prefer to code directly. The library is built in plain C and is highly modular, allowing some components to be used independently.
This library is ideal for developers, students, and hobbyists interested in game development who appreciate a hands-on, code-centric learning and development experience. It offers extensive multiplatform support, a wide array of features for 2D and 3D graphics, audio, and input, and boasts a large collection of examples and community support. Its design philosophy focuses on learning by reading code and provides a cheatsheet rather than extensive documentation, making it accessible for those who prefer practical examples.
raylib is a simple and easy-to-use programming library written in plain C, designed for enjoying videogames programming. It provides a minimalistic, code-centric environment for developing games and graphical applications across multiple platforms, focusing on direct coding rather than visual tools.
How much does Raylib cost?
raylib is free and open source.
Is Raylib free?
Yes, raylib is completely free and open source.
Who is Raylib for?
raylib is for anyone interested in videogames programming, particularly those who prefer a pure coding approach without visual editors or complex GUIs. It's suitable for students, hobbyists, and developers who want to learn game development in C and appreciate a hands-on, example-driven learning experience.