If you’re looking to dive into the world of graphics programming using C++, Dev C++ is a fantastic choice. Dev C++ is a popular integrated development environment (IDE) that allows you to easily write, compile, and execute C++ programs, including those involving graphics. In this step-by-step guide, we will show you how to set up Dev C++ for graphics using the graphics.h library, all while optimizing your knowledge of Dev C++ for graphics, C++ programming, and graphics in C++.
Step 1: Download and Install Dev C++
To start your journey into graphics programming in C++ with Dev C++, you first need to download and install Dev C++. Follow these steps:
- Visit the official Dev C++ website: https://www.bloodshed.net/devcpp.html.
- Download the latest stable version of Dev C++ for your operating system (usually Windows).
- Run the installer and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation.
Step 2: Download the graphics.h Library
The graphics.h library is essential for graphics programming in C++. You’ll need to download it separately, as it is not included in the standard C++ library. Here’s how to obtain it:
- Visit the following github repo to download the repository as zip file GitHub – SagarGaniga/Graphics-Library: Download required libraries from here.
- Extract the zip folder and it will have 3 files “graphics.h”, “winbgim.h”, “libbgi.a”
Step 3: Add Graphics Library Paths
To let Dev C++ know where to find the graphics.h library, you need to add the library’s include and lib directories. Here’s how to do it:
- Open The location where your Dev C++ is installed, it is usually C:\Program Files\Dev-Cpp
- Under the folder, find WinBGIm\Include folder and paste graphics.h and winbgim.h in that folder.
- Then go to WinBGIm\lib and paste libbgi.a there.
- Then go to gcc folder… and find Include folder inside that and paste graphics.h and winbgim.h there and inside gcc/…/lib paste libbgi.a
Step 4: Link the Graphics Library
To link the graphics library to your C++ programs, follow these steps:
- Open Dev C++, go to tools-> “Compiler Options” Window.
- in “Compiler Options” window, go to the “Linker” tab.
- Under the “Linker Options,” add the following commands:
-lbgi
-lgdi32
-lcomdlg32
-luuid
-loleaut32
-lole32

Step 5: Create a New Graphics Project
Now that Dev C++ is configured for graphics programming, you can start creating graphics projects. Here’s how to create a simple graphics program:
- Go to “File” and select “New” to create a new source file.
- Write your graphics code using functions like
initwindow
,line
,circle
, etc. - Save your project with a
.cpp
extension.
Test code is given below, or you can also check “Snake game using graphics in C++”
#include<iostream>
#include<graphics.h>
#include<conio.h>
using namespace std;
int main()
{
int gdriver = DETECT, gmode;
initgraph(&gdriver, &gmode, "C:\\tc\\bgi");
//circle(x,y,radius)
circle(200,200,100);
getch();
closegraph();
return 0;
}
Step 6: Compile and Run Your Graphics Program
To compile and run your graphics program, follow these steps:
- Click the “Execute” button or press
F9
to compile and run your program. - If everything is set up correctly, a graphics window should appear with your graphics output.
Congratulations! You’ve successfully set up Dev C++ for graphics programming in C++. You’re now ready to create stunning graphics using C++ programming.

Conclusion
In this step-by-step guide, we’ve explored how to set up Dev C++ for graphics programming using the graphics.h library. By following these instructions, you’ll be well on your way to mastering graphics in C++ and unleashing your creativity through C++ programming. Now, start experimenting, creating, and exploring the world of graphics with Dev C++. If you get any error while setting up dev C++ for graphics, feel free to reach out to us via comments or our whatsapp group Happy coding!
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