# begin_raw()

To create vectors from 3D data, use the `begin_raw()` and [](sketch_end_raw) commands.

## Examples

<div class="example-table">

<div class="example-row"><div class="example-cell-image">

</div><div class="example-cell-code">

```python
def setup():
    py5.size(400, 400, py5.P2D)
    py5.begin_raw(py5.PDF, "raw.pdf")


def draw():
    py5.line(py5.pmouse_x, py5.pmouse_y, py5.mouse_x, py5.mouse_y)


def key_pressed():
    if py5.key == ' ':
        py5.end_raw()
        py5.exit_sketch()
```

</div></div>

<div class="example-row"><div class="example-cell-image">

</div><div class="example-cell-code">

```python
def setup():
    py5.size(400, 400, py5.P2D)

    with py5.begin_raw(py5.PDF, "/tmp/raw.pdf"):
        py5.rect_mode(py5.CENTER)
        py5.fill("#F00")
        for _ in range(10):
            py5.square(py5.random(py5.width), py5.random(py5.height), 10)
```

</div></div>

</div>

## Description

To create vectors from 3D data, use the `begin_raw()` and [](sketch_end_raw) commands. These commands will grab the shape data just before it is rendered to the screen. At this stage, your entire scene is nothing but a long list of individual lines and triangles. This means that a shape created with [](sketch_sphere) function will be made up of hundreds of triangles, rather than a single object. Or that a multi-segment line shape (such as a curve) will be rendered as individual segments.

When using `begin_raw()` and [](sketch_end_raw), it's possible to write to either a 2D or 3D renderer. For instance, `begin_raw()` with the `PDF` library will write the geometry as flattened triangles and lines, even if recording from the `P3D` renderer. 

If you want a background to show up in your files, use `rect(0, 0, width, height)` after setting the [](sketch_fill) to the background color. Otherwise the background will not be rendered to the file because the background is not a shape.

This method can be used as a context manager to ensure that [](sketch_end_raw) always gets called, as shown in the last example.

Using `hint(ENABLE_DEPTH_SORT)` can improve the appearance of 3D geometry drawn to 2D file formats.

Underlying Processing method: [beginRaw](https://processing.org/reference/beginRaw_.html)

## Signatures

```python
begin_raw(
    raw_graphics: Py5Graphics,  # Py5Graphics object to apply draw commands to
    /,
) -> ContextManager

begin_raw(
    renderer: str,  # for example, PDF or DXF
    filename: str,  # filename for output
    /,
) -> Py5Graphics
```

Updated on February 24, 2026 14:35:31pm UTC