Java 2D™ Graphics and Imaging

The Java 2D API is a set of classes for advanced 2D graphics and imaging. It encompasses line art, text, and images in a single comprehensive model. The API provides extensive support for image compositing and alpha channel images, a set of classes to provide accurate color space definition and conversion, and a rich set of display-oriented imaging operators. These classes are provided as additions to the java.awt and java.awt.image packages.

Overview

Java 2D API Overview from the Programmer's Guide to the Java 2D API.

API Specification

Java 2D API Specification - a list of the packages and classes included in the Java 2D API.

Tutorials and Programmer's Guides

Java 2D API Guide: Enhanced Graphics and Imaging for Java.
Read the README for instructions on how to run the code samples used in the Imaging chapter of the Java2D API Guide.
The 2D Graphics trail in The Java Tutorial demonstrates how to display and print 2D graphics.

API Enhancements

Java 2D Enhancements in Java SE 7 - A list of features and fixes in Java 2D API for Java SE 7.
Java 2D Enhancements in Java SE 6.0 - A list of features and fixes in Java 2D API for Java SE 6.0.
Java 2D Enhancements in J2SE 5.0 - A list of features added to the Java 2D API for J2SE 5.0.
Java 2D Enhancements in Java 2 SDK, v1.4 - Features added for v1.4.0.

More Information

System Properties for Java 2D Technology: A list of unsupported properties that you can use to customize how the 2D painting system operates.
Java 2D page on Oracle Technology Network
Java SE Desktop Overview