> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.flatredball.com/gum/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.flatredball.com/gum/code/getting-started/setup/empty-project-before-adding-gum/silk.net.md).

# Silk.NET

## Introduction

Gum can be used in Silk.NET projects by importing Gum's `Gum.SilkNet` NuGet package. `Gum.SilkNet` renders through SkiaSharp and adds real Forms input via `Silk.NET.Input`; your project still owns window creation and the render loop.

## Creating a New Project

Before using Gum, you should first verify that you can create a normal windowed Silk.NET project. For the full API reference, see the Silk.NET documentation: <https://dotnet.github.io/Silk.NET/docs/v3/>

{% hint style="info" %}
To skip these steps, run [`gumcli new MyGame -p silknet`](/gum/cli/cli/new.md). It creates a Silk.NET project with Gum already added and a window that opens on Windows, macOS, and Linux.
{% endhint %}

If you are starting a brand new Silk.NET project from scratch, you can follow these steps:

{% tabs %}
{% tab title="Visual Studio" %}
First, create an empty console project

1. Open Visual Studio
2. Select File -> New Project, or select the **Create a new project** option in the popup window.
3. Select the option to create a **Console App**
4. Enter a name, select a location, then click **Next**
5. Select the desired **Framework** and other options, then click **Create**

Next, add the needed NuGet package:

1. Expand your game project in the Solution Explorer
2. Right-click on **Dependencies** and select **Manage NuGet Packages**
3. Search for and install `Silk.NET.Windowing`
4. Search for and install `Silk.NET.Windowing.Sdl`. Gum requires the SDL window backend.
   {% endtab %}
   {% endtabs %}

Once you have your project set up, it might look similar to the following code block — a window that opens and clears to a solid color every frame:

```csharp
using Silk.NET.Windowing;
using Silk.NET.Windowing.Sdl;
using Silk.NET.Maths;

namespace SilkNetExample1;

public class Program
{
    public static void Main()
    {
        SdlWindowing.Use();

        var options = WindowOptions.Default;
        options.Size = new Vector2D<int>(800, 480);
        options.Title = "Gum Sample";

        using var window = Window.Create(options);

        window.Render += delta =>
        {
            // Per-frame rendering goes here.
        };

        window.Run();
    }
}
```

Next, you can begin adding Gum to your project. For more information see the [Adding/Initializing Gum](/gum/code/getting-started/setup/adding-initializing-gum/silk.net.md) page.


---

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