iOS Retina display: images double size

Question

For testing not/retina display I've created an UIView with size 100x100.

I've create 2 images: - normal size (100x100) - retina size (200x200)

I have two situations: 1) Non-Retina display + Normal Size image in background 2) Retina display + Retina Size image in background

The 1st scenario is ok. In the 2nd scenario the image is double size and in my UIView I can see only 1/4 of the total image.

The same happens when I try to assign a background image to my UIViewController navigation bar as following:

if (IS_RETINA()) {
    [self.navigationController.navigationBar setBackgroundImage:[UIImage imageNamed:IMG_NAVIGATION_BAR_BACKGROUND_RETINA] forBarMetrics:UIBarMetricsDefault];
}
else {
    [self.navigationController.navigationBar setBackgroundImage:[UIImage imageNamed:IMG_NAVIGATION_BAR_BACKGROUND] forBarMetrics:UIBarMetricsDefault];
}

Solution 1

There's a much easier way to do this. Give the retina version of the image the same name as the non-retina version, except with a "@2x" at the end. For example, if your regular image was named foo.png, then the retina version should be named [email protected].

Then, just refer to the regular version of the filename (e.g., foo.png) at all times. When your app is running on non-retina hardware the regular image will be used, but whenever you're on retina hardware the higher-resolution image will be used automatically. It's easier than having to write an if statement for every image you use, plus it'll actually work.

Solution 2

You don't need to code the IS_RETINA test, just add the @2x suffix to the name of the file containing the image you want to use for the retina display, and iOS will automagically use that in preference.

Bundle 2 image files, prettyNavBarBackground.png and [email protected]

#define IMG_NAVIGATION_BAR_BACKGROUND prettyNavBarBackground

Then you can just use this single call, and iOS will select the appropriate option

[self.navigationController.navigationBar setBackgroundImage:[UIImage imageNamed:IMG_NAVIGATION_BAR_BACKGROUND] forBarMetrics:UIBarMetricsDefault];