CanvasRenderingContext2D.beginPath()

The CanvasRenderingContext2D.beginPath() method of the Canvas 2D API starts a new path by emptying the list of sub-paths. Call this method when you want to create a new path.

Note: To create a new sub-path, i.e., one matching the current canvas state, you can use CanvasRenderingContext2D.moveTo().

Syntax

void ctx.beginPath();

Examples

Creating distinct paths

This example creates two paths, each of which contains a single line.

HTML

<canvas id="canvas"></canvas>

JavaScript

The beginPath() method is called before beginning each line, so that they may be drawn with different colors.

const canvas = document.getElementById('canvas');
const ctx = canvas.getContext('2d');

// First path
ctx.beginPath();
ctx.strokeStyle = 'blue';
ctx.moveTo(20, 20);
ctx.lineTo(200, 20);
ctx.stroke();

// Second path
ctx.beginPath();
ctx.strokeStyle = 'green';
ctx.moveTo(20, 20);
ctx.lineTo(120, 120);
ctx.stroke();

Result

Specifications

Specification Status Comment
HTML Living Standard
The definition of 'CanvasRenderingContext2D.beginPath' in that specification.
Living Standard

Browser compatibility

DesktopMobile
ChromeEdgeFirefoxInternet ExplorerOperaSafariAndroid webviewChrome for AndroidFirefox for AndroidOpera for AndroidSafari on iOSSamsung Internet
beginPathChrome Full support YesEdge Full support 12Firefox Full support 1.5IE Full support YesOpera Full support YesSafari Full support YesWebView Android Full support YesChrome Android Full support YesFirefox Android Full support 4Opera Android Full support YesSafari iOS Full support YesSamsung Internet Android Full support Yes

Legend

Full support
Full support

See also