Abstract: A method and apparatus for detection and smoothing of jagged edges in a graphics display is described. The edge detection and smoothing is done using only a pixel-map representation of the pixel colors of the image as input. Edges are detected based upon the color representations of certain groups of pixels. Smoothing of the edges is accomplished by adjusting the color of certain pixels in the region of a detected edge. Edges are detected by successively scanning either sets of two rows or sets of two columns of pixels. Edge detection occurs during the row or column scans by discerning certain sequences of color changes between pairs of adjacent pixels. Color changes are detected only if certain threshold changes in color occur between pairs of adjacent pixels. Unless the threshold color change is exceeded, pixels are considered to be the same color and no edge is detected. Jagged edges are detected and smoothed regardless of the type of color representation used in the pixel-map.