Platform

Win32, x64

Purpose

To begin output to a graphics printer or plotter.

Syntax

INTEGER FUNCTION OPEN_PRINTER@( UID ) 
INTEGER UID

Description

OPEN_PRINTER@ generates a standard "Open Printer" dialog box from which the user can select a graphics printer or plotter device for subsequent output. If a device is successfully selected then subsequent calls to Silverfrost graphics routines are be written to this device. The printer or plotter is activated when CLOSE_PRINTER@ or the Silverfrost graphics routine NEW_PAGE@ is called (after calling this routine, it may be necessary to reset the text attributes).

UID is a unique user identifier supplied by the programmer and is used in conjunction with SELECT_GRAPHICS_OBJECT@.

OPEN_PRINTER@ and CLOSE_PRINTER@ will use the GDI+ library provided the smoothing and/or opacity is set. Call USE_GDIPLUS@ before opening the printer or set the opacity and/or the smoothing after opening. Alternatively OPEN_PRINTER@ will inherit the opacity and smoothing of the current drawing surface before opening.

Return value

This function returns 1 if the user selected a device or zero if the "CANCEL" button was selected.

Notes

This routine can be used in conjunction with the %gr (Graphics Region) format code that is used to draw to the screen using Silverfrost graphics routines (see Graphics format). It can also be used independently of WINIO@.

The standard call-back function GPRINTER_OPEN can also be used to produce graphics output.

See also

CLOSE_PRINTER@, DO_COPIES@, SELECT_PRINTER@, OPEN_PRINTER1@, Selecting a printer