forum.vdsworld.com

Boo · Posted: Fri Nov 21, 2003 7:22 pm Post subject: "Actual Size" Graphics?

Hi All,

This may be a dumb question... But....

What is the best way to display an "actual size" graphic to users having different screen resolutions?

For example, let's say I have a graphic file of an object that is actual size (this is, the graphic displays at the same size as the item in real life). The graphic is displayed actual size on a screen at 800x600. However, how can I allow the graphic to display at actual size on a user's screen that is set at 1024x768?

I know I can detect a user's resolution, then create separate versions of the dialog for different resolutions, but is there a way to display the graphic "actual size" without having to create separate dialogs or dialog elements?

Also, is it possible to temporarily reset a user's screen resolution when a VDS program is run, then return the screen resolution to the previously set state upon exit of the VDS program?

Thanks guys,

Keith L.

Skit3000 · Posted: Fri Nov 21, 2003 7:56 pm Post subject:

You can do this by using the "stretch" style with bitmap elements... Smile

Example:

Boo · Posted: Fri Nov 21, 2003 8:28 pm Post subject:

Thanks. However, I want the dialog, as well as the "actual size" graphic, to display the same at all resolutions... Any ideas?

Thanks,

Keith L.

FreezingFire · **Admin Team** Joined: 23 Jun 2002 Posts: 3508

Perhaps using OPTION SCALE would help? Smile

Boo · Posted: Sat Nov 22, 2003 11:47 pm Post subject: Option scale...

Thanks FreezingFire, but I already tried that. The problem is that my application needs to display an "actual size" graphic of an object.

I have played with option scale, but unfortunately, different screen resolutions result in different graphic sizes on screen.

I'll keep playing with it. Hey, is there any way to temporarily change a user's screen resolution temporarily and then reset it upon closing of the program? (That is, by using API calls and/or by accessing the registry?)

Thanks,

Keith L.

FreezingFire · **Admin Team** Joined: 23 Jun 2002 Posts: 3508

I think CodeScript might have posted an example to do this however I'm not sure. Smile

CodeScript · Posted: Sun Nov 23, 2003 6:41 am Post subject:

I think U can resize your bitmap using strech style as Skit suggested Smile

Only problem is if your bitmap is non-photograhic and contains sharp edges
like text etc. The code below should display a bitmap in real size
whatever the screen resolution. (you can extend the same to your dialog)

jules · Posted: Sun Nov 23, 2003 11:48 am Post subject:

If you don't put OPTION SCALE then the size of all the dialog elements stays the same, but the font sizes still change, hence the result can look odd and text might get truncated. If there's little or no text on the dialog, you can get away with it.

CodeScript · Posted: Sun Nov 23, 2003 11:58 am Post subject:

I doubt that - just checked it on 800x600 and 1024x768 actual size of bitmap is quite different (much smaller with higher resolution) - whether OPTION SCALE is specified or not.

vdsalchemist · Posted: Sun Nov 23, 2003 3:56 pm Post subject:

Hi All,
Jules is saying that when you develop your App you will want to use Option Scale so that people that use the large Font Size 120dpi as apposed to the Small Font Size 96dpi scale will be able to read fonts on your dialog too. This has nothing to do with the Bitmap element.

I am not really sure what you all are trying to do with the bitmaps Question

Do you want your dialog to change with the resolution of the bitmap reguardless of the resolution of the users screen?

CodeScript · Posted: Sun Nov 23, 2003 5:02 pm Post subject:

Boo · Posted: Sun Nov 23, 2003 7:25 pm Post subject:

Hi Guys,

Thanks for all of your input. Cool

The solution from CodeScript is similar to a workaround I came up with and should suffice. (Thanks CodeScript!)

Actually, my dialog can vary somewhat here and there, but the important thing is to have a consistently sized graphic regardles of the enduser's display resolution.

What I need to do is for the enduser to see, on her/his screen, is the actual size of a particular object. For example, if I place a graphic of a quarter on the screen, I need the enduser to be able to see the quarter "actual size."

Thanks again,

Keith L.

LiquidCode · Posted: Mon Nov 24, 2003 12:18 pm Post subject:

Here is a script that you can use to detect the actual size of a bitmap without using a DLL. I have used it many times and it works great. I hope this helps. This needs VDS 4 or higher.

jules · Posted: Tue Nov 25, 2003 8:48 am Post subject:

Boo · Posted: Tue Nov 25, 2003 5:34 pm Post subject:

Thanks LiquidCode! This will be useful in various apps.