Making the direct graphic output

The contents of the graphical window can be printed any time directly to any attached graphical output device (printer, plotter, PDF driver, etc.)

The main dialogue of function Print picture contains the following controls.

Caption

This item enables the user to specify a caption of the drawing. It is also possible to click the three-dot button and select one of the "automatic" captions.

Templates

In general, the program offers a list of available pre-prepared layout templates. Some of them are portrait oriented, some of them are landscape oriented. The user my select which templates should be used for his/her drawing. The combo box can be used to filter the list of available templates.

Zoom / fit

Fit to window = the output is scaled so that "what is in the graphical window" fits the output page. (If function "zoom-all" was used in the graphical window prior to calling function Print picture, the effect of this option is very similar to Fit to page.)

Fit to page = the output is scaled so that the whole structure fits the output page.

Scale = the picture is printed in the specified scale.

Graphics

This option is disabled for the time being.

Rendering

If the picture should be printed as rendered, the user can select the required stretch mode and memory that will used for the output. See also chapter Selecting the suitable stretch mode.

Preview

The preview window shows the final layout.

[Printer setup ...]

This button opens a dialogue where the required printing device can be selected and its options set.

[Edit printed layout ...]

This button opens a dialogue where the drawing itself can be graphically modified or saved to an external graphical file.

[Print]

This button finishes the action.

[Cancel]

This button cancels the action.

 

The procedure for making the direct graphical output
  1. Activate function Print picture:
    1. either using button [Print picture] >[Print picture] (image\Gro_Print_picture_toolbar.gif > image\Gro_Print_picture_toolbar.gif) on toolbar Project,
    2. or using menu function File > Print picture > Print picture,
    3. or using the pop-up menu of the graphical window and its function Print picture.
  2. The Graphic output dialogue is opened. The heading of the dialogue shows the name of the active printing device.
  3. Select required options in the dialogue (see above).
  4. If required, use button [Edit printed layout ...] to make any modifications or amendments to the drawing.
  5. If required, change the printer setup using button [Printer setup ...].
  6. Print the drawing on the connected printing device – using button [Print].

The size and orientation of the paper is always defined by the template. The portrait and landscape option in the Printer settings don’t have any effect on the printed output.