Microsoft Access has bad image import, and no image transparency.

D

Dave

For some reason Access has been poorly designed when it comes to image import:

-> BMP transparency is ignored
-> PNG transparency is ignored (sadness ensues)
-> EPS files will almost always display with faulty colors and faulty paths
-> TIFFs are not support at all
-> Images will show different colors within the transparent area of an
overlaid EPS bounding box

Also, why is there no zoom in Access? Why does it always have to be one
zoom mode or print preview? This makes image work horrible.

Why is there no Lock Object feature in Access?

As powerful as Access *could* be, it's made for simple, I mean pathetically
*SIMPLE* image support. It's really a poor program if you try to do anything
worthwhile.

Dave May
Internet Effects
 
S

Stephen Lebans

Transparency is not natively supported except for OLE Frame controls.
There is a workaround here that can be used at runtime to load in BMP,
GIF, Metafile and Jpeg files.
http://www.lebans.com/transparent.htm

For the rest -> Answers Inline

--

HTH
Stephen Lebans
http://www.lebans.com
Access Code, Tips and Tricks
Please respond only to the newsgroups so everyone can benefit.


Dave said:
For some reason Access has been poorly designed when it comes to image
Click to expand...
import:

Access uses the standard Office Graphics filters. Transparency is really
the only area where the functionality of the Import filters differs from
any of the other standard Office programs. This is due to the fact that
Access supports forms in Continuous view with lieghtweight controls.
-> BMP transparency is ignored
Click to expand...
See solution above
-> PNG transparency is ignored (sadness ensues)
Click to expand...
PNG is a relative latecomer to the Image file format scene. Sounds like
it is you image format of choice.

-> EPS files will almost always display with faulty colors and
Click to expand...
faulty paths
EPS is a difficult format for all Office software.

-> TIFFs are not support at all
Click to expand...
Perhaps you mean multipage TIFF files versus standard TIF files? Both
formats are supported, TIF fully and limited support for TIFF. This is
to be expected and no different from most standard software.

-> Images will show different colors within the transparent area of an
overlaid EPS bounding box
Click to expand...
EPS is a difficult format for all Office software.

Also, why is there no zoom in Access? Why does it always have to be one
zoom mode or print preview? This makes image work horrible.
Click to expand...
There are two different "ZOOM" methods built into each image control. By
specifying the dimensions of the control you can control the output
resolution down to the pixel. I think you misunderstand this property
and its use.
Why is there no Lock Object feature in Access?
Click to expand...
I have no idea what you mean here. If you do not want an element of your
Report to move than do not allow any controls or sections above it to
GROW.

As powerful as Access *could* be, it's made for simple, I mean pathetically
*SIMPLE* image support. It's really a poor program if you try to do anything
worthwhile.
Click to expand...

That's a very negative statement Dave. I think you are leaving the
user(you) out of your equation.


I have used most of the major report writers that exist today. If you
check GoogleGroups you will see that the majority of Developers/Users
would vote the Access Report writer at or near the top of any ranking
list.
 
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