Vector Graphics in Access 2003

[Prakash]

Has anyone tries to draw vector graphics (Circle, Line, Polygon and other VB
constructs) directly into a picture box or form in Access? Have you done it
by using native Microsoft supplied Access controls and not third party
controls you need to buy ...

 

[Tom van Stiphout]

On Tue, 9 Dec 2008 13:35:01 -0800, Prakash

From the help file:
The Circle method draws a circle, an ellipse, or an arc on a Report
object when the Print event occurs.

What part of that is unclear?

-Tom.
Microsoft Access MVP

 

[Prakash]

Thanks but I am looking for drawing on FORMS not REPORTS. I want to build a
graphics application that is driven by coordinates and object semantics
stored in tables and use native Access without the need to ship additional
controls to display network diagrams and allow users to interact with the
form if possible. I will need to draw cirles, lines, arrows, boxes, show grab
handles and display label lettering inside the shapes. Ideally I would like
to use Visio type shape libraries.

 

[Dirk Goldgar]

Has anyone tries to draw vector graphics (Circle, Line, Polygon and other
VB
constructs) directly into a picture box or form in Access? Have you done
it
by using native Microsoft supplied Access controls and not third party
controls you need to buy ...

If anyone would have, it's Stephen Lebans. Searching his site
(www.lebans.com), I do find this:

http://www.lebans.com/imageclass.htm
A standard Image control is wrapped within a class to allow the
control to resemble the standard Visual Basic PictureBox control.
Simple drawing methods are directly supported as is Text output
with rotation. A handle to a Device Context is exposed to allow the
developer to use the full range of Graphic API's. Also supports
Screen Grabs, Copy to Clipboard and Save Image control to a
disk Bitmap file.

 

[Prakash]

Thanks! This looks like it may do the trick. I will research further and try
it.
Prakash

 

[Tom van Stiphout]

On Wed, 10 Dec 2008 06:58:47 -0800, Prakash

What I was trying to point out is that Circle and other functions only
work on Reports. I know you want to do it on forms, but the help file
is very clear that this will not work.

If you like Visio, you can use Automation to create a Visio diagram
from Access (or any other app that supports COM). Powerpoint is
another option; I have done this myself and it is certainly possible
to create a PPT slide out of thin air.

If you want to draw on a form, you have to be VERY proficient with the
Windows forms architecture and Windows API calls. It's one of those
things that if you need to ask how it's done, it's probably not
something you can do yourself.

-Tom.
Microsoft Access MVP

 

[Prakash]

Thanks Tom
Automation is always an option.
Prakash