VMS Workstation Software Guide to Printing Graphics

This manual details the two primary graphics printing options available with VMS Workstation Software: Print Screen and Hardcopy User Interface Services (HCUIS).

Print Screen allows users to print a selected rectangular portion of their display screen. It requires a printer that supports sixel format, with setup instructions provided for various Digital Equipment Corporation dot matrix, ink jet, and laser printers.

HCUIS enables both users and applications to translate UIS (User Interface Services) pictures into formats suitable for a wide range of hard-copy devices, and also to create UIS files. Key components include:

• RENDER Command: Used to translate UIS files for specific hard-copy devices, leveraging device capabilities like PostScript fonts or higher resolutions. It offers qualifiers like /DRAFT and /NODRAFT to balance picture quality and drawing speed.
• HCUIS$ Routines: A programming interface for developers to incorporate HCUIS functionalities into their applications, covering creation, display, and translation of UIS metafile data.

The document is structured into two parts: "User Information" (Chapters 1-4) for those who wish to print pictures, and "Programmer Information" (Chapters 5-6) for developers. It covers essential topics such as device setup procedures (including modifying HCUISDEVICES.COM for print queues), specific settings for various printers and plotters (e.g., Apple LaserWriter, HP Plotters, Digital PrintServer 40), and how different devices interpret graphic elements like colors, fonts, and fill patterns, affecting picture fidelity.