The Graphics class represents a graphics engine used to render diagram items. Instance of this class is accessible via the FlowChart.Graphics property.
VB6
![]() |
---|
Public Class Graphics |
C++
![]() |
---|
class Graphics |
Currently FlowChartX supports two engines: the first one is based on the classic Windows GDI API; the second one is based on the GDI+ library. The following table outlines the differences between them:
Classic GDI | GDI+ | |
---|---|---|
Compatible with Windows 95 | yes | no |
Additional dependencies | no | gdiplus.dll |
Support for FlowChartX plug-ins | yes | no |
Anti-aliasing | no | yes |
Semi-transparency | no | yes |
Dash styles for pen width > 1 | no | yes |
Rotation of arrow's text as set in TextStyle | not supported on Win9X | yes |
Uses hardware acceleration | yes | no |
Box rotation | not supported on Win9X | yes |
The graphics engines are identified via members of the EGraphicsEngine enumeration, geGdiPlus for GDI+ and geClassic for the classic GDI API. Pass those identifiers to the StartUp method to load a graphics engine. The currently used engine is indicated by EngineType. When your application ends, it is necessary to call ShutDown to unload the engine and free resources allocated to it.
Consider the following when deciding which graphics engine to use: