You can make vector images more readable by defining and using pen mask tables for specific types of output: view, printing, or rasterization. Note that mask tables are applied to the type of rendering operation, not to a specific document.
Pen mask tables render specific vector image objects with a different color, pattern, or width than they were defined as. Mask tables can be used, for example, to convert lines of a specific color into patterned bilevel lines.
Pen mask tables are stored in mask files. Mask files can be created and edited in a Spicer program called Editmask. You can find this utility on the Imagenation CD under Samples\Integr\Tool_Pen. Note that both the utility and its associated Help file (Penmask.hlp) are considered beta.
Once you have created pen mask tables and stored them in mask files, you can control them through the API.
If you want to map vector pens of a specific color to different colors or patterns for a specific type of output--display, printing, or rasterization--for all documents, then mask tables will meet your requirements.
To render vectors with pen mask tables:
1. With IN_LoadMaskTableFile, load the pen mask file that contains the table you want to use. Repeat as required.
2. To get the identifiers of all available mask tables in the loaded files, use IN_GetAvailableMaskTables.
3. If you want to display the names of any mask tables (for easier user selection, for example), use the IN_GetMaskTableLabel function.
4. With IN_SetDefaultMaskTable, specifiy the identifier of the mask table you want to use for viewing, printing, or rasterizing. Repeat as required.
5. Remove the pen mask tables that you are not using from memory with IN_UnloadMaskTable. Repeat as required.
Vector pens in vector files will be rendered as defined by the selected pen mask table on view, print, or rasterize.
One other pen mask table function is available: IN_GetDefaultMaskTable tells you which mask table is currently being used for viewing, printing, or rasterizing.
See also