You can make vector images more readable on view, print, or rasterize by defining and using pen mask tables. Pen mask tables render specific vector image lines 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 pen mapping files. Pen mapping 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 are considered beta.
Once you have created pen mask tables and stored them in pen mapping files, you can control them through the API.
To render vectors using pen mask tables:
1. With LoadMaskTableFile, load the pen mapping file containing the table you want to use. Repeat as required.
2. To get the identifiers of all available mask tables in the loaded files, use GetAvailableMaskTables.
3. If you want to display the names of any of the mask tables (for easier user selection, for example), use the GetMaskTableLabel transaction.
4. With SetDefaultMaskTable, specify the identifier of the mask table that 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 UnloadMaskTable. Repeat as required.
Lines in vector files will be rendered as defined by the pen mask table on view, print, or rasterize.
One other pen mask table transaction is available: GetDefaultMaskTable tells you which mask table is currently being used for viewing, printing, or rasterizing.
See also