Dot Matrix Printers in Graphic Mode - Bounds not correctly

rbuser

I have a simple invoice report, it print only text on a Form already
designed with line ed image. It has a Header Band, Detail Band and Footer
Band. I need to fit in every text fields of my report in the Form fields.

My problem is it doesn't respect height of Header Band and Footer Band.

For Example:

Form Bounds:
Header = mm 86
Footer = mm 60
MarginTop= mm 10
MarginBottom= mm 15

If I set these bounds in my reports it doesn't respect height of Header
Band and Footer Band and I must change it with different Height for two
Bands.
I tried it on various printers so as Epson (tested with different drivers),
Oki, Lexmark but with each printer I get a different Height for Header and
Footer with the same Form measure.

My Form is a module for matrix printer its height is 12'' . I use Units=
utMillimeters.

Thank You
Best Regards

nicocizik

Hi Vincenzo,

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Article: Printing to Dot Matrix Printers
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Dot matrix printers are natively line and character based. Most dot
matrix printers can emulate graphical (i.e. pixel based) printing, but
there is additional overhead which degrades printing speed.

Some options for maximizing performance:

1. Use native printer fonts.

Each dot matrix printer normally has some built-in fonts. You can choose
these fonts when using the ReportBuilder Report Designer. Choose File |
PageSetup and select the dot matrix printer (or optionally use the
object inspector to set Report.Printersetup.PrinterName). The fonts
displayed in Report Designer's font drop down list located on the format
toolbar will display the printer native fonts (indicated by a special
printer icon next to the font name).

2. Vertically position and size objects in 1/6 inch increments.

A standard dot matrix printer can print 66 lines per 11 inch portrait
page. This translates to a line height of 1/6 inch. Therefore the height
of each band should be a multiple of 1/6 as should the size of the
margins, the vertical position of each object etc.

3. Keep the layout simple, avoid using graphics of any kind.

Alternatives to using the dot matrix printer driver:

1. Use the generic text printer driver.

When using the generic text printer you will need to use the courier or
courier new font and apply the layout techniques described above.

2. Use ReportBuilder's ReportTextFile device output format.

This ReportTextFile device can exports the report to a .txt file which
you can then send to the printer. Demo dm0107.pas in the main reports
demo app shows an example of printing a report to a .txt file and
previewing the results.


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