Like this article? We recommend
Like this article? We recommend
Like this article? We recommend
Demonstration
The source.zip file for this article contains a demonstration program that shows the various text transforms that I’ve covered here. The program works by defining a reference to a global output bitmap:
private Bitmap bmp;
In the Form_Load event procedure, the bitmap is created, equal in size to the screen, and painted white. In addition, the display message is defined:
bmp = new Bitmap(Screen.PrimaryScreen.Bounds.Width,
Screen.PrimaryScreen.Bounds.Height);
//Paint the bitmap white.
Graphics g = Graphics.FromImage(bmp);
g.Clear(Color.White);
g.Dispose();
msg = "Text Transforms!";
In the form’s Paint event procedure, the bitmap is drawn to the form’s display surface:
private void Form1_Paint(object sender, System.Windows.Forms.PaintEventArgs e)
{
if (bmp != null)
e.Graphics.DrawImage(bmp, 0, 0);
}
The actual transforms are created and applied in the procedures for the program’s various menu commands. For example, here’s the procedure for the horizontal shear command:
private void menuItem3_Click(object sender, System.EventArgs e)
{
//Horizontal stretch.
Graphics g = Graphics.FromImage(bmp);
g.Clear(Color.White);
g.ScaleTransform(2.0F, 1.0F);
g.DrawString(msg, f, Brushes.Black, 10, 50);
this.Refresh();
this.Text = "Horizontal stretch";
g.Dispose();
}
You can start with this program and then modify it to learn more about transforms and text. I was quite impressed with how easy .NET can create special text effects, and I think you’ll agree with me.