Windows GDI
Purpose
The Microsoft Windows graphics device interface (GDI) enables applications to use graphics and formatted text on both the video display and the printer. Windows-based applications do not access the graphics hardware directly. Instead, GDI interacts with device drivers on behalf of applications.
Where applicable
GDI can be used in all Windows-based applications.
Developer audience
This API is designed for use by C/C++ programmers. Familiarity with the Windows message-driven architecture is required.
Run-time requirements
For information on which operating systems are required to use a particular function, see the Requirements section of the documentation for the function.
In this section
- Bitmaps
- Brushes
- Clipping
- Colors
- Coordinate Spaces and Transformations
- Device Contexts
- Filled Shapes
- Fonts and Text
- Lines and Curves
- Metafiles
- Multiple Display Monitors
- Painting and Drawing
- Paths
- Pens
- Printing and Print Spooler
- Rectangles
- Regions
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