GXGraphic Extension
Volume Number: 13
Issue Number: 10
Column Tag: develop
Using the GXGraphics Extension
by Ingrid Kelly and Robin Mikawa, Apple Developer Technical Support
Using The GXGraphics Extension
Starting with Mac OS 8.0, the QuickDraw GX environment no longer supports the GX
Printing Manager API. Although this decision will require significant changes to
existing system software and applications, it will allow us to transition to a unified
printing architecture that will improve the compatibility of QuickDraw GX software in
the classic QuickDraw environment. Mac OS 8.0 includes the GXGraphics 1.1.6
extension, which provides the advanced Graphics and Typography capabilities of
QuickDraw GX, a QuickDraw GX codec in the QuickTime 2.5 extension, and a fully
integrated version of the Collection Manager. This article includes:
• The changes needed for an application (GX aware, GX savvy, and GX
dependent) to support GX Printing on Mac OS 8.0.
• Where to get the current version of the GXGraphics extension (1.1.3) and
a description of any differences with GXGraphics 1.1.6 included with Mac OS
8.0.
• Any known incompatibilities or limitations of the GXGraphics extension,
as well as known solutions to these problems. This Article is intended to help
developers who wish to transition their GX products to support QuickDraw GX
on Mac OS 8.0.
Note: Throughout this Article, the term, "classic printing architecture," refers to the
Macintosh Printing Manager described in Chapter 9 of Inside Macintosh: Imaging With
QuickDraw. "QuickDraw GX" refers to the full GX environment (i.e., Graphics,
Typography, and Printing) and "GXGraphics" refers to the partial GX implementation
provided by the GXGraphics extension (i.e., Graphics and Typography).
Features Not Supported in Mac OS 8.0
Following is a list of key features that are currently available in QuickDraw GX
1.1.3/1.1.5 that will no longer be available to developers under the GXGraphics 1.1.6
strategy:
• GX Printer Driver APIs: GX Printer drivers will no longer be supported.
All developers need to have a classic printer driver for their device.