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 graphical user interface and 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

See Also

DirectX

GDI+

OpenGL

Windows Image Acquisition

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Build date: 11/16/2009