Printing in Windows Without Form Feeds

• Microsoft Windows Software Development Kit (SDK) versions 3.1, 3.0
• Microsoft Win32 Application Programming Interface (API), included with:
  • Microsoft Windows NT, versions 3.5, 3.51
  • Microsoft Windows versions 95, 4.0

SUMMARY

A Windows-based application cannot print directly to a printer without issuing a form feed. In 16-bit Windows, the NEWFRAME escape is required to start the print spooler. This escape, in turn, sends a form feed to the printer. Without the NEWFRAME escape, the spooler never runs, and nothing is output to the printer. Win32-based applications should use EndPage(), which replaces the NEWFRAME escape.

MORE INFORMATION

It is possible to drive the spooler directly by using the spooler functions documented in the Windows Device Development Kit (DDK). This allows the printer driver to be bypassed. However, by doing this, the ability to use GDI output functions and Windows's device-independent capabilities will be lost.

Additional query words: 3.00 3.10 3.50 4.00 win16sdk

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Last Reviewed: March 3, 1999