Rdprint Delphi Xe2 - A Comprehensive Review and Tutorial
Rdprint Delphi Xe2: A Powerful Tool for Printing Reports in Delphi
If you are a Delphi developer, you know how challenging it can be to print reports in different environments, especially in the DOS environment, with various printers, especially needle matrix printers. You may have tried different solutions, such as QuickReport, FastReport, Printer Canvas, or WriteLN, but none of them satisfied your needs. You may have encountered problems such as lack of configuration options, font size limitations, resolution issues, accent problems, speed issues, or lack of preview features.
Rdprint Delphi Xe2
That's why you need Rdprint Delphi Xe2, a powerful tool that lets you print quickly in any environment, even in the DOS environment, with a variety of printers, especially needle matrix printers. Rdprint Delphi Xe2 is a component that simplifies the printing of reports in Delphi, offering you features such as fonts in 10, 12, 15, 17, and 20 cpp, bold, italic, underline, expanded, real preview with zoom, printing in matrix printers, inkjet printers, and laser printers, ideal for invoices, duplicates, checks, tickets, and any type of report. You can also export your reports to PDF and HTML formats.
In this article, we will show you how to install and use Rdprint Delphi Xe2, what are its features and benefits, and some tips and tricks for using it effectively. By the end of this article, you will be able to create stunning reports with Rdprint Delphi Xe2 that will impress your clients and users.
How to Install and Use Rdprint Delphi Xe2
Downloading and Installing Rdprint Delphi Xe2
The first step to use Rdprint Delphi Xe2 is to download and install it on your computer. You can download the trial version of Rdprint Delphi Xe2 from [this link](^1^). The trial version is fully functional and compatible with all versions of Delphi from 7 to 11 Alexandria.
To install Rdprint Delphi Xe2 on your computer, follow these steps:
Extract the zip file that you downloaded.
Open the folder that corresponds to your version of Delphi.
Run the setup.exe file as administrator.
Follow the instructions on the screen.
Restart your computer if prompted.
After installing Rdprint Delphi Xe2 on your computer, you can start using it in your Delphi projects.
Creating and Configuring a Report with Rdprint Delphi Xe2
To create a report with Rdprint Delphi Xe2, you need to add the TRdprint component to your form. You can find the TRdprint component in the Rdprint tab of the component palette. You can also add the TRdpreview component, which allows you to preview the report before printing it.
To configure the report, you need to set some properties of the TRdprint component, such as:
Title: The title of the report, which will appear in the header.
Subtitle: The subtitle of the report, which will appear below the title.
Footer: The footer of the report, which will appear at the bottom of each page.
PrinterName: The name of the printer that will be used to print the report.
PrinterType: The type of the printer that will be used to print the report. You can choose from Matrix, Inkjet, or Laser.
PageWidth: The width of the page in characters.
PageHeight: The height of the page in lines.
MarginLeft: The left margin of the page in characters.
MarginRight: The right margin of the page in characters.
MarginTop: The top margin of the page in lines.
MarginBottom: The bottom margin of the page in lines.
You can also set some events of the TRdprint component, such as:
OnBeginDoc: This event is triggered when the report starts printing. You can use it to initialize some variables or perform some calculations.
OnEndDoc: This event is triggered when the report finishes printing. You can use it to finalize some variables or perform some actions.
OnNewPage: This event is triggered when a new page is created. You can use it to print some information on each page, such as page numbers or dates.
Printing and Previewing a Report with Rdprint Delphi Xe2
To print a report with Rdprint Delphi Xe2, you need to use the Print method of the TRdprint component. You can pass some parameters to this method, such as:
Copies: The number of copies that will be printed.
Collate: A boolean value that indicates whether the copies will be collated or not.
FromPage: The first page that will be printed.
ToPage: The last page that will be printed.
For example, to print two copies of the report from page 1 to page 10, you can use this code:
Rdprint1.Print(2, True, 1, 10);
To preview a report with Rdprint Delphi Xe2, you need to use the Preview method of the TRdpreview component. You can pass a parameter to this method, which is a reference to the TRdprint component that contains the report. For example, to preview the report, you can use this code:
Rdpreview1.Preview(Rdprint1);
The preview window will show you how the report will look like when printed. You can zoom in and out, navigate through pages, and export the report to PDF or HTML formats.
Features and Benefits of Rdprint Delphi Xe2
Compatibility with All Types of Printers
One of the main features and benefits of Rdprint Delphi Xe2 is that it is compatible with all types of printers, especially needle matrix printers. You can print your reports in any environment, even in DOS environment, with any printer that supports text mode. You don't have to worry about font size limitations, resolution issues, accent problems, or speed issues. Rdprint Delphi Xe2 will handle everything for you and print your reports exactly as you designed them.
Customization of Fonts, Styles, and Layouts
Another feature and benefit of Rdprint Delphi Xe2 is that it allows you to customize your fonts, styles, and layouts for your reports. You can choose from different fonts in 10, 12, 15, 17, and 20 cpp (characters per inch), and apply bold, italic, underline, or expanded styles to them. You can also adjust your margins, page size, orientation, and alignment for your reports. You can create complex layouts with tables, columns, rows, cells, borders, and colors. You can also insert images and barcodes into your reports. You have full control over how your reports look like and how they fit your needs.
Exporting to PDF and HTML
A third feature and benefit of Rdprint Delphi Xe2 is that it allows you to export your reports to PDF and HTML formats. You can use the TRdpreview component to preview your reports and then export them to PDF or HTML files. You can also use the ExportToPDF or ExportToHTML methods of the TRdprint component to export your reports directly from your code. You can specify the file name, the page range, and the quality of the export. This feature is useful if you want to share your reports with others, or if you want to publish them on the web.
Printing Images and Barcodes
A fourth feature and benefit of Rdprint Delphi Xe2 is that it allows you to print images and barcodes in your reports. You can use the PrintImage method of the TRdprint component to print an image from a file, a stream, or a bitmap. You can specify the position, the size, and the alignment of the image. You can also use the PrintBarcode method of the TRdprint component to print a barcode from a string. You can specify the position, the size, the alignment, and the type of the barcode. You can choose from different types of barcodes, such as Code 39, Code 128, EAN 13, EAN 8, UPC A, UPC E, Interleaved 2 of 5, Codabar, and QR Code. This feature is useful if you want to print logos, photos, signatures, or product codes in your reports.
Speed and Performance
A fifth feature and benefit of Rdprint Delphi Xe2 is that it offers high speed and performance for printing your reports. Rdprint Delphi Xe2 uses a fast algorithm to generate the report pages in memory and then send them to the printer. It also uses a smart buffering system to optimize the use of memory and resources. Rdprint Delphi Xe2 can print thousands of pages in minutes without slowing down your application or consuming too much memory. It also supports multithreading, which means you can print multiple reports simultaneously without blocking your main thread.
Tips and Tricks for Using Rdprint Delphi Xe2
How to Optimize the Use of Images in Header and Footer
If you want to print images in the header or footer of your report, you may encounter some problems such as image distortion, low quality, or slow printing. To avoid these problems, you should follow these tips:
Use images with low resolution and small size. The ideal resolution for printing images is 72 dpi (dots per inch), and the ideal size is less than 100 KB.
Use images with simple colors and shapes. Avoid images with gradients, shadows, or transparency.
Use images with BMP or JPG format. Avoid images with PNG or GIF format.
Use the PrintImage method with the Stretch parameter set to True. This will stretch the image to fit the available space in the header or footer.
How to Use Variables and Expressions in Reports
If you want to use variables and expressions in your reports, you can use the AddVariable method of the TRdprint component. This method allows you to add a variable with a name and a value to your report. You can then use this variable in your report by enclosing its name in brackets. For example, if you add a variable named Total with a value of 1000, you can use it in your report like this:
Rdprint1.AddVariable('Total', 1000);
Rdprint1.PrintLn('The total amount is [Total]');
You can also use expressions in your report by enclosing them in brackets. You can use arithmetic operators (+, -, *, /), comparison operators (=, , , =), logical operators (and, or, not), parentheses (( )), and functions (such as IntToStr, FormatFloat, UpperCase) in your expressions. For example, if you want to print the average amount per item in your report, you can use this expression:
Rdprint1.PrintLn('The average amount per item is [FormatFloat('0.00', Total / Items)]');
How to Add Charts and Graphs to Reports
If you want to add charts and graphs to your reports, you can use the PrintChart method of the TRdprint component. This method allows you to print a chart from a TChart component that you have added to your form. You can specify the position, the size, and the alignment of the chart. You can also specify whether you want to print the chart legend or not.
To add a chart to your report, you need to follow these steps:
Add a TChart component to your form. You can find the TChart component in the Additional tab of the component palette.
Configure the TChart component according to your needs. You can choose the type of chart (such as bar, line, pie, etc.), the title, the legend, the axes, the series, the data, and the colors.
Use the PrintChart method of the TRdprint component to print the chart in your report. For example, to print a chart with a width of 40 characters and a height of 20 lines, aligned to the center, with a legend, you can use this code:
Rdprint1.PrintChart(Chart1, 40, 20, taCenter, True);
You can also use the PrintChart method with the Stretch parameter set to True. This will stretch the chart to fit the available space in the report.
How to Print Multiple Copies and Collate Them
If you want to print multiple copies of your report and collate them, you can use the Copies and Collate parameters of the Print method of the TRdprint component. The Copies parameter specifies how many copies of the report will be printed. The Collate parameter specifies whether the copies will be collated or not. For example, to print three copies of the report and collate them, you can use this code:
Rdprint1.Print(3, True);
If you set the Collate parameter to False, the copies will not be collated. This means that each page of the report will be printed three times before printing the next page.
How to Troubleshoot Common Problems with Rdprint Delphi Xe2
If you encounter some problems with Rdprint Delphi Xe2, such as errors, exceptions, or unexpected results, you can try these tips to troubleshoot them:
Check if you have installed Rdprint Delphi Xe2 correctly and if you have restarted your computer after installation.
Check if you have set the correct properties and events for the TRdprint component and if you have used the correct methods and parameters for printing.
Check if you have added the Rdprint unit to your uses clause and if you have declared and initialized all the variables and expressions that you use in your report.
Check if you have used compatible formats and sizes for your images and barcodes and if you have used the Stretch parameter correctly.
Check if you have chosen a suitable printer type and printer name for your report and if your printer is connected and working properly.
Check if you have enough memory and resources available for printing your report and if you have closed any unnecessary applications or processes.
Conclusion and FAQs
In conclusion, Rdprint Delphi Xe2 is a powerful tool for printing reports in Delphi that offers you features such as compatibility with all types of printers, customization of fonts, styles, and layouts, exporting to PDF and HTML, printing images and barcodes, and speed and performance. You can easily install and use Rdprint Delphi Xe2 in your Delphi projects and create stunning reports that will impress your clients and users. You can also use some tips and tricks for using Rdprint Delphi Xe2 effectively and troubleshoot some common problems with it.
If you want to learn more about Rdprint Delphi Xe2 or download the trial version, you can visit [this link]. If you want to buy Rdprint Delphi Xe2 or contact the support team, you can visit [this link].
Here are some FAQs that may help you with Rdprint Delphi Xe2:
Q: How much does Rdprint Delphi Xe2 cost?
A: Rdprint Delphi Xe2 costs $99 for a single developer license. You can also buy a site license for $299 or an enterprise license for $499. You can pay by credit card or PayPal.
Q: What are the system requirements for Rdprint Delphi Xe2?
A: Rdprint Delphi Xe2 requires Windows XP or higher, Delphi 7 or higher (including 11 Alexandria), and any printer that supports text mode.
Q: How can I get support for Rdprint Delphi Xe2?
A: You can get support for Rdprint Delphi Xe2 by sending an email to support@rdprint.com or by filling out [this form]. You can also check the online documentation and the FAQ section on [this link].
Q: How can I update Rdprint Delphi Xe2 to the latest version?
A: You can update Rdprint Delphi Xe2 to the latest version by downloading and installing the update file from [this link]. You will need to enter your license key to activate the update. You can also check for updates automatically by using the CheckForUpdates method of the TRdprint component.
Q: How can I print a report in landscape mode with Rdprint Delphi Xe2?
A: You can print a report in landscape mode with Rdprint Delphi Xe2 by setting the Orientation property of the TRdprint component to poLandscape. You can also use the SetOrientation method of the TRdprint component to change the orientation dynamically in your code.
Q: How can I print a report with multiple pages per sheet with Rdprint Delphi Xe2?
A: You can print a report with multiple pages per sheet with Rdprint Delphi Xe2 by using the PrintPagesPerSheet method of the TRdprint component. You can specify how many pages you want to print per sheet (from 1 to 16) and how you want to arrange them (horizontally or vertically). For example, to print four pages per sheet horizontally, you can use this code:
Rdprint1.PrintPagesPerSheet(4, True); dcd2dc6462