I am writing an application where I want to save the contents of a PictureBox as a graphic file. I would like to do this in 8bit GIF format, but the program always seems to want to save in 24bit BMP format. How do I make the application save the picture as a GIF file?
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Saving PictureBox Contents As A GIF File
- Thread starter Denk
- Start date
I may be a little out-of-date here but I think the GIF format is a proprietary file format (owned by CompuServe, unless I'm mistaken). Some image editors have stopped supporting the format (including recent versions of Paint Shop Pro).<br>
Again, my information may be dated, but my understanding is that if you want to distribute an app that writes GIF files, you have to buy a license from the owner of the format.<br>
<p> <br><a href=mailto: > </a><br><a href= Vorpalcom home page</a><br>Send me suggestions or comments on my current software project.
Again, my information may be dated, but my understanding is that if you want to distribute an app that writes GIF files, you have to buy a license from the owner of the format.<br>
<p> <br><a href=mailto: > </a><br><a href= Vorpalcom home page</a><br>Send me suggestions or comments on my current software project.
Alt255 -<br>
<br>
You are correct -- the GIF format is owned by Compuserve and they want anyone writing a graphics utility that writes GIF files to pay them a royalty. Partly because GIF uses the LZW compression algorithm, and Unisys owns a patent on it (so Compuserve has to kick part of your fee back to them).<br>
<br>
Everyone seems to be using JPEG despite it being a lossy format, and I see a few people starting to use the PNG format (which was designed to be royalty-free after the GIF issues hit the fan).<br>
<br>
Denk -- I would look into getting a graphics library that will save your file as you want, and making sure that they have paid Compuserve on your behalf.<br>
<br>
Chip H.<br>
<br>
<br>
You are correct -- the GIF format is owned by Compuserve and they want anyone writing a graphics utility that writes GIF files to pay them a royalty. Partly because GIF uses the LZW compression algorithm, and Unisys owns a patent on it (so Compuserve has to kick part of your fee back to them).<br>
<br>
Everyone seems to be using JPEG despite it being a lossy format, and I see a few people starting to use the PNG format (which was designed to be royalty-free after the GIF issues hit the fan).<br>
<br>
Denk -- I would look into getting a graphics library that will save your file as you want, and making sure that they have paid Compuserve on your behalf.<br>
<br>
Chip H.<br>
<br>
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