Hi,

I am curious as to what resolution everyone writes apps to. Since the end user may be using 800 x 600 or 1024 x 768 or something else, what does everyone do? Do you write to the 800 x 600 and everything will be smaller as the resaolution changes or do you write to the resolution your computer is at and use scroll bars? What do you do?

TIA,

Marty

Marty,

Most times, it is based on our customers workstation display ability or requirements. But generally, since the newer versions of OI require 2000/XP to run, most decent workstations will run at least 1024x768. We will design at that level, and allow the windows to resize "nicely" if they want to maximum their windows using a higher resolution.

ftomeo@srpcs.com SRP Computer Solutions, Inc.

Another interesting question would be…

What about DPI setting changes? You know, the "display properties", "settings" tab?

How do your forms react to that setting being changed?

It appears that some of the controls automatically resize, like the combobox and edittable. Other controls do not resize to fit the new DPI settings.

So I would guess that within the create event a developer should check the DPI settings and resize the other controls accordingly. Using utility's "textrect" and getsystemmetrics, I guess, would give information reguarding this.

Has anyone considered this?

Marty,

To add to my colleague’s comments, it also depends on whether you are developing applications for a specific client or for a vertical market. In the former case, the decision is usually more straightforward. Either because you have input on the requirements or they already have equipment in place that you have to conform to.

Vertical market applications often have to cater to the "lowest common denominator". As Frank pointed out, any system running Win2000 or WinXP is likely (but not guaranteed) to be running 1024x768.

Regardless, even if you have a lot of resolution to play with, be careful not to take advantage of it and make a form that is too busy.

dbakke@srpcs.com

SRP Computer Solutions, Inc.

I develop on 1280x1024, but all screens are designed for 800x600.

Whilst it is true that an ever increasing number of users have at 1024x768, users with laptops, old screens, or poor eyesight have to be catered for.

I find it best to design a screen that resizes well above 800x600, but still looks half decent at the smaller resolution.

It is not easy, especially with screens that have not got logically resizable controls.

Its worth looking at the 'Microsoft Windows User Experience' book, subtitled, 'Official Guidelines for User Interface Developers and Designers'.

ISBN 0-7356-0566-1

This has many tips and suggestions.

COlin

Develop in 1440X900 (and 2 monitors when I am in the office) .. but develop for 800x600 as a standard.

There are still alot of boxes out there that simply don't handle greater resolution very well.

Resizing is a real problem and we try to set all forms so they can't resize or be MAX'd. There is a lot you can do to try to 'smartly' resize but quite often is is way more work than what you get from it ..

What the heck .. the pick people we are converting right now have been happy with 80x24

80 X 24… hahaha, oh yea. How about 132 x 24.

I will have to remember that one.

ROTFL

]]What the heck .. the pick people we are converting right now have been happy with 80x24

Hi,

Thank you all for responding. I will be designing in 1024 x 768 with an eye on 800 x 600 (and 80 x 24). There are too many possibilities for resolutions out there, but I think most end users are at 1024 x 768 or 800 x 600, so that is where I will be.

Thanks again,

Marty

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