Printing as Offscreen Bitmap (OSBM) - MapInfo_Pro - 2023

MapInfo Pro Help

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2023
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MapInfo Pro
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MapInfo Pro Help
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1985
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2023-09-12
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2023-09-12T16:39:16.995000

You can send your MapInfo Pro image to the printer as an Offscreen Bitmap (OSBM). You would do this depending upon the type of translucent content in the map and enhanced rendering state of the window.

When Print using Offscreen Bitmap (OSBM) is turned on, MapInfo Pro renders the map or layout "behind the scenes" to an offscreen bitmap prior to sending it to your printer or plotter. If saving to a PDF file, MapInfo Pro generates a layered PDF. Images print as OSBM regardless of the translucency and anti-alias settings. When Print using Offscreen Bitmap (OSBM) is turned off, MapInfo Pro prints offscreen bitmaps only for the translucency and anti-alias conditions listed below.

  • Invoked when your map or layout contains translucent vectors (e.g., map layers, themes, or labels) and enhanced rendering has been enabled.
  • Invoked if your map contains images with either High Quality or Low Quality smoothing enabled.
  • Invoked for translucent raster and grid images provided enhanced rendering is enabled.

The enhanced rendering setting is described under Enabling Enhanced Rendering in the MapInfo Pro: Managing the Look of Your Map Guide.

The enhanced rendering setting is described under Enabling Enhanced Rendering.

For translucent raster and grid images, you can also print using EMF when enhanced rendering is not enabled. For details, see Printing as Enhanced Metafile (EMF).

Note: Direct printing to a printer or plotter does not support translucency. If PrintOSBM is on, then MapInfo Pro saves flat PDF files that are not layered.

To print an Offscreen Bitmap (OSBM):

  1. From the HOME tab, in the Output group, click Print.
  2. In the Print dialog box, click Advanced.
  3. In the Advanced dialog box, select Print using Offscreen Bitmap (OSBM) and then click OK.
  4. Clear the Print to File check box, so that it is not selected.
  5. Click OK.

    If the Print to File dialog box displays, then you have chosen a printer that is a file writer, such as the Microsoft XPS Document Writer or the MapInfo PDF Printer. Type the name of the file you want to create in the field provided and click OK.