Hi !
I am evaluating QCAD and I am impressed with the user interface.
However, it seems that every print is rendered in pixels, never vectors.
I am using an Epilog Zing Laser that has a printer management interface which can sort out vectors from scanning/rastering.
So I can engrave letters into Rowmark material and then cut it out in a second pass.
I was using the little known program Tenado CAD. This one can utilize both, vector and raster with normal printers.
Wen I print as PDF for instance all the lines can also be vectors in the PDF.
My question is now: Can QCAD do the same thing using the WIndows Printer Interface?
QCAD 3.32.4.0 (3.32.4) on Windows 11 24H2
Vector through Windows Printer Interface
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Always indicate your operating system and QCAD version.
Attach drawing files and screenshots.
Post one question per topic.
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Chipguy
- Registered Member
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- Joined: Tue Dec 23, 2025 4:40 pm
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CVH
- Premier Member
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Re: Vector through Windows Printer Interface
Hi, and welcome to the QCAD forum.
On screen it are pixels and you might see the staircase effect on not that good screens.
Anti aliasing is possible but also slower.
Exported to PDF the drawing are vectors.
We know that because we can import them as vectors.
It is also possible to zoom in rather deep in PDF format but not endless.
Then it would be weird that an export to a printer is pixel based, screen pixel based.
HP-GL is a standard that comes to my mind.
And what would be this coarse DPI?
Because mine is at least capable of 600 dots per inch or 0.0423mm large blobs
A human would not be able to see that kind of pixellation.
Regards,
CVH
On screen it are pixels and you might see the staircase effect on not that good screens.
Anti aliasing is possible but also slower.
Exported to PDF the drawing are vectors.
We know that because we can import them as vectors.
It is also possible to zoom in rather deep in PDF format but not endless.
Then it would be weird that an export to a printer is pixel based, screen pixel based.
HP-GL is a standard that comes to my mind.
And what would be this coarse DPI?
Because mine is at least capable of 600 dots per inch or 0.0423mm large blobs
A human would not be able to see that kind of pixellation.
Regards,
CVH