Graphics

Graphics can be used in MPC on the calendars.  If you wish to include graphics on the calendars you have several options:

The first option is to import graphics into MPC.  Graphics imported can be in "Paint" format such as MacPaint documents, "PICT" graphics (that can be created by many programs), TIFF graphics and "EPSF" graphics that are also created by many different programs.  In the case of "EPSF" graphics, only the encapsulated "PICT" portion is read, so some special postscript formatting may be lost.  MPC offers more graphic importing options than most other more expensive programs.

With it's power to read these graphics we have added the ability to save the imported graphics in PICT format.  This allows you to read graphics such as EPSF and TIFF and then export them in a PICT format that is more usable by most graphic programs.

Scaling or Trimming

Imported graphics can be either trimmed (only the portion that will fit will be shown) or scaled (the entire graphic will be scaled to fit in the space available).  When you import a graphic, the Graphic Window will be created show you the graphic.  If you have chosen to trim the graphic, a dashed selection rectangle will be created to allow you to select the portion of the graphic that will be viewed.  Click the mouse and hold it down to move the selection rectangle to the desired location.  When the calendar is created only that portion will be viewed.

Dragging the graphic

You can also relocate the graphic in another manner.  While viewing the monthly calendar, hold down the "Shift" key and click on the graphic area of the calendar.  You can drag the graphic to the position you desire.  When you release the mouse, the calendar will be redrawn with the graphic at the new location.   You can also return to the Graphic Window to reselect the portion of the graphic you want to use.  If the graphic is smaller that the available space, it will be centered in the available area.  You can still drag a small graphic to any location in the available space by holding down the "Shift" key and dragging the mouse.  After dragging the selection rectangle on the Graphic Window to the desired location you must click on the Create Calendar button to update the calendar.

Saving Calendars

Note:  When saving the calendars in "PICT" format, the entire imported graphic is saved with the calendar.  If viewed in another program, the large graphic will overlay the calendar.  If you intend to save your calendars in "PICT" format it is best to use graphics that will fit in the space provided.

A terrific feature about MPC is its ability to use pre-selected graphics when creating or print calendars.  If you have selected this option, you must create "PICT" type files that will be placed in the same folder as MPC.  The graphics must be named "January", "February" etc.  When you have selected this option, the graphics will be automatically loaded and positioned for viewing or printing.  In using this option the graphics may only be centered in the space available.  Graphics that are larger than the available space will be clipped and centered.

Future versions of MPC will allow more import formats and more  placement options.