Road Map to QuickTime 4
Graphics exporter components provide a standard interface for exporting graphics to image files in a variety of formats. QuickTime selects a graphic exporter component based on the desired output format, such as GIF or PNG. Different image formats support a wide range of configurable features, such as depth, resolution and compression quality.
QuickTime 4 supports the following export image formats:
Third-party developers may also write their own graphics exporters for other image file formats.
A graphic image can be exported to a handle, a file, or a data reference.
Applications make direct calls to graphic exprter components, so this chapter will be of interest to most QuickTime developers who work with still images or the web. Much of the conceptual information found in "Graphics Importer Components" also applies to exporters. You should be familiar with the chapter on importers before reading this chapter.
Applications programmers should also be familiar with the Component Manager, prior to working with graphics exporter components (see Component Manager).
If you would like to create a new graphics exporter component, refer to this chapter to implement a component that supports the required interface functions.
Introduction to Graphics Exporter ComponentsQuickTime 4 Reference describes the general features of graphics exporter components.
Using Graphics Exporter ComponentsQuickTime 4 Reference shows how to use graphics exporter components. Code samples are included.
QuickTime 4 Reference describes how graphics export components work and briefly discusses how to write a component.
ConstantsQuickTime 4 Reference defines the constants used to specify graphics exporter characteristics.
Data TypesQuickTime 4 Reference defines the graphics exporter component type and subtype.
FunctionsQuickTime 4 Reference defines the graphics exporter component functions.