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I'm using Visual Studio just to create GUIs for a project. There is no code, only the designs.

I need to convert these forms into images that I can paste into the report.

Is there a simple way to do this?


Edit: the only solution I have so far is to edit the project so that each window I want to export is the start up form, but I am going to have over 40 forms, so this will get tedious after awhile.

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Odd requirement. Why not just press the Print Screen key when you have the form opened in the designer? –  Hans Passant Nov 4 '11 at 12:44
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3 Answers

up vote 0 down vote accepted

Create a new Class in your Projects, lets say Startup.vb, which looks something like this:

Friend Class Startup

    <STAThread()> _
    Public Shared Sub Main()
        Application.Run(New Form1)
        Application.Run(New Form2)
        Application.Run(New Form3)
    End Sub

End Class

In the Project Properties the general Tab, untick Enable application framework and choose Startup as new start-object.

Obviously you'd need to adjust your startup class to open all forms you wish to open. When running the application just press Alt+PrintScr to copy an image of just the selected Window/Form to the clipboard. Paste that back into the paint application of your choice. Microsoft Paint will do.

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This will do the trick. Thanks! –  user1029167 Nov 5 '11 at 6:45
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Using a screen capture program might be your best choice. Personally I recommend TechSmith SnagIt application. You can capture any selected region in the screen using this application.

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Well, the problem is I need it to be exact, and also when in the design view, the handles for resizing the form overlap the form's edges. –  user1029167 Nov 4 '11 at 6:39
@user1029167 you can just click on a control on the form to remove the form resize handles (these will move the resize handles to the control you clicked however) –  Matt Wilko Nov 4 '11 at 15:53
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If you right click on the form a select Lock Controls this will remove the resize handles you can then press PrtScn to take a copy.

Note: After applying Lock Controls it does still have a focus rectangle and lock symbol but these are outside the co-ordinates of the form so they could be cropped in MS Paint or similar?

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