The PixeLINK 4.0 API is available to you as set of functions exported by PxLApi40.dll. Assuming the environment variable ProgramFiles is set properly (most likely it will be C:\Program Files), and you installed the SDK to the default location, the files you are interested are:

Path and File Name


Header file with functions. It also includes some other header files in the same directory.


Import library for PxLAPI40.dll

Note: PxLApi40.dll is installed to the Windows system 32 directory (%windir%\system32) to ensure it will be in the path when your application launches.

During the install the environment variable PIXELINK_SDK_ROOT was created for you. It points to where your SDK was actually installed, and can be used when you configure your project's properties Once you've done this, include the header file to the appropriate place(s) in your source code,

#include <PixeLINKApi.h>

And you are ready to interact with and control your Pixelink camera. 

If you are getting the compiler error: fatal error C1083: Cannot open include file: 'PixeLINKApi.h': No such file or directory

You will want to confirm that your project's include directories have been configured properly.

Documentation for the API can be found in the API Reference. In particular, the PxLInitialize function will be needed by all applications.

Here is a quick introduction to the key Pixelink API functions

We highly recommend that you take a look at the C/C++ example code provided with the SDK. The examples provide an easy introduction to the API, demonstrating the basic principles.

If you don't feel like learning all the ins and outs of the Pixelink API, and really need to prototype something right away, you might be interested in PixeLINK+ library which provides a set of functions supporting the most common interactions with Pixelink cameras.

And, don't forget that Pixelink support is available if you have problems or get stuck.