How to Implement ClearType (Windows CE 5.0)
Microsoft® ClearType® is a software technology developed by Microsoft to improve the readability of text on existing LCDs, such as laptop screens, Pocket PC screens, and flat panel monitors. Readability on CRT screens can also be improved, although the difference is not as marked as it is with an LCD screen. With ClearType font technology, the words on your computer screen look almost as sharp and as clear as those printed on a piece of paper. For more information about ClearType technology, go to this Microsoft Web site.
This how-to topic takes you through the process of implementing ClearType for both an OS design and for an application. The sample application in this how-to topic is included in the run-time image.
Hardware and Software Assumptions
- You have set up a CEPC. For more information, see How to Set Up a CEPC.
- All fonts on the system have been tested for legibility. ClearType is intended for Truetype fonts. However, some Truetype fonts do not display well in ClearType.
To track your progress in the following table, select the check box that corresponds to each step.
| Step | Topic | |
|---|---|---|
1. Create an OS design. The following list shows the choices to make in the New Platform Wizard:
|
Creating an OS Design | |
2. Specify the configuration of your OS Design.
|
Levels of Debugging Support | |
| 3. Decide whether you want to implement ClearType throughout the OS design, or to implement it only in an application.
If you choose to implement ClearType throughout the OS design, set the registry keys as described in step 4 and proceed to building the run-time image. If you choose to implement ClearType only in an application, configure the application as described in step 5 and proceed to building the run-time image. |
Not applicable. | |
| 4. Use this step only if you want to implement ClearType throughout the OS design. This step is typically done by the OEM or the IHV.
Set the registry key that is necessary to implement ClearType system-wide. You can optionally set the registry key to adjust the gamma settings. After this step, proceed to step 6, building the run-time image. |
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| 5. use this step only if you want to implement ClearType for a specific application.
In this step, you configure a sample application that uses the APIs necessary to implement ClearType, and you adjust gamma settings that control the luminance generated on an LCD screen. When you run this application on the CEPC, all of the text displayed by this application is in ClearType. |
Configuring the ClearType Sample Application | |
6. Build the run-time image. The following list shows the choices to make:
|
Building a Run-Time Image | |
| 7. Download the run-time image. | Downloading a Run-Time Image | |
| 8. If you implemented ClearType throughout the OS design by using the registry keys, the run-time image you have downloaded to the CEPC displays all text in ClearType.
If you implemented ClearType only for the sample application, you can run the application to test it. To run the sample application on the CEPC, from the Start menu, choose Run. Type the name of the project, ClearTypeProj, and choose OK. A window will appear on the CEPC with sample text in default system font, and in ClearType font. |
Not applicable. |
See Also
How-to Topics | ClearType | Working with ClearType Fonts
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