WinDXF

                       A Windows 3.0 DXF Viewer

                          November 25, 1990

                    Copyright (c) 1990, Greg Leman
                      4600 University Drive #212
                           Durham, NC 27707


This program allows you to import AutoCAD DXF files into Windows 3.0
programs.  It reads DXF files and exports them to either Windows
Metafile format (.wmf) or to the Clipboard.  Likewise, you can view
the contents of a DXF file or a Windows Metafile in a window.

This program and the accompanying source code are available for your
use and enjoyment.  The author makes no warranties whatsoever.  Use
and abuse this program.  If you find the program to be useful, a
$5.00 contribution to the author is greatly appreciated.  In return,
the author will be more likely to release future programs via the
shareware method.  Using the program without making a contribution
will only serve to hinder the shareware process which you are
abusing.

You may use the source code or any derivative in your own products as
long as you keep my copyright intact and clearly legible.  If you're
making money off of my code, then the $5.00 contribution is heavily
suggested.

To use the program, start it up and click on the "File" menu.  A
pop-up menu with the following options will appear:

  Read DXF...       - a dialog box allows you to search for a file
                      ending in the .DXF suffix.  Click on a file and
                      the file is drawn in the window.

  Read Metafile...  - a dialog box allows you to search for a file
                      ending in the .WMF suffix.  Click on a file and
                      the file is drawn in the window.

  Exit              - Choose this option to exit windxf.    

  About             - The classic about box, with another plea for
                      you to make a contribution to the author.

After a picture is visible, you may also select from the draw menu. 
This menu has the following options:

  Redraw            - Redraws the current drawing in "fast" mode. 
                      Useful for when you've changed the size of the
                      window.  
 
  Draw to Metafile  - A Dialog box prompts you for the name of a
                      metafile.  The current drawing is then dumped
                      to that metafile.

  Draw to Clipboard - The current drawing is "played" to the
                      clipboard.  Keep in mind that the program on
                      the receiving end must be able to interpret
                      METAPICTs from the clipboard.
        
    
Obvious uses for this program include grabbing a DXF drawing and
creating a metafile for use within your Windows programs.  Many
Windows drawing programs also recognize the .wmf extension.

Two DXF files that I grabbed from bbs's are included: 50STATES.DXF
and TANKER.DXF.  There weren't any credits included with the .zip
files, so I hope I'm not hurting anyone's feelings by distributing
them.  The file TANKER.WMF is included as an example of what a
translated metafile looks like.

My purpose in creating this program was to learn about the DXF
format and programming Windows.  Therefore, there are many features
which were left out and I invite people to enhance it to their
heart's content.  Likewise, the DXF translator is isolated from
the rest of the program and is fairly portable.  Replacing the
Windows graphics calls for other platforms should be quite easy.
I've had it running under Zortech, Dr Halo, and Sunview.

Limitations:

        - The DXF translator only recognizes linework.  Only
          lines and polylines are recognized.  However, it is
          very easy to append more operations to the translator
          and more will be included in future releases.
           
        - The DXF translator doesn't recognize layers, which
          limits everything to Black and white.  Another future
          enhancement.

        - The i/o routines aren't buffered, which makes translating
          a DXF file excruciatingly slow.  

        - The make file WINDXF assumes my directory setup.  Simply
          change the search paths for the libraries and you'll be
          okay.  

Comments? Suggestions?  I can be reached at M„C's Place BBS
919-891-1111 (a PCBOARD).  Give Mac a call!!