IncGUI_BitPic - library for MetaTrader 5

The IncGUI_BitPic.mqh include file with the CBitPic graphical control class for pixel drawing (Fig. 1).

Fig. 1. Sample drawing using the CBitPic class.

One can draw points of different sizes - DrawDot(), lines on coordinates - DrawLine(), lines by the angle - DrawLineByAngle(), arrows - DrawArrow(), various shapes: rectangles - DrawRectangle(), triangles - DrawTriangle(), circles, ellipses, rings, sectors - DrawCircle(). An ellipse can be rotated by a given angle (as well as the ellipse ring and sector). The shapes can be filled or outlined only. One can type text - TypeText() (several font and size options). An image created can be saved to a bmp file - SavePicture(), and loaded from a bmp file - LoadPicture() (the file should not be compressed, 24 or 32 bits).

Before you start using the control, include the IncGUI_BitPic.mqh file:

#include <IncGUI_BitPic.mqh>

Then declare a class, for example 'p':

CBitPic p;

The class is created using the principles set out in the articles:

• Custom Graphical Controls. Part 1. Creating a simple control
• Custom Graphical Controls. Part 2. Control Library
• Custom Graphical Controls. Part 3. Forms

It is therefore used similarly to the controls described in the above articles: first, the Init() initialization method is called; the Show() method is used to enable visibility; the Hide() method is used to hide and remove upon completion of work, etc. 

In contrast to the cIntBMP class, the drawing is performed in a somewhat different way. In cIntBMP, the drawing color was specified in the functions for drawing shapes. Here, it goes as follows: the background color is specified - SetBGColor(), followed by clearing - Clear(). Before drawing, the width of drawing - SetDrawWidth(), the color of drawing - SetDrawColor(), and the fill color - SetFillColor() are set, and it is necessary to specify whether the shape will be filled - SetFilled() or outlined only. This is followed by calling the drawing functions. The drawing color, fill color, etc. can certainly be changed, if necessary. Once the drawing is completed, the Redraw() method should be called. 

The table below features all class methods:

The eBitPicTest.mq5 file features an example of using of the CBitPic class. The Expert Advisor draws the image on the chart as in Fig. 1 and saves it to the CBitPic.bmp file (it should appear in the MQL5/Files terminal data folder). If you click on the image, the point coordinates and its color will be displayed in the chart comment and the "snowflake" will appear at the clicked point (as in the top right corner in Fig.1).