See Also Example
Applies To
Form, frame
Description
Determines whether graphics methods Also determines whether the Windows environment creates a clipping region that excludes non-graphic controls contained by the object.
Usage
[form.][frame.|picturebox.]ClipControls
Setting
The ClipControls property settings are:
Setting Description
True (Default) Graphics methods in Paint events repaint the entire object. A clipping region is created around non-graphical controls on the form before a Paint event.
False Graphics methods in Paint events repaint only newly exposed areas. A clipping region is not created around non-graphical controls before a Paint event. Complex forms usually load and repaint faster.
Remarks
Clipping is the process of determining which parts of a form or container, such as a frame or picture box, are painted when the form is displayed. An outline of the form and controls is created in memory. The Windows environment uses this outline to paint some parts, such as the background, without affecting other parts, such as the contents of a text box. Since the clipping region is created in memory, setting this property to False can reduce the time needed to paint or repaint a form.
The clipping region includes most controls, but does not clip around the image, label, line, or shape controls.
Data Type
Integer (Boolean)
Help:
AutoRedraw Property
Circle Method
Line Method
Paint Event
Print Method
Programmer's Guide:
Chapter 15, "Creating Graphics for Applications"
The example shows how the ClipControls property affects the repainting of a form. To try this example, paste the code into the Declarations section of a form. Then press F5. Notice that the color of the entire form changes each time you resize it or cover part of it with another form or application. End the program and change ClipControls to False and then run the program again. Notice that only newly exposed parts of the form are repainted.
Sub Form_Paint ()
' Select a random color for the background.
BackColor = &HFFFFFF * Rnd
End Sub