How can I get screen resolution information using WinAPI in C or C ?

Determining Screen Resolution in WinAPI

In computer graphics applications, detecting the current screen resolution is crucial for optimal display operations. In WinAPI (for C or C ), there are several mechanisms to retrieve this information.

Horizontal and Vertical Screen Size

To determine the horizontal and vertical pixel dimensions of the primary monitor, two methods are commonly employed:

• GetSystemMetrics(SM_CXSCREEN/SM_CYSCREEN): These methods fetch the width and height of the monitor.
• GetDeviceCaps: An alternative approach that retrieves the same information.

Combined Size of All Monitors

If your application requires the combined size of all monitors, use the following method:

• GetSystemMetrics(SM_CXVIRTUALSCREEN/SM_CYVIRTUALSCREEN): These methods return the pixel dimensions encompassing all connected monitors.

Work Area Size

To determine the usable screen area excluding taskbars and docked elements:

• SystemParametersInfo(SPI_GETWORKAREA): This method returns a RECT structure specifying the work area size.

Specific Monitor Size and Position

To retrieve the size and position of a specific monitor, use:

• GetMonitorInfo: This method requires a monitor handle obtained from MonitorFromWindow and provides detailed information about the monitor, including pixel dimensions and display offset.

Low-Level Screen Control

For tasks involving resolution modification or retrieving advanced display information (like refresh rate), the following methods are employed:

• EnumDisplayDevices: Enumerates connected display devices.
• EnumDisplaySettings: Retrieves the current and available display settings for specified devices.
• ChangeDisplaySettings: Allows for changing screen resolution and other display parameters.

By utilizing these WinAPI methods, developers can effectively detect and manipulate the current screen resolution for various graphics applications.

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