The Print function sends the current view to a printer, allowing you to create hardcopy output of your 3D or 2D visualizations. Printing in Volvicon is accessed through the Save Screenshot dialog by selecting Print as the output destination.
How It Works
Printing captures the selected view at its current on-screen resolution and sends it to your system printer through a print preview dialog.
Print Process
- The selected view is captured as an image
- A print preview dialog opens with the captured content
- The image is centered on the page with headers
- You confirm print settings and send to the printer
Print Preview Features
The print preview dialog includes:
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Page Preview | Visual preview of how the content will appear on paper |
| Zoom Controls | Zoom in/out on the preview |
| Page Navigation | Navigate between pages (if applicable) |
| Printer Selection | Choose the target printer |
| Page Setup | Configure page size, orientation, and margins |
Page Layout
The printed output includes:
| Element | Description |
|---|---|
| Header (Top) | Application name |
| Document Name | Project name and view name |
| Timestamp | Current date and time |
| Image | The captured view, centered on the page |
Default Settings
| Setting | Default Value |
|---|---|
| Paper Size | A4 |
| Orientation | Portrait |
| Page Mode | Full Page |
| Resolution | High Resolution |
| Image Position | Centered, aspect ratio preserved |
Workflow: Printing a View
- Set up the view with the desired content (camera angle, visibility, window/level)
- Open File → Print (or use Save Screenshot → Print)
- Select the capture target:
- Application - Entire application window
- Scene Layout - Current layout panel
- 3D View - 3D render view only
- Sagittal/Right - Sagittal slice view
- Coronal/Front - Coronal slice view
- Axial/Top - Axial slice view
- Select Print as the output destination
- Click the action button to open the print preview
- In the print preview dialog:
- Review the page layout
- Adjust zoom to inspect details
- Change printer if needed
- Modify page settings if required
- Click Print to send to the printer
Print Quality Considerations
For Best Results
- Maximize view size: Larger on-screen views produce higher quality prints
- Adjust contrast: Optimize window/level for print (may differ from screen)
- Use high-resolution displays: Higher screen resolution = higher print resolution
- Choose appropriate paper: Use quality paper for presentation materials
Resolution
The print resolution depends on:
- On-screen view dimensions (pixels)
- Printer resolution (DPI)
- Page size selection
tip
For publication-quality hardcopy, consider exporting to a high-resolution image file first, then printing from dedicated image software with full color management.
Color Accuracy
warning
Printed colors may differ from on-screen appearance due to color space differences between monitors and printers.
Factors Affecting Color
| Factor | Impact |
|---|---|
| Monitor Calibration | Affects how you perceive on-screen colors |
| Printer Calibration | Affects how colors are reproduced |
| Paper Type | Glossy vs. matte affects color appearance |
| Ink/Toner | Different printers produce different color gamuts |
| Color Profile | ICC profiles affect color translation |
For Color-Critical Work
- Use a calibrated monitor and printer
- Export to image file with embedded color profile
- Use professional print workflow with color management
- Test print on target paper before final output
Common Use Cases
| Use Case | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Quick reference during meetings | Print Layout view |
| Clinical case discussion | Print 3D view or relevant slice |
| Documentation for records | Print with timestamp header |
| Presentation handouts | Use high-quality paper, check colors |
| Patient communication | Print 3D visualization with annotations |
Troubleshooting
Print Preview Doesn't Open
- Verify a printer driver is installed
- Check printer connectivity
- Try selecting a different printer (e.g., "Microsoft Print to PDF")
Image Is Too Small on Paper
- Maximize the view before printing
- Use a larger display or higher resolution
- The image is scaled to fit while maintaining aspect ratio
Print Quality Is Poor
- Increase on-screen view size before capture
- Check printer quality settings (draft vs. high quality)
- Verify sufficient ink/toner levels
- Try printing on higher quality paper
Colors Are Wrong
- Monitor and printer may have different color profiles
- Try adjusting window/level for print output
- Consider using a managed print workflow
No Printer Available
- Install printer drivers
- Verify network printer connectivity
- Use "Microsoft Print to PDF" to create a PDF instead
Alternative Options
If direct printing doesn't meet your needs:
| Alternative | When to Use |
|---|---|
| Save Screenshot → File | Save to image, then print from image viewer with more control |
| Export | Export slices as image sequences |
| Record Video | Capture animation instead of static image |
| Print to PDF | Use PDF printer for digital distribution |
Related Topics
- Save Screenshot - Capture views to file or clipboard
- Export - Export data in various formats
- Record Video - Capture animated recordings