Printing an image in C++ using the “graphics.h” library allows you to create a graphical window and display an image on it. While “graphics.h” is considered outdated for modern C++ programming, it is still a relevant option for simple graphics operations, especially for educational purposes. In this article, we’ll explore how to print an image using “graphics.h” in C++.
Prerequisites
Before you get started, ensure that you have a development environment set up with a compatible “graphics.h” library. For example, you can use Dev C++ for this purpose. To learn how to setup dev C++ for graphics.h follow this Article: Setup Dev C++ for graphics
Step 1: Initialize the Graphics Mode
To begin, you need to initialize the graphics mode. This sets up a graphical window where you can display the image.
#include <graphics.h>
int main() {
initwindow(800, 600); // Specify window dimensions
// Rest of your code
}
In this example, initwindow
initializes a window with dimensions of 800 pixels in width and 600 pixels in height. Adjust the dimensions to suit your image size.
Step 2: Load and Display the Image
After initializing the graphics window, you can load and display the image using the readimagefile
function. Replace "image.jpg"
with the path to your image file.
readimagefile("image.jpg", 0, 0, 800, 600);
This line reads and displays the image in the window, ensuring it fits within the specified dimensions.
Step 3: Wait for User Interaction
To keep the graphics window open until the user interacts with it, use a loop that waits for a key press or mouse click. In this example, the program waits for a key press using kbhit()
. You can adjust the delay period as needed.
while (!kbhit()) {
delay(100); // Adjust the delay duration
}
Step 4: Close the Graphics Window
Once the user interacts with the window, the program can be terminated. Use the closegraph
function to close the graphics window.
closegraph();
Output: Printing Image in C++

Conclusion
Using the “graphics.h” library for printing an image in C++ is a straightforward process, suitable for educational purposes or simple graphics tasks. In summary, this article has walked you through the basic steps to print an image using the “graphics.h” library in C++. Remember to adapt the code to your specific image and window size requirements, and ensure you have the appropriate development environment set up for this type of graphics programming.