How to Create a Print Preview Control in Visual Basic

Last Updated: November 16, 2021

Creating a Windows Application and need to know how to create a print and print preview control? Follow these simple steps and you will easily be able to print and print preview documents in your application.

Part 1

Part 1 of 3:

The Form

1
Adjust the form to the size you require.
- It doesn't matter what size the form is, providing it can fit a large textbox and two buttons.
2
Add a RichTextBox to your form.
- You can add a RichTextBox by double-clicking or dragging it onto the form.
- Adjust the size of the RichTextBox to your requirements.
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3
Add two Buttons to your form.
- Ideally, place the two Buttons near the RichTextBox.
- Again, you can add Buttons to your form by double-clicking or dragging onto the form.
4
Name the Buttons "Print" and "Print Preview".
- You can change the text for the buttons in the properties box.
5
Add the controls: "Print Document" and "PrintPreviewDialog" to your form.
- These will not be visible on the form as they perform in the background.
6
Click on PrintPreviewDialog and change the "Document" to "PrintDocument1".
- You can change this in the properties box after clicking on PrintPreviewDialog.

Part 2

Part 2 of 3:

The Code

1
Double-click on your "Print Preview" button.
- This will bring up the page for coding.
- A Private Sub has already been created and awaiting code to tell it what to do when the Print Preview button is clicked.
- Add the following code into the Private Sub: PrintPreviewDialog1.ShowDialog()
2
Go back to the form and double-click on your "Print" button.
- You will be taken back to the page for coding.
- In the Private Sub that has been created, add the following code: PrintDocument1.Print()
3
Go back to the form and double-click on "PrintDocument1" located underneath the form.
- You will be taken back to the page for coding.
- A Private Sub will be created called "PrintDocument1_PrintPage". Place the following code into the Sub: Dim font1 As New Font("arial", 16, FontStyle.Regular) e.Graphics.DrawString(RichTextBox1.Text, font1, Brushes.Black, 100, 100)

Part 3

Part 3 of 3:

Debugging and Testing

1
Click "Start" to begin the debugging and testing process.
- If you have followed part one and two of this article you should encounter no errors.
2
Test to see if the Print Preview function works.
3
Test to see if the Print function works.
4
Clean up your code. After the debugging and testing process has completed with no critical errors, be sure to clean up your code. Make it look tidy and professional.

Community Q&A

Question

How do I verify my username and password from a database using SQL Server?

Md Mahadi Hasan

Community Answer

Open Microsoft SQL Server Management Studio. Connect to SQL Server as the 'SA' or an administrative user. Right-click on the Security folder > New > Login. Type in a login name. Check the bullet for SQL Server Authentication and type in a password. Click 'User Mapping' at the top left under 'Select a Page'. Check the database(s) to apply the user to, and type in the username for 'Default Schema'.
Question

How come when I copy this, it says that "e" is an error?

Community Answer

You have probably placed it inside another sub. You need to paste it inside the Public Class.