Vector images from proc template

[stygian]

So I have tried a number of ways to get a vector image from some gtl code using ODS statements.  It runs fine and creates a chart in any file format I tell it to.  The problem is the (very unhelpful) image dump into a vector file.  Emf, pdf, sasemf, wmf all render the same way: my chart as a raster image embedded in the otherwise empty vector file! :smileyangry:

So how do I get SAS9.2 to output a vector file and not a vector file with a raster image embedded in it?

System specs:

Windows 7 64-bit (fully patched).

SAS 9.2 TS Level 2M0

W32_VSPro

Thanks,

Adrian.

[ballardw]

Might help to show how you generated your files.

[Jay54 · Accepted solution]

All SAS 9.2 ODS Graphics creates raster output.  It is exactly as you say, an image file embedded in a PDF or EMF file.  True scaled vector output is not supported at SAS 9.2.  This was addressed with SAS 9.3, where PDF, PS and EMF graphs now contain true vector graphics with following exception.

When the graph contains gradient colors or 3D plots they still contain an image.  EMF does not support transparencies.  So, for EMF, we fall back to image output if the graph contains transparent plots.   Some of these issues will be addressed in the next release.

[stygian]

Crap.  I was afraid of that.  My work place isn't rolling out 9.3 until summer.

Nothing to do but wait.  Thanks Sanjay.

[DDX]

Just to clarify, there is no way to get a EMF image with transparencies in SAS 9.3?

[DanH_sas]

For SAS 9.3, no. That is because the standard EMF format does not support alpha channels. However, in SAS 9.4, we will be using the EMF Plus format, which does support alpha channels.

[DDX]

Thanks Dan! I really appreciate it.