>>What is out there before GDI/GDI+ ?
Gdiplus.dll can be freely downloaded to use with any windows environment.
VFP9 brings us a wrapper class _gdiplus.vcx
But if you are using an older version, you can try a modified version of GPIMAGE form Alexander Golovlev, that has some of the features of the _gdiplus.vcx. Works under VFP7. Probably also under VFP6, but not tested.
http://cchalom.sites.uol.com.br/GPIMAGE/index.htmDownload the file and have a look at some files in examples folder
Regards
Cesar