Reuse graphical symbols in displays.
Reference → Modules → Displays → UI → Client Settings | Draw | Images | Layouts | List | Localization | Symbols | Themes | Units Conversion
Displays Symbols (Reference) are vector-based graphical elements representing engineering components with dynamic properties that reflect real-time system states through data point mappings.
Display Symbols provide:
- Vector-based scalable graphics
- Dynamic property binding
- Reusable symbol libraries
- Real-time state visualization
- Theme-aware coloring
- Nested symbol support
Symbols serve as visual representations of devices, processes, and functions, dynamically updating based on connected data points.
Symbols Libraries And Collections
Collections comprise graphical elements for software interfaces. The Local Symbols Library allows symbol creation and management. The Symbol Factory Library offers a range of symbols for use. HMI Collections provide symbols for Human-Machine Interfaces, and HPG Collections deliver graphics for advanced visualizations. These resources support interface development with dynamic, data-responsive features.
The Symbols Library is composed of nearly 2000 Symbols organized in the following collections.
Local Solution
User-defined and default symbols specific to the solution:
- Custom dynamic properties
- Tag mappings
- Solution-wide updates
- Reusable components
HMI Collection
Industrial interface elements organized by equipment type:
- Categories: Blowers, Conveyors, Pumps, Valves
- Subcategories: Specific equipment variants
- States: Multiple visual states per symbol
- Controls: Interactive elements
HPG Collection
High Performance Graphics per ISA 101 standard:
- Optimized for operator effectiveness
- Minimal cognitive load
- Clear state indication
- Consistent visual hierarchy
For more information on High-Performance HMI Graphics, see High Performance HMI
Symbol Management
Access Points
- Displays → Symbols - Create, edit, manage library
- Displays → Draw - Insert symbols into displays
- Symbol Library Panel - Browse and select
Creating Symbols
- Navigate to Displays → Symbols
- Click New Symbol
- Design using drawing tools
- Add dynamic properties
- Save to library
Symbol Properties
| Property | Description | Type |
|---|---|---|
| ID | Unique identifier | Auto |
| Name | Symbol name | String |
| Preview | Visual representation | Image |
| Version | Release number | Integer |
| Size | Dimensions (width x height) | Point |
| HasDynamics | Contains dynamic elements | Boolean |
| Category | Organization group | String |
| EditSecurity | Edit permissions | Security |
| LockState | Edit lock status | Boolean |
| Description | Purpose and usage | String |
Dynamic Properties
Binding Data
Map symbol properties to tags:
xml
<Symbol Name="Motor">
<Fill>{Tag.Motor1.Running ? "StateGreen" : "StateRed"}</Fill>
<Rotation>{Tag.Motor1.Speed / 100 * 360}</Rotation>
<Visibility>{Tag.Motor1.Visible}</Visibility>
</Symbol>Common Dynamics
- Color Change - State indication
- Rotation - Speed/position
- Visibility - Show/hide
- Size - Scaling
- Position - Movement
- Text - Value display
Using Symbols
Inserting into Displays
- Open display in Draw mode
- Select symbol from library
- Drag to display canvas
- Configure properties
- Map to data points
Symbol Instances
Each instance maintains:
- Independent property values
- Tag mappings
- Runtime state
- Event handlers
Symbol Organization
Categories Structure
HMI Collection
→ Process Equipment
? Pumps
? Valves
? Motors
→ Instrumentation
? Gauges
? Indicators
→ Containers
? Tanks
? Vessels
Naming Conventions
- Prefix: Category (MOT_, VLV_, PMP_)
- Base: Equipment type
- Suffix: Variant (_H, _V, _01)
Symbol Editor Features
Drawing Tools
- Vector shapes
- Path editing
- Gradient fills
- Theme colors
- Layer management
Dynamic Elements
- Expression editor
- Property binding
- Animation preview
- State simulation
Performance Optimization
Symbol Complexity
- Limit nested groups
- Optimize path points
- Reduce gradients
- Cache static elements
Dynamic Updates
- Minimize binding expressions
- Use efficient triggers
- Batch property changes
- Implement update throttling
Import/Export
Export Options
- To Library - Share across solutions
- As Image - PNG, SVG formats
- To File - Symbol package
Import Sources
- Symbol packages
- SVG files
- Legacy symbols
- Third-party libraries
Best Practices
- Use Vector Graphics - Ensure scalability
- Apply Theme Colors - Support light/dark modes
- Minimize Complexity - Optimize performance
- Create Variants - Different detail levels
- Document Symbols - Clear descriptions
- Test Dynamics - Verify all states
- Organize Libraries - Logical categories
Troubleshooting
Symbol not updating:
- Check tag connections
- Verify expression syntax
- Review binding mode
- Test in runtime
Performance issues:
- Reduce symbol complexity
- Optimize expressions
- Check update frequency
- Review nested symbols
Display problems:
- Verify theme colors
- Check scaling settings
- Review layer order
- Test different resolutions
Advanced Features
Nested Symbols
xml
<Symbol Name="PumpStation">
<Symbol Name="Pump1" X="0" Y="0"/>
<Symbol Name="Pump2" X="100" Y="0"/>
<Symbol Name="ControlPanel" X="50" Y="100"/>
</Symbol>Custom Properties
csharp
// Add custom property to symbol
Symbol.AddProperty("AlarmState", typeof(int));
Symbol.AddProperty("MaintenanceHours", typeof(double));In this section...