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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

HMI Collection

The HMI Collections consist of graphical elements for Human-Machine Interface systems. These collections include symbols and controls for building displays in industrial and automation control environments. They are organized into categories that match equipment and components like blowers, conveyors, and pumps. Each category breaks down into subcategories for specific equipment types, enabling detailed customization. These symbols help represent machinery states and conditions and provide an interface for controlling and monitoring industrial processes. The HMI Collections support interface development to enhance operational efficiency and safety while adapting to different industrial application requirements.

HPG Collection

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

1. Navigate to Displays → Symbols
2. Click New Symbol
3. Design using drawing tools
4. Add dynamic properties
5. Save to library

Symbol Properties

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

1. Open display in Draw mode
2. Select symbol from library
3. Drag to display canvas
4. Configure properties
5. 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...

This table can be used to check and change Symbol properties. It can also be used to export Symbols to the library, or to save them as image files.

→ See Smart Symbols for more information.

In this section: