Displays List (Reference) provides a centralized interface for managing all displays in the solution, with DataGrid and CardView options for creating, organizing, and accessing display configurations.
Display List provides:
- Centralized display management
- Multiple view modes (Grid/Card)
- Display creation wizard
- Quick access to editor
- Build status monitoring
- Security configuration
Access via Displays → List for complete display inventory and management.
On this page:
Creating Displays
From Display List
- Navigate to Displays → List
- Click Add New button
- Configure in dialog:
- Name - Display identifier
- Description - Purpose documentation
- Rendering Engine - Target platform
- Template - Starting layout
- Click OK
From Draw Editor
- Navigate to Displays → Draw
- Click New Document button
- Follow same configuration
- Opens directly in editor
Rendering Engines
| Engine | Target | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Portable | WPF & HTML5 | Auto-conversion, cross-platform |
| WPF Only | Windows clients | Full .NET capabilities |
| HTML5 Only | Web browsers | Web-specific features |
Portable Benefits
- Single design for all platforms
- Automatic technology conversion
- Consistent user experience
- Reduced development time
Display Modes
| Mode | Behavior | Use Case |
|---|---|---|
| Page | Replaces current display | Main screens |
| Popup | Non-modal overlay | Information panels |
| Dialog | Modal overlay | User prompts |
| PopupWindow | Independent window (WPF) | Secondary monitors |
Configure in Draw → Display Settings
Display Templates
Canvas
- Manual element positioning
- Pixel-perfect layouts
- Fixed coordinates
- Full control
Dashboard
- Auto-positioning elements
- Responsive regions
- Adaptive sizing
- Grid-based layout
Resize Options
| Option | Behavior | Aspect Ratio |
|---|---|---|
| StretchFill | Fill entire area | May distort |
| StretchUniform | Fit within area | Maintained |
| Responsive | Adapt to screen | Dynamic |
| NoAction | Original size | Fixed |
Set in Display Settings → OnResize
Display Properties
Core Properties
| Property | Description | Editable |
|---|---|---|
| Name | Display identifier | Yes |
| Engine | Rendering platform | Yes |
| PanelType | Canvas or Dashboard | Yes |
| Mode | Page/Popup/Dialog | Via Draw |
| Size | Display dimensions | Via Draw |
| OnResize | Resize behavior | Via Draw |
Security Settings
| Property | Controls | Default |
|---|---|---|
| EditSecurity | Design access | Engineering |
| RunSecurity | Runtime access | All Users |
Build Information
| Property | Shows | Updated |
|---|---|---|
| BuildStatus | Compilation state | On save |
| BuildErrors | Error count | On build |
| BuildMessage | Compiler output | On build |
Organization
Categories
Group displays logically:
- Process Areas
- Equipment Types
- User Roles
- Functional Groups
Levels
Hierarchy indication:
- Top Level - Main screens
- Mid Level - Area displays
- Detail Level - Equipment views
View Modes
Grid View
- Tabular display list
- Sortable columns
- Quick filtering
- Bulk operations
Card View
- Visual preview
- Thumbnail display
- Quick navigation
- Grouped layout
Best Practices
- Use Consistent Naming - Include area/function
- Choose Right Engine - Match deployment needs
- Select Appropriate Mode - Page vs Popup vs Dialog
- Configure Security - Control access properly
- Document Purpose - Clear descriptions
- Organize Categories - Logical grouping
- Test All Platforms - Verify rendering
Performance Tips
Engine Selection
- Use Portable for most displays
- WPF Only for complex graphics
- HTML5 Only for web features
Template Choice
- Canvas for fixed layouts
- Dashboard for adaptive UI
- Consider screen variations
Troubleshooting
Build Errors:
- Check BuildMessage column
- Review code behind
- Verify references
- Test in Draw editor
Display Not Opening:
- Check RunSecurity settings
- Verify build status
- Review error logs
- Test permissions
Resize Issues:
- Review OnResize setting
- Test different modes
- Check element anchoring
- Verify responsive settings
Wrong Platform:
- Confirm Engine setting
- Check client type
- Review portable limitations
- Test on target platform
Lock Management
Lock States
- Unlocked - Available for edit
- Locked - Being edited
- LockOwner - Current editor
Managing Locks
csharp
// Check lock status
bool isLocked = Display.IsLocked;
string owner = Display.LockOwner;
// Force unlock (admin)
Display.ForceUnlock();Metadata Tracking
| Field | Purpose | Auto-Updated |
|---|---|---|
| DateCreated | Creation audit | Yes |
| DateModified | Change tracking | Yes |
| VersionID | Version control | Yes |
| ID | Unique identifier | Yes |