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.
On this page:
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...