PamaglaweUser and project guide
Objects · Structure

Show and hide objects with a collapsible area

A collapsible area groups objects beneath a clickable header. Assigned contents are hidden when collapsed and shown again when expanded. This example includes a button.

Help ID OBJ-COLLAPSIBLE7 original screenshots

1. Insert a collapsible area

  1. Open the desired page in design mode.
  2. Choose Structure → Collapsible area (Klappbereich) and place the object.
  3. Double-click to open its properties.
Select Structure → Collapsible area (Klappbereich).
The new area is expanded and shows Erweiterter Bereich.

2. Configure the properties

The example uses X 20, Y 130, width 320 and height 170 pixels. Height refers to the expanded area. Keep rotation 0, opacity 100 and font size 16.

Name identifies the area in the assignment dialog. Choose a unique name, here Klappbereich_Hauptseite. The properties screenshot still shows the initial name Klappbereich. Text / initial value supplies the visible header, Erweiterter Bereich. Label / Visible controls an additional caption.

Click Apply. Expanding and collapsing requires no PLC process variable. The original screenshots remain in German.

Position 20/130, size 320 × 170 pixels and font size 16.

3. Insert a button

Choose Basic objects → Button and place it in the content area below the header. Its example caption is EIN / AUS. See the button guide for general configuration.

These images demonstrate the button as contained content. They do not demonstrate PLC switching; that would require its own appropriate process assignment.

A button is placed inside the expanded area. Its assignment is checked next.

4. Assign the button to the area

  1. Open the button’s properties.
  2. Click Assign area (Bereich zuordnen).
  3. Select Klappbereich_Hauptseite · Klappbereich instead of No assignment (Keine Zuordnung).
  4. Apply both the assignment dialog and the object properties.
  5. Save the project with Ctrl+S.
In Assign area, choose Klappbereich_Hauptseite · Klappbereich.

5. Test collapse and expand

  1. Start test mode with F5.
  2. Click the Erweiterter Bereich header.
  3. When collapsed, the arrow points right. The button and content area disappear while the header remains clickable.
  4. Click the header again. The arrow points down and the button becomes visible again.

Collapsing hides the content. It does not delete the button or send a shutdown command to connected equipment.

Collapsed: the dark header remains visible; the assigned button is hidden.
Expanded: the turquoise header, content area and button are visible.

Common questions

Why does an object remain visible when collapsed?

Check its properties → Assign area. Visual placement inside the frame does not replace the correct assignment.

Why is my area missing from the list?

Check that the collapsible area exists on the same page and verify its name. The list shows its internal name and object type.

How do I detach an object?

Open Assign area on the contained object, select No assignment, apply both dialogs and save.

Do I need a simulator?

No simulator is needed for expanding and collapsing. Process objects inside may need their own data sources for their respective functions.

Keyboard shortcuts

Use the general object keyboard shortcuts for selection and editing.

Image viewer
Expanded: the turquoise header, content area and button are visible.