Open PDF – Choose a file during runtime

1. PDF or Open PDF – which should I use?

PDF: “Open this specific document.” The project designer assigns a file, such as the machine's maintenance instructions or a telephone list. The operator clicks Open to view that document directly.

Open PDF: “Let me choose a document.” The operator clicks Browse and selects an older batch report, a service report or another manual from an accessible folder.

Both objects can display the same types of PDF files. The difference is who selects the file and when: the designer during configuration or the operator during runtime.

Both open the same PDF viewer. After opening a configured PDF, an operator can also choose a file freely through Open another PDF if their role permits it. The difference is the initial action: display the assigned file immediately or open the file dialog immediately. A configured PDF object alone does not restrict file selection.

This does not change the configured file assignment. Opening the PDF object again displays its assigned document. See the complete PDF guide.

2. Configure the file selector

1. Insert Documents → Open PDF.
2. Open its properties. Name identifies the object; Text / Initial value sets its visible title, such as “Choose an archived PDF”.
3. Set position and size. The example uses X = 20, Y = 130 and 320 × 96 pixels.
4. Set the optional label and area assignment, confirm with Apply and save the project.

There is no “Select PDF document” button here because no fixed file is configured. No PLC address is required. A caption such as “Choose an archived PDF” labels the object only; it does not restrict the file dialog to an archive folder.

3. Select a PDF as an operator

1. In play mode, sign in with a permitted account if required.
2. Click Browse on the object.
3. Navigate to the desired folder, select a .pdf file and click Open. Cancel exits selection without opening a new document.
4. The file appears directly in PamaGlawe's internal PDF viewer.

The example selects “PR-20260823-090112-683.pdf” from a report folder. This is an existing report; the selector does not generate one.

PamaGlawe persistently remembers the last folder used. If it is unavailable, the project's Dokumente subfolder is used as a starting point where possible. You can navigate to other accessible folders.

4. Read, navigate and print

The filename becomes the window title. Back / Next change pages, − / + change zoom and Fit width adjusts the display. Use the scrollbars to read further parts of the page.

Print opens the print dialog when permitted. Open another PDF starts a new file selection. Close returns to the process page. See the PDF guide for all viewer buttons.

5. What happens to the selected file?

The file is read from its selected location. Free file selection does not automatically copy it into the project or assign it permanently to the object. The next click on Browse lets you select a file again.

To distribute maintenance instructions or a telephone list with the project and open it directly every time, use the PDF object with its configured project copy. Freely selected files must be accessible on the operator's computer.

6. Permissions and common questions

Browse is unavailable

With user management configured, the signed-in role needs Lokale PDF-Dateien auswählen (Select local PDF files). This also enables “Open another PDF”. The editor is used for configuration only.

Reading works but printing is unavailable

Free file selection and printing use separate permissions. Printing additionally uses Prozessprotokolle als PDF öffnen (Open process reports as PDF); the object's print allowance must also be available.

Only the maintenance instructions should be accessible

Use a configured PDF object and do not grant free local file selection. The file selector is not limited to the project folder or to reports.

The file cannot be opened

Check that it still exists, is accessible on the computer and is a readable PDF. Read the PDF error message.

See Roles and permissions for setup and editing. Both PDF objects display documents without editing their content.

7. Administrator access, replacement and risks

An administrator can also view another PDF during runtime. Use Open another PDF in the viewer. Access depends on Select local PDF files (“Lokale PDF-Dateien auswählen”), not merely the role name “Administrator”. This selection changes the open viewer; it leaves the PDF object's assigned file unchanged.

To permanently replace an assigned document:

1. Close the viewer and select ← Edit to enter the editor. This requires Use editor (“Editor verwenden”).
2. Open the configured PDF object's properties and use Select PDF document.
3. Select the replacement, check its visible title and confirm with Apply.
4. Save the project using Save projects (“Projekte speichern”). Restart play mode and verify the configured document with the intended operator role.

The Open PDF object has no fixed file assignment to replace. It always opens file selection. Selecting a file in the viewer therefore does not permanently replace a project document.

Points to watch

• Wrong or outdated instructions: A freely selected file may belong to another machine or be an older revision. Before carrying out work, check the applicable machine, document version and approval status. The configured title alone does not establish that the PDF content is current and appropriate.
• File selection extends beyond the project: With the relevant permission, users can browse other folders accessible through the file dialog and open PDFs. Grant it only to roles that need it. Users intended to view only the assigned instructions should not receive free file selection, including “Open another PDF” in the shared viewer.
• Confidential content and printouts: Accessible PDFs may contain internal information. Assign file access and the separate print permission appropriately. Printed copies may become outdated after a document change.
• Distinguish the project copy from the original: The configured PDF object uses a copy in the project's Dokumente folder. Changing the source does not update that copy automatically. Save after replacement and check the file actually opened.
• Editing exits play mode: Switching to the editor stops virtual PLC objects and resets their outputs; runtime displays and timers for trends, display updates, PID and virtual PLC execution are stopped or switched. Coordinate document replacement with plant operation. Entering the editor is not confirmation that a connected machine has shut down safely.

After replacement, check the title, content and permissions, and ensure the intended document is displayed at the operator station.