Configure lines, arrowheads and process-based colors
Line / Arrow draws a straight line with optional arrowheads. Choose a fixed color or change the color according to a process value. This example checks off, on and fault states.
1. Insert a line
- Open the desired process page in design mode.
- Choose Structure → Line (Linie).
- Place the object and double-click to open its properties.
2. Set position, length and angle
The example uses X 20, Y 150, length 220 pixels and angle 0°, producing a horizontal line. Length and angle control its extent and direction. Opacity remains 100.
Choose a unique name. Text / initial value remains empty; Label / Visible controls an optional caption. General font size is disabled here. A purely graphical line requires no process variable. Original screenshots remain in German.
3. Set a fixed color, thickness and arrowheads
Click Configure Line / Arrow (Linie / Pfeil einstellen). With process-based color changes disabled, the simple line color applies, here #55D6BE. Choose a color or enter its color code. Thickness accepts 1–30 pixels; this example uses 4.
Arrowheads at the start and end can be enabled independently. Initially only the end arrowhead is enabled. The preview shows the styling; set the angle in the general properties.
4. Enable process-based color changes
Enable Color change via process value (Farbumschlag über Prozesswert). Disable both arrowheads for the following tests. The fixed color becomes disabled and the state colors become editable.
| State | Comparison value | Example color |
|---|---|---|
| Off | 0 | #C7D0D6 · Light gray |
| On | 1 | #23BCA2 · Turquoise |
| Manual | 2 | #3B82F6 · Blue |
| Fault | 4 | #D9534F · Red |
| Maintenance | 8 | #F7B731 · Yellow |
Configure colors in this dialog, and the process address and comparison values in the general properties. Click Apply.
5. Add a dedicated symbol
Choose Process variable → Symbol → Edit table. Add a row or duplicate a suitable existing row and update its fields.
- PLC / device · Symbol
- Modbus_Testserver · Anlage_Linie
- Address · Type · Length
- 40016 · UINT16 · 1 register
- Simulation value
- 0
- Unit · Description
- Leave the unit empty; description Steuerwort Linie.
- Connection
- 127.0.0.1, port 502, unit ID 1; Holding Register, FC 03/06.
Validate the table. The example now has fifteen valid rows. Save and close the table editor. Read access is sufficient for displaying colors.
6. Apply the assignment
Select Anlage_Linie and check the symbol information. Click Apply at the bottom right to copy the complete assignment into the properties.
Check comparison values 0 / 1 / 2 / 4 / 8 for Off / On / Manual / Fault / Maintenance. Apply and save with Ctrl+S. Assign area can attach the line to a collapsible area, tabs or a scroll area.
7. Test three state colors
For the local test select No communication driver – simulation only. Since version 2.61.503, saved table simulation values are loaded when Play starts. No external Modbus server is needed for this workflow.
- Save simulation value 0 for Anlage_Linie and press F5: the line is light gray.
- Leave test mode, change and save the value to 1, then restart: the line is turquoise.
- Repeat with 4: the line is red.
The screenshots document these three states. Manual and maintenance are configured but not shown as runtime results here. With a communication driver enabled, the connected source supplies the value; editing a table simulation value does not write to the PLC.
Common questions
Why does the line stay turquoise?
Check that process-based color changes are enabled. Otherwise the fixed line color applies.
Why is there no arrowhead?
Both arrowheads are deliberately disabled for the color test. Enable the start or end arrowhead in the settings.
Where do I change direction?
Use Angle in the general properties. Thickness changes only the stroke width.
Why does the color not follow the test value?
Check symbol, device, address, source and comparison values. Save edited simulation values and restart Play.
Can clicking the line switch a value?
The line is a display. Use a dedicated control for operating commands.
Keyboard shortcuts
Use the general object keyboard shortcuts for selection and editing.