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Table of Contents
Adding Graphics to an Application
This page explains the basic process for adding graphics to a MIStudio application.
Overview
Graphics are the visual components used to build a MIStudio application screen. They can display information, show live values, create controls, organize a dashboard, or build an operator interface.
Examples of graphics include labels, boxes, buttons, meters, indicators, charts, and other display components.
Before Adding Graphics
Before adding graphics, open the project and application where the graphics should be placed.
If you have not created an application yet, see Creating an Application.
Basic Steps
- Open the application where the graphic should be added.
- Locate the graphics palette or graphics selection area.
- Choose the graphics group that contains the graphic you want to add.
- Select the graphic.
- Drag the graphic on the design editor.
- Move or resize the graphic as needed.
Graphics Palette
MIStudio Design Editor showing the graphics palette groups used to select graphics for an application.
MIStudio graphics are organized into groups in the graphics palette.
For example, Basic Layout contains common graphics such as basic shapes, buttons, text fields, meters, indicators, sliders, and knobs.
See Basic Layout Graphics for documentation about graphics in the Basic Layout group.
Choosing a Graphic
Choose a graphic based on what the application needs to show or do.
For example:
- Use labels or text fields to show text.
- Use boxes, circles, and shapes to organize the screen visually.
- Use meters or indicators to show changing values or status.
- Use buttons or controls when the user needs to interact with the application.
- Use charts when values need to be displayed over time or compared visually.
After Adding a Graphic
After a graphic is added, the next step is usually to edit its properties.
Properties may control the graphic's text, color, size, visibility, value behavior, or other display settings.
Some graphics can also be connected to data sources so they update automatically when values change.
Getting Started Flow
Previous: Creating an Application