Different platforms approach the HMI image library in distinct ways. Here's how some of the industry leaders handle it.
A pump icon that changes from gray (stopped) to green (running) to blinking red (faulted).
"No news is good news." The screen remains muted and boring until an anomaly occurs. Bright colors (like red or yellow) are strictly reserved for active alarms.
HMI Image Library is a collection of pre-made graphics and icons used to build Human-Machine Interfaces (HMIs) for industrial automation. These libraries help engineers create professional, intuitive screens for monitoring and controlling machinery. Core Components of an HMI Image Library Static Elements
To get the most out of an HMI image library, follow these best practices:
| Solution | Format support | Metadata | Versioning | HMI plugin | |----------|---------------|----------|------------|------------| | | Any but chaotic | None | No | No | | Adobe Stock / Noun Project | PNG/SVG | Basic | No | No | | CODESYS Symbol Library | Proprietary | Limited | Partial | Partial | | Proposed HMI Image Library | SVG + raster + proprietary | Rich + extensible | Full (Git LFS) | Yes (Ignition, WinCC, etc.) |
To maximize the value of your HMI image library, adhere to these UI deployment rules:
An HMI image library is a curated collection of graphical assets, icons, symbols, and bitmaps used to build industrial control screens. These graphics visually represent physical components on a factory floor or process plant. Common elements found in an HMI library include:
When selecting images for a library, the file format matters significantly.
The HMI image library is evolving rapidly. The future focuses on .
Many automation professionals use third-party libraries that adhere to ISA-101 standards.
Poor: pump1_final_v3.png Good: MTR_CENTRIFUGAL_50HP_HORIZONTAL.svg
Most top-tier automation suites come with integrated libraries:
Include comprehensive, industry-standard symbol factories built into the development environment. Third-Party Commercial Libraries
You would not ask a plant manager to read a novel written in 50 different fonts and inconsistent grammar. Yet, that is exactly what engineers force operators to do when they use a mismatched, poorly built .