Creating a Direct Referencing Symbol

The following example describes the creation of a simple symbol. Whilst this is a specific example, the same principle will be used when creating any symbol. The symbol is to use direct referencing to server variables, that is, when it is re-used, it will not use a branch.

The symbol will use the Register Display animation to display three registers representing the time in hours, minutes and seconds. ClosedShow picture

How to create a Direct Referencing symbol

  1. Create a new window to use as a work area in which to create the symbol. The window may be deleted when you have finished.
  2. In Design mode, use the drawing elements Text and Rectangle to draw the required shape. Draw the three Text elements that will be used to display the dynamic information.
  3. Apply the three animations. When referencing the variables ensure the full name is used preceded by the @ character.
  4. Select all the drawing elements and use the Group command to create a drawing group. The drawing elements will be surrounded by 8 large black squares when they have been grouped.
  5. Select the Edit.Create Symbol command. A dialog will be displayed prompting for the symbol name. If you have multiple Libraries then a list of the available Libraries is also displayed.
  6. Choose the library, enter the symbol name and select OK. You have now created a symbol.

The symbol will appear in the chosen library from where it may be pasted into any window.