Graphics
Icon |
Menu bar |
Keyboard shortcut |
|---|---|---|
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Insert > Print graphic |
P |
A print graphic is a graphic that is printed directly onto the front panel using a UV printing process. Any number of print files can be inserted onto one front panel.
Function properties
Parameters |
Description |
|---|---|
Graphic file |
Select the desired graphic file from the suggestion list or read it in it from your storage location. |
Export PDF |
Exports a selected graphic file as a PDF, regardless of its source format. |
Reference point |
As a reference point, you can choose between five points of the graphic’s rectangular outline. |
Rotation angle |
Rotation angle of the graphic around its reference point. |
Scaling |
Here, you can scale the graphic proportionally or in the X and Y directions. The graphic’s dimensions are displayed at the bottom of the preview. |
Cropping |
Crops the graphic by the respective specified value. The reference value for cropping is the original file size. |
Mirror |
Mirrors the graphic on the vertical axis via its reference point |
Do not produce element |
Check the box next to this option if the element is not to be machined but rather placed on the front panel for information purposes only. |
File formats
PDF, JPG, PNG, BMP, and TIFF files are supported.
PDF files with multiple pages
If a PDF file with multiple pages is read in, you will be asked which page to use. Only one page can be used per inserted print graphic.
Print graphics containing the color white
Print graphics can contain the color white. A distinction is made between transparent and white areas. In order to print white, the “Use white ink for print elements” option must be enabled in the Front panel properties. It is not necessary to create white as a special (spot) color in the graphics file.
File size
The graphic files are embedded in the saved FPD file without loss. Therefore, in order to keep the FPD file size small, we recommend using print files that are as small as possible (< 5 MB). For an optimal print image, the graphic’s resolution should be at least 300 DPI.
Printable materials
Anodized and anodized chromated aluminum from Schaeffer AG can be printed on in any available color. Printing cannot be done on customer-supplied material, powder-coated panels, or anodized panels.
Note: Especially with darker material, the color fastness may vary. Here, we recommend enabling the print option “Use white ink to underprint ink areas”.
You can find the printing options in the Front panel properties dialog (Ctrl + F) or in the element properties list, which you can show and hide, for example, using Ctrl + Shift + O.
Note: Print graphics can only be applied to the front side of the front panel.
Display of the “Print white” options in Front Panel Designer
The selected print options are factored in as best as possible in the display in Front Panel Designer. To immediately see the differences, it is recommended, for example, to toggle the printing options in the element properties list (Ctrl + Shift + O) after inserting the file.
More information