Fix PCS 7 Runtime Scrolling by Matching the OS Project Editor Layout
If a PCS 7 process picture is wider than the visible Runtime area, compare the display resolution and monitor arrangement configured for the OS with the actual Runtime display. Siemens' OS Project Editor includes a Layout configuration for screen resolution and monitor configuration; the support reply recommends choosing settings that match the target display. This can address a layout mismatch, but it will not shrink a process picture that was deliberately engineered wider than the available screen.
Table of Contents
- Why the Runtime picture scrolls
- Match the OS layout to the operator display
- Procedure
- Distinguish a display mismatch from oversized artwork
- Expected result and verification
- Version and project limits
- Verification
- Limitations and Operational Precautions
- Engineer FAQ
- Technical References
- Related Articles
- Related Tags
Why the Runtime picture scrolls
A picture can extend beyond the visible area when the OS layout and Runtime display dimensions differ, or when the picture itself is larger than the display area. The report does not include the marked-up screenshot, project resolution, picture dimensions or monitor arrangement, so the cause cannot be isolated from the source alone.
Match the OS layout to the operator display
Use the OS Project Editor's Layout tab to select the screen resolution and monitor configuration corresponding to the actual Runtime target. Siemens PCS 7 configuration references describe the Layout tab as the place for the resolution and monitor setup. The exact available layouts depend on project and release. Do not select a resolution simply because it is larger; it must match the actual display configuration and project artwork.
Procedure
- Record the target OS computer's active display resolution and number/arrangement of monitors.
- Open the OS Project Editor for the affected OS in WinCC Explorer.
- In the Layout tab, select the matching resolution and monitor configuration from the layouts available to that PCS 7 project.
- Apply the settings and close the editor.
- Start or refresh Runtime according to the procedure for the installed PCS 7 release, then inspect the process picture at its edges and check whether horizontal scrolling remains.
- If the picture still exceeds the visible area, inspect the picture's configured dimensions and the locations of its objects in Graphics Designer; adjust the artwork only through normal project change control.
Distinguish a display mismatch from oversized artwork
If the selected Runtime layout does not match the physical screen, correct the OS layout first and retest. If the OS layout matches but the same picture remains wider than the visible work area, the graphic itself may be oversized or designed for a different layout. Changing the OS Project Editor selection does not by itself resize or reflow custom process-picture objects.
Expected result and verification
With a matching OS layout and screen, the configured Runtime frame should use the intended display geometry. Open the affected picture and confirm that the full intended area is visible without horizontal scrolling, including the far-right and bottom edges. Check other representative pictures and operator controls as well; a change that fixes one screen should not obscure navigation or standard OS controls elsewhere.
Version and project limits
The source does not identify the PCS 7 version, Windows display settings, monitor count or the chosen OS layout. Siemens materials surfaced during research include different release-specific and CEMAT-specific layout examples; their example resolutions must not be generalized to this project. Use the Operator Station manual for the installed PCS 7 release and only select a layout actually available for the project.
Verification
Compare the Windows display configuration, OS Project Editor Layout selection and actual Runtime frame. Confirm that the intended process picture fits at the target station and that the configured monitor arrangement agrees with the physical monitor setup. If scrolling persists with matching display geometry, investigate the picture dimensions rather than assuming the startup panel or navigation area is the cause.
Limitations and Operational Precautions
The attached image is not available in the readable text, and the ticket does not include display resolution, PCS 7 version or confirmation that the suggested change resolved the issue. Layout changes affect the operator interface across the OS project. Review representative screens and navigation under site procedures before applying changes to an operating system.
Engineer FAQ
Where is the screen resolution selected? The support reply points to the Layout tab of the OS Project Editor in WinCC Explorer; available choices depend on the installed PCS 7/project release.
Should I select a higher resolution to remove scrolling? Select the resolution matching the actual operator display. A mismatch can create layout problems, while oversized custom artwork requires separate inspection.
Will the layout selection resize existing process pictures? The ticket and references do not establish automatic resizing of custom artwork. Verify picture bounds in the graphics editor if the picture still exceeds the Runtime area.
What if the station uses multiple monitors? Configure the monitor arrangement to match the physical display setup and verify Runtime on the intended monitors.
How can I tell whether the picture itself is too wide? If display and OS layout settings match but the picture still extends beyond the visible area, inspect its configured size and object positions.
Technical References
- Siemens, SIMATIC PCS 7 Operator Station (V9.0), Configuration Manual, §7.4 “Working with the OS Project Editor” (official manual landing page; document access was blocked during research): https://support.industry.siemens.com/cs/ww/en/view/109746516
- Siemens, SIMATIC PCS 7 SMART Getting Started – Part 1 (V8.2 with APL), §9.1 “Introduction to the OS Project Editor” (search result identifies the procedure; PDF access returned HTTP 403): https://support.industry.siemens.com/cs/attachments/109478794/ps7gs1_b_en-US.pdf