How to Display Multiple PDL Pictures at Once in PCS 7 Runtime
Yes. In PCS 7 V9.0 SP3, multiple project pictures can be shown simultaneously by placing multiple WinCC Picture Window objects in a composed screen and assigning each window a project PDL. For a standard PCS 7 APG four-quadrant layout, Siemens documents a Quad Screen function that displays up to four process pictures. Picture Windows offer a flexible layout; APG Quad Screen requires a compatible APG installation and project configuration.
Table of Contents
- Method 1: Compose a screen with Picture Windows
- Method 2: Use PCS 7 APG Quad Screen
- Choose based on the layout
- Verification
- Limitations and Operational Precautions
- Engineer FAQ
- Technical References
- Related Articles
- Related Tags
Method 1: Compose a screen with Picture Windows
In Graphics Designer, create or open the PDL that will act as the composite screen and place a Picture Window for each display area. Set each window's Picture Name attribute to the PDL to show, then size and position the windows. WinCC documentation states that Picture Name selects a PDL in the current project; if no picture is assigned, the window is not displayed in Runtime.
Method 2: Use PCS 7 APG Quad Screen
PCS 7 Advanced Process Graphics V9.0 SP2 documents Quad Screen for up to four process pictures in four equal screen quadrants. It identifies @Quadranten.PDL as the four-frame picture and QuadrantenAnwahl.fct as the picture-management script. The APG Integration guide describes inserting a 4Quad Button from @Template_APG.pdl into desired process pictures and selecting a quadrant at Runtime to transfer a picture there.
Choose based on the layout
Use Picture Windows when the screen needs a custom number, size, or arrangement of embedded pictures. Use APG Quad Screen for the documented four-quadrant arrangement when the installed APG release is compatible with the project's PCS 7/APL versions. The ticket does not say whether APG is installed.
Verification
Open the composite PDL in Runtime and confirm that each assigned picture exists, renders in the intended window, and behaves correctly at the target resolution. Test picture navigation and operator interaction in each embedded picture.
Limitations and Operational Precautions
Confirm version applicability and operational impact before changes to a running control system. Use approved backup, testing, change-control and rollback procedures.
Engineer FAQ
How are PCS 7 OS areas created? PCS 7 derives OS areas from the configured picture hierarchy; the PCS 7 V9.0 manual maps the second Picture Tree Manager level to OS areas for user rights.
Can a client create its own unrelated area hierarchy? The OS client editor configures visible areas and rights from the OS picture structure; it does not replace the engineering hierarchy as the source.
What does an empty CSV export prove? Only that the generated file has headings but no rows; it does not reveal whether the cause is filtering, project data, or an export defect.
Can an installer compatibility bypass establish support? No. A successful setup launch does not prove that a software and operating-system pairing is tested or supported.
Does PCS 7 V8 license entitlement automatically cover V9? The applicable license and upgrade entitlement must be checked for the exact product and contract; do not infer it from version numbering.
Does local mode bypass all motor stops? No. Mode selection and interlocks or stop inputs are separate logic conditions; inspect the exact block version and signal states.
How does PCS 7 treat cyclic interrupt process images? A process image partition assigned to a cyclic interrupt OB is updated when that OB runs; without such assignment, the regular OB1 update may leave cyclic logic using older values.
Can several PDL pictures appear in one WinCC screen? Yes. WinCC picture-window objects can display project PDL files; PCS 7 APG V9.0 SP2 also documents a four-quadrant display.
Should APG Quad Screen be assumed present in every project? No. Confirm the installed APG release and compatibility with the project's PCS 7 and APL versions.
When should an issue be escalated? Provide exact product versions, project context, reproducible steps, and relevant logs or configuration evidence with private details removed.