Managing Process Picture Dimensions and Custom Popup Windows in SIMATIC PCS 7 OS

In SIMATIC PCS 7 OS, process pictures assigned to Plant Hierarchy folders are automatically resized to match the working area dimensions defined in the OS Project Editor (e.g., 1920x847 pixels for a 1920x1080 display). To prevent custom pop-up pictures (such as 500x500 windows) from expanding to full screen during OS compilation, do not create them inside the Plant Hierarchy folder tree. Instead, create custom pop-up PDLs directly in WinCC Graphics Designer and display them inside an embedded Picture Window control with fixed dimensions, or configure the Picture Window property 'Adapt Size' to match the child picture geometry.

OS Project Editor Display Geometry and Screen Partitioning

When configuring an Operator Station (OS) in SIMATIC PCS 7, the OS Project Editor generates standard runtime screen frameworks based on the selected display resolution (such as SIMATIC Standard 1920*1080 or 1280*1024).

In a standard 1920x1080 single-screen layout, the vertical pixel budget (1080 px) is divided into three fixed functional zones:

Overview Area (@Overview1.pdl): Height ~145 pixels. Displays the alarm banner, PCS 7 logo, plant area buttons, system time, and operator logon status.
Working Area (@AreaPage Container): Width 1920 pixels, Height ~847 pixels. Hosts the active process graphics, technological block icons, and equipment vessels.
Button Bar Area (@Buttons11.pdl / @Buttons12.pdl): Height ~88 pixels. Houses system operation keys, group alarm acknowledgment, and screen navigation arrows.

Why Plant Hierarchy Pictures Are Forced to Standard Resolution

When an engineer creates a picture within a Plant Hierarchy folder in SIMATIC Manager (e.g. Unit1 > Picture), the system classifies that graphic as a primary process picture. During OS Compilation and Picture Tree generation:

The Picture Tree Manager binds the graphic to the main @AreaPage picture window.
To prevent visual distortion or unsightly gray margins, the OS compilation engine automatically resets the picture's width and height properties to fill the exact dimensions of the working area container (1920x847).
Any manual dimension settings entered in Graphics Designer (e.g. 1000x500) are overwritten during compilation.

Designing Custom-Sized Pop-up Windows with Picture Windows

To deploy custom pop-up windows (e.g., detail dialogs, calibration popups, or sub-equipment views) that retain specific dimensions:

Create Independent PDL: Open WinCC Graphics Designer directly from WinCC Explorer. Select File > New and save the picture (e.g., DetailPopup_500x500.pdl) in the GraCS directory. Do not link it to the Plant Hierarchy.
Define Dimensions: Click the picture canvas, open Object Properties (Geometry), and assign Picture Width = 500 and Picture Height = 500.
Embed in Parent Process Screen:
- In the main process screen (e.g. ReactorArea.pdl), insert a Picture Window object (Standard > Windows Objects > Picture Window).
- Assign Picture Name = DetailPopup_500x500.pdl.
- Set Adapt Size = Yes (or assign Width = 500, Height = 500).
- Set initial Visible = No.

Configuring Picture Window Properties: Adapt Size vs Geometry

Two critical properties govern Picture Window behavior in WinCC:

Adapt Picture (Adapt Picture): If set to Yes, the child picture scales or shrinks to match the dimensions of the Picture Window container, which can cause font distortion.
Adapt Size (Adapt Size): If set to Yes, the Picture Window container automatically resizes its outer frame to match the exact native width and height of the referenced child picture. This guarantees crisp, undistorted rendering.

Comparison of Picture Types and Sizing Behavior in PCS 7

The table below contrasts picture classifications in SIMATIC PCS 7:

Picture ClassificationCreation LocationManaged by Picture TreeAutomatic ResizingOperational RoleMain Process PicturePlant Hierarchy FolderYes (Tree managed)Forced to 1920x847 (Full working area)Primary operational graphicsCustom Pop-up WindowWinCC GraCS (Standalone)No (Script controlled)Retains defined dimensions (e.g. 500x500)Equipment detail & tuning popupsAPL Faceplate WindowWinCC Template GraCSNo (Dynamic call)Dynamic sizing per faceplate viewStandard technological interactionOverview Screen (@Overview1)OS Project EditorYes (System template)Fixed to monitor width (1920x145)Plant navigation & alarm bannerButton Bar (@Buttons11)OS Project EditorYes (System template)Fixed to monitor width (1920x88)Global navigation & acknowledge

Verification

Verify custom window sizing in runtime:

Open the main process screen in WinCC OS Runtime.
Trigger the button or action configured to open the pop-up picture window.
Verify that the window appears at the designated coordinate with exact dimensions (500x500) without filling the screen.
Execute an OS Compilation from SIMATIC Manager.
Reopen the pop-up in runtime; verify that its dimensions remain intact and were not altered by the compilation.

Limitations and Operational Precautions

Review the following technical precautions regarding picture dimensions:

Multi-Monitor Layouts: When engineering multi-monitor clients (2 to 4 screens), ensure the OS Project Editor layout (e.g. 2x1 or 2x2) matches the physical monitor count to avoid miscalculated working area widths.
Picture Caching: Changing picture dimensions requires clearing cached graphics; close Graphics Designer before testing.
Title Bar Offsets: When configuring fixed pop-up containers with title bars, add approximately 25 pixels to the container height to accommodate the Windows header bar.

Engineer FAQ

Why does OS compile change my 1000x500 picture to 1920x890?

Because the picture was created inside a Plant Hierarchy folder. The OS compiler assigns hierarchy pictures to the main working area container and automatically resizes them to match the OS Project Editor working area resolution.

How can I open a custom-sized popup when clicking a button?

Place a Picture Window on the main screen, assign its PictureName to your standalone PDL, set Adapt Size = Yes, and use a button script to set PictureWindow.Visible = True.

Can I change the working area resolution in OS Project Editor?

Yes, in WinCC Explorer open OS Project Editor, navigate to the Layout tab, and select from available screen resolution profiles (e.g. 1920x1080, 1680x1050, 1280x1024) or multi-monitor configurations.