Pages

Inputs

What are Inputs?

Inputs allow users to interactively send values into the system — for example to a connected PLC, runtime environment, or cloud system. They are the core of user interaction in your visualization: without Inputs, everything is just passive display.

Inputs are used to:

  • Adjust process values (e.g. speed, temperature, pressure)
  • Set configuration parameters
  • Enter operator comments or commands
  • Select modes or functions from a list

Each Input is bound to a variable via a Connection String. This means that whatever the user enters or selects is transmitted directly to the connected logic in real time or upon submission.

Overview of Input Types

Input Type Description Example Use Case
Input Basic Single-line numeric/text field with connection Set a target value (e.g. 85 °C)
Input Plus/Minus Increment/decrement buttons for fine-tuning values Adjust flow rate or light dimming
Input Textarea Multiline text input for custom messages, comments, or complex commands Enter batch ID, maintenance note
Input Select 2 Dropdown selector populated via JSON file or runtime Choose product type, operator role

Input Basic

A simple text or number input field, usually with a unit and connection string.

  • Use case: Entering exact values like "120", "37.5", "On"
  • Typical targets: Temperature setpoints, machine speed, threshold values

Requires connection to a numeric or string variable.

Input Plus/Minus

Provides increment and decrement buttons to let users adjust a value in predefined steps.

  • You define:

    • min and max values
    • step size
    • unit (e.g. °C, %, mm/s)

  • Use case: Adjusting fan speed in 0.5 steps, or volume in steps of 1

Recommended where fine-grained control is needed and typing is inconvenient.

Input Textarea

A multiline text field for submitting longer or structured messages.

  • Bound via Connection String

  • Can send values to:

    • PLCs
    • Databases
    • HTTP APIs

  • Use case:

    • Operator logs: “Changed filter at 13:21”
    • Custom input for batch processes: “Batch #A245”
    • Commands: “RESET_ALL”

Especially useful when the system expects free-form or descriptive text.

Input Select 2

A dropdown input for selecting values from a list — ideal when the user must choose one option from multiple predefined values.

Data sources

Options are defined via a JSON file, like so:

json
[
{"id": 1, "text": "{{My option 1}}"},
{"id": 2, "text": "{{My option 2}}"},
{"id": 3, "text": "{{My option 3}}"}
]

Summary

Inputs are the gateway for human interaction with your automation system. Whether you're typing, selecting, or clicking — all inputs connect to your backend logic via Connection Strings.

Type Best For Notes
Basic Direct value entry (text or number) Fast & flexible
Plus/Minus Simple increment/decrement changes Step size control
Textarea Longer inputs, comments, commands Supports multi-line
Select 2 Option selection from predefined list Based on external JSON file
Connection String