59-Form and Plot Frame Editor PDF

Form and Plot Frame Editor
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EPLAN Training

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Generating Forms .........................................................................................5
Editing Forms................................................................................................9
2.1
Edit static components..............................................................................9
2.2
Insert placeholder texts...........................................................................13
2.3
Add special texts.....................................................................................14
Editing Forms Properties ...........................................................................15
Copying Forms............................................................................................20
Dynamically Placing Graphics...................................................................22
Checking Forms..........................................................................................27
Inserting and Editing Placeholder Texts...................................................28
Repeating Main Sub-headers on Form Pages ..........................................33
Automatically Assigning Page Information ..............................................36
10
Defining General Graphics in Forms.........................................................39
11
Defining Graphics Depending on Property Values in Forms ..................41
12
Defining Graphics Depending on Function Definitions in Forms...........44
13
Inserting Form Graphics ............................................................................47
14
Generating Plot Frames .............................................................................50
15
Editing Plot Frames ....................................................................................52

15.1
Edit static components............................................................................52
15.2
Add special texts.....................................................................................53
16
Editing Plot Frame Properties....................................................................54
17
Copying Plot Frames ..................................................................................56
18
Inserting and Editing Special Texts ..........................................................57
19
18.1
Insert project and page properties in forms and plot frames ...................57
18.2
Insert column and row texts in plot frames..............................................59
Configuring the Display of Placeholder and Special Texts.....................61

19.1
Hide placeholder texts ............................................................................61
19.2
Display properties as numbers................................................................61
19.3
Display column division...........................................................................62

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Updating the Column and Row Designations of Plot Frames.................64

20.1
Specify column and row numbering ........................................................64
20.2
Update column and row numbering ........................................................65
21
Deleting a Column and Row Numbering and Placing Them Again ........66
22
Documenting Forms and Plot Frames ......................................................68
This functionality is only available for certain module packages. Info
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Generating Forms
When generating a form, the Form properties - <Form name> dialog is opened, in
which you specify the most important properties of the new form. (This dialog can
also be called up for an opened form after the event to allow you to change the
properties at any time).
Precondition:
You have opened a project.
Utilities > Master data > Form > New
1. In the Create form dialog, select the drive and directory, in which the new
form should be saved.
2. In the File name field, enter a descriptive name for the form.
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3. From the Save as type drop-down list, select the form type (e.g. table of
contents, cable diagram, etc.) that you want to create.
4. In the Path field, select Popup menu > Go to default if you would like to
return to the standard settings for drive and directory. (The default directory is
either the EPLAN-specific default path <Drive_EPLAN>:<Program
Folder>\Forms\<Company Code> or the setting specified under Options >
Settings > User > Management > Directories.)
5. Click [Save].
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6. If necessary, in the Form properties - <Form name> dialog, select another
form type for the new form from the Form type drop-down list.
7. From the Category drop-down list, select which properties should be

displayed in the list within the category.
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8. Specify the values for the properties by either entering or overwriting an entry
or selecting a template value from a drop-down list, or jump to a special dialog
in which you can enter additional data.
9. Click [OK].
The new form is stored according to your entries. The file extension
depends on the form type selected and is displayed in the form editor.
If necessary, you can check the form during editing to quickly be made aware of and
to immediately resolve incorrect entries.
Tip:
You can use Drag & Drop to insert existing forms by pulling a marked form from
Windows Explorer into the Pages <Project name> navigator dialog of your
project.
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Editing Forms
As soon as you have opened the form you want to edit in the form editor, you can
edit its components.
2.1
Edit static components
Static components are elements that have no influence on the data generated by the
program when the schematic logic is evaluated. These are, for example, frames,
graphical elements such as rectangles, lines, embedded bitmaps, etc. These are
edited exactly like the corresponding objects on schematic pages. That is, they can
be filled, moved, or pulled to a different position and you can assign them certain
properties, such as line type, text direction, etc.
Preconditions:
You have opened the form that you would like to edit in the form editor (Utilities
> Master data > Form > Open > [Open]).

Proceed as follows:
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1. Select Insert > Graphic to add (more) graphic elements such as rectangles,
lines, and so on.
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2. Select Insert > Graphic > Text to enter text information
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3. Select Insert > Graphic > Image file to select a graphic in the Select image
file dialog and to insert it, for example, as a logo in the footer of your form.
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4. Double-click an already added element in order to open the element-specific
Properties dialog and view or change the properties.
5. Proceed in a similar manner for all static components of the form.
Tip:
You can use Drag & Drop to insert text by dragging a selected text from an Office
application into your open form.
2.2
Insert placeholder texts
Preconditions:

Insert > Placeholder text
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Placeholder texts are used in forms to define the position for the placement of fields
in a record. They are evaluated and automatically multiplied for each object, where
the position is determined by a predefined offset in the X and Y directions. Use the
"Column width" and "Row height" form properties to specify the offset. Placeholder
texts are only filled during the evaluation run and not updated online.
2.3
Add special texts
Preconditions:

Insert > Special text
Special texts for forms are special placeholders for project or page properties. They
are automatically filled in by the program with the appropriate properties depending
on the data entered.
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Editing Forms Properties
The Form properties - <Form name> dialog is automatically opened when creating
a form; it can also be called up for an opened form after the event.
Preconditions:
You have opened a form in the form editor (Utilities > Master data > Form >
Open > [Open]).

Proceed as follows:
1. In the Page - <Project Name> navigator dialog, select the form whose
properties you would like to view and edit.
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2. Select Popup menu > Properties.
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3. In the Form properties - <Form name> dialog, select a different form type
from the drop-down list, if necessary.
4. From the Category drop-down list, select which properties should be

displayed in the list within the category.
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5. Specify the values for the properties by either entering or overwriting an entry
or selecting a template value from a drop-down list, or jump to a special dialog
in which you can enter additional data.
6. Click
(New) on the toolbar above the table Property name / value.
7. In the Property selection dialog, select a new property that you would like to
assign to the form.
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8. Click [OK].
9. Assign the property a value.
10. Proceed in a similar manner for all of the other properties.
11. Click [OK].

The form is displayed with changed / new data in the form editor.
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Copying Forms
To copy a form with all its content, save it to another location and / or under a
different name.
Precondition:
Utilities > Master data > Form > Copy
1. In the Form selection dialog, select the drive and directory of the form to be
copied.
2. Select the form file to be copied. (Multiple selection isn't possible here).
3. Click on [Open].
4. In the Save as dialog, specify the storage location for the copy of the form.
5. In the File name field, enter a descriptive name for the new form.
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6. Click [Save].
The form is copied and the copy opened for editing.
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Dynamically Placing Graphics
To create header, data areas, and footers within a page as well, there is the concept
of dynamic forms. Since the positions of these areas are dynamic and they should
normally stand out in the table graphic, each row generated in an evaluation is able
to draw a frame in a dynamic form.
Note:
Dynamic forms can be identified by the Dynamic entry in the drop-down list for the
Form handling form property.
Example:
A device tag list should be created with the following dynamic areas:
Device tag list (page header)
DT / Quantity / Designation
Manufacturer: H1 (group header)
K1 / 10 / Designation 1
Kn / 99 / Designation n
Manufacturer: H2 (group header)
Kn / 99 / Designation n
This information is drawn in the form editor as graphic row frames and written with
each generated row in a report page. In addition, it is also possible to define graphic
or text objects as header, data, or footer elements, i.e. not only placeholder texts.
Preconditions:
You have opened the dynamic form that you would like to edit in the form editor
(Utilities > Master data > Form > Open > [Open]).
Insert > Dynamic form
1. Select whether you want to define a header, a heading, a data area or a
footer from the subsequent menu.
The rectangle representing the area hangs on the cursor.
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2. Click with the mouse to place the initial corner of the rectangle to be drawn.
3. Click to specify the end position of the rectangle.

The rectangle displayed in the respective area is drawn; in addition,
information about which area type it is (header, data or footer or heading) is
displayed in the upper left.
4. Select the newly defined rectangle.
5. Select Insert > Placeholder text.
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6. In the Placeholder text dialog, click [...] in the Property field of the
Placement tab.
7. In the Placeholder text - <Form type> dialog, select the property that you
want to define as a placeholder for the respective area.
8. Click [OK].
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9. If necessary, edit other placeholder text properties in the Placeholder text
dialog's tabs.
10. Click [OK].
The various defined ranges are combined with form alignment by row (property Form
structure) from "lower left" to "upper left":
If the form alignment is by column, the defined ranges are combined from "lower
right" to "lower left":
(In both illustrations:

1 = Header
2 = Data area
3 = Footer)
Notes:
If several of the same defined ranges (e.g. several data areas) are placed, only
one is taken into consideration for the reports.

Additional selection functions are available as an optical control function for
dynamic forms (Edit > Select) that each display all elements of the header,
the footer or data area, or the heading. In general, it is a normal selection, i.e.
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all marked elements can be deleted, copied, moved, etc.
Like all other forms, dynamic forms can also be automatically checked during
editing (Utilities > Check form), e.g. for the correct use of defined ranges.
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Checking Forms
A special function is available to check at any time during form editing whether your
form is correct or there are errors.
Preconditions:

Utilities > Check form
1. Confirm the prompt in the Check form dialog by clicking on [OK].
2. Click [Save] in the System messages dialog.
3. Specify drive and directory in which the log file should be saved using the
Open dialog.
4. In the File name field, enter a descriptive name for the log file.
5. Click on [Open].
6. Click [Close] in the System messages dialog.

The system messages that apply to the current form are saved in the
corresponding file and can be printed as needed.

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Inserting and Editing Placeholder Texts
Placeholder texts are used in forms to define the position for the placement of fields
in a record. During the evaluation of the form, EPLAN automatically replaces these
placeholders with the corresponding values of project objects on which the report is
being run, such as components, pages, symbols, etc.
Preconditions:
You have opened the form in which you want to define placeholder texts in the
form editor (Utilities > Master data > Form > Open > [Open]).
Placement tab.
2. In the Placeholder text - <Form type> dialog, select the element for which
you want to define a placeholder text.
3. If needed, limit the display of possible properties by selecting an entry from the
Category drop-down list.
4. Select the property text.
5. Click [OK].
The selected property is entered in the Property field.
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6. Change to the Format tab.
7. Specify the formatting settings of the placeholder text.
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8. Change to the Language tab.
9. Specify the language settings for the placeholder text.
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10. Change to the Border tab.
11. If needed, select the Activate alignment box check box and enter the size
and treatment of the text within the frame.
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12. If the alignment boxes are not only to be taken into account on the report
page, but also drawn, then also select the Draw alignment box check box.
13. Click [OK].

The element hangs on the cursor.
14. Position the placeholder text on the form page.

15. Position the placeholder text a second or third ... time.
16. Select Popup menu > Cancel action to terminate the action.
The placeholder text is inserted on the form page and can be revised by
double-clicking it.
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Repeating Main Sub-headers on Form Pages
If you want to place a new main sub-header on the report page as soon as certain
properties change, you can use the Regenerate main sub-header form property to
control for which properties this should take place.
Preconditions:
You have opened the form whose properties you would like to edit in the form
editor (Utilities > Master data > Form > Open > [Open]).
You have opened the Form properties - <Form name> dialog, (Popup menu>
Properties in the form in the navigator dialog Pages - <Project name>).

Proceed as follows:
1. In the Form properties - <Form name> dialog, click [...] in the Value column
of the Regenerate main sub-header property.
2. In the New main sub-header for changes dialog, click
(New).
3. In the Property selection dialog, select the property(s) that when change, a
new main sub-header is generated on the report page. Multiple selection is
possible here.
4. Click [OK].
5. Click
(Delete) in the Main sub-header for changes dialog if necessary to
again remove a property from the list.
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(Move up) /
(Move down) to move a selected property up or down,
6. Click
if possible. (Multiple selection of properties is not possible here).
7. Click [OK].
The specified properties are transferred as numeric values in the Value
column of the Regenerate main sub-header property.
Example:
A "normal" device tag list looks like this:
Device name Cross-reference
=A1+O1-A1 /1.2
=A1+O1-A2 /1.3
=A1+O1-K1 /2.2
=A1+O1-K2 /2.3
=A2+O2-A1 /1.2
=A2+O2-A2 /1.3
=A2+O2-K1 /2.2
=A2+O2-K2 /2.3
In the New main sub-header for changes dialog, the Identifier property is selected,
so that a new main sub-header is generated each time the identifier changes.
Main sub-header "Identifier = "A""
=A1+O1-A1 /1.2
=A1+O1-A2 /1.3
=A2+O2-A1 /1.2
=A2+O2-A2 /1.3
Main sub-header "Identifier = "K""
=A1+O1-K1 /2.2
=A1+O1-K2 /2.3
=A2+O2-K1 /2.2
=A2+O2-K2 /2.3
In the New Main sub-header for changes dialog, the Higher-level function
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property is also selected next, so that a new main sub-header is generated each time
the identifier and structure identifier for the higher-level function identifier block
changes:
Main sub-header "Identifier = "A" Higher-level function = "A1""
=A1+O1-A1 /1.2
=A1+O1-A2 /1.3
Main sub-header "Identifier = "A" Higher-level function = "A2""
=A2+O2-A1 /1.2
=A2+O2-A2 /1.3
Main sub-header "Identifier = "K" Higher-level function = "A1""
=A1+O1-K1 /2.2
=A1+O1-K2 /2.3
Main sub-header "Identifier = "K" Higher-level function = "A2""
=A2+O2-K1 /2.2
=A2+O2-K2 /2.3
When generating a report (Utilities > Reports > Generate), you must appropriate
specify the additional sort in the New page if property value has changed field.
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Automatically Assigning Page Information
The Format for automatic page description form property can be used to specify
the page information (page name, page description, higher-level function, etc.) for the
page description automatically assigned when generating report lists.
Preconditions:
You have opened the Form properties - <Form name> dialog, (Popup menu >

Proceed as follows:
of the Format for automatic page description property.
2. In the Format for automatic page description dialog, select the element that
should be used for the automatic page designation from the Available format
elements list. (Multiple selection isn't possible here).
3. Click
(Move right).
The element is entered into the Selected format elements list.
4. Proceed in a similar way for all additional format elements.
5. Select the Separators entry in the Available format elements list.
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6. Click
(Move right).
7. In the Format: Separator dialog, specify which character you want to use as a
separator.
8. Click [OK].
9. In the Selected format elements list of the Format for automatic page
(Delete) to
description dialog, select an entry if necessary and click
remove the selected element from the list.
10. Click
(Move up) /
(Move down) to move a selected format element up or
down, if possible. (Multiple selection of elements is not possible here).
11. Double-click an entry of the Separator type to revise a separator in the

Format: Separator dialog.
12. Click [OK].

The format elements are saved.
In the Form properties - < Form name> dialog, the assignments are displayed as
follows in the Value column:
<Number of the available format element>;<Number / length>|<Number of the
available format element>;<Number / length>|...
where the numbers are assigned as follows:
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Page type / form type: 1
Name of first header object: 2
Name of first data object: 3
Name of last data object: 4
Separators: 5.
Example:
2;1|5;4 for:
Name of first header object, number / length: 1

Separator, number / length: 4
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10
Defining General Graphics in Forms
The Assignment: Index to graphic form property is required, for example, for
displaying a (fixed) graphic in the data area in the terminal diagram.
Preconditions:

Proceed as follows:
of the Assignment: Index to graphic property.
2. In the Assignment of "Index to graphic" dialog, click

new row in the list of assignments.
(New) to create a
3. In the Index field, enter a different value, if necessary. The default is always
<next_highest_number>.
4. Click [...] in the Symbol name field.
5. In the Symbol selection dialog, select the symbol whose graphic you want to
assign to the index.
6. Click [OK].
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The associated data is entered into the Symbol library and Description
fields.
7. In the Symbol variant field, select the desired symbol from the drop-down list
of all the existing variants of the current symbol.
8. Perform all further allocations in a similar manner .
9. Click [OK].
The assignments are stored and can be inserted into the form using
placeholders.
In the Form properties - <Form name> dialog, the assignments are displayed as
<Index number>;<Symbol library>;<Symbol number>;<Variant>|<Index
number>;<Symbol library>;<Symbol number>;<Variant>|...
Example:
1;SPECIAL;307;0|2;IEC_EPLAN_D;12;1
Note:
Take care that only the symbols of the included symbol libraries are displayed.
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11
Defining Graphics Depending on Property

Values in Forms
The Assignment of property / value to graphic form property is required to display

a specific graphic in the data area for a property that has a specific value.
Preconditions:

Proceed as follows:
of the Assignment of property / value to graphic property.
2. In the Assignment "Property / value to graphic" dialog, click

create a new row in the list of assignments.
(New) to
3. In the Category / property field, click [...].
4. In the Property selection dialog, select the property to which you want to
assign a graphic.
5. Click [OK].
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6. In the Value field, enter the value that the property should have.
7. In the Symbol name field, click [...].
assign to the property.
9. Click [OK].
fields.
12. Click [OK].

placeholders.
In the Form properties - <Form name> dialog, the assignments are displayed as
<Property number>;<Category>;<Value>;<Symbol library>;<Symbol
number>;<Variant>|
<Property number>;<Category>;<Value>;<Symbol library>;<Symbol
number>;<Variant>|...
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Example:
20400;0;SIE;SPECIAL;310;0|1120;0;A*;IEC_EPLAN_D;7;1
Note:
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12
Defining Graphics Depending on Function

Definitions in Forms
The Assignment: Function definition to graphic form property is required to place

different graphics depending on concrete values of the function definition, e.g.
symbols for terminals depending on terminal type.
Preconditions:

Proceed as follows:
of the Assignment: Function definition to graphic property.
2. In the Assignment of "Function definition to graphic" dialog, click

(New) to create a new row in the list of assignments.
3. In the Function definition field, click [...].
4. In the Function definitions dialog, select the function definition to which you
want to assign a graphic.
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5. Click [OK].
The associated data is entered in the Category, Group, and Description
fields.
6. In the Symbol name field, click [...].
assign to the function definition.
8. Click [OK].
fields.
11. Click [OK].

placeholders.
In the Form properties dialog, the assignments are displayed as follows in the Value
column:
<Category>;<Group>;<Function definition>;<Symbol library>;<Symbol
number>;<Variant>|
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<Category>;<Group>;<Function definition>;<Symbol library>;<Symbol
number>;<Variant>|...
Example:
200;1;1;SPECIAL;30;0|100;99;1;IEC_EPLAN_D;211;1
Note:
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13
Inserting Form Graphics
Certain placeholders can't be replaced by text during the evaluation run, but rather
are replaced by graphical symbols, where the assignment to the respective graphic is
defined in the Form properties - <Form name> dialog. The following placeholder
texts are available:
Assignment: Index to graphic [1-100]: Replaces the placeholder by the
symbol that was stored in the Assignment "Index to graphic" dialog for the
respective index.
Assignment: Function definition to graphic: Replaces the placeholder by the
symbol that was stored in the Assignment "Function definition to graphic"

dialog for the corresponding function definition.
Assignment of property / value to graphic [1-2]: Replaces the placeholder by
the symbol that was stored in the Assignment "Property / value to graphic"
dialog for the corresponding property
There are also special placeholders for generated graphics that are used in terminal
diagrams, terminal bills of materials, and terminal connection diagrams as jumper
graphics. For example, these include the placeholders "Jumper graphics (jumper
level)", "Graphic for internal wire jumpers", "Graphic for saddle jumpers", etc.
Preconditions:
You have opened a suitable form in the form editor in which you want to replace
placeholder texts with graphics (Utilities > Master data > Form > Open >
[Open]).
You have specified the Index to graphic, Function definition to graphic, and
Property / value to graphic assignments in the Form properties - <Form

name> dialog.
Placement tab.
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2. In the Placeholder text - <Form type> dialog, select the element (e.g.
terminal properties) for which placeholder text is available for graphics.
3. Limit the scope of possible data by selecting the Settings entry from the
4. Select the desired assignment type.
5. Click [OK].
The property is entered in the Property field on the Placement tab.
6. If necessary, change the property defaults related to format, language and

frame.
7. Click [OK].
8. Position the placeholder text on the form page.

9. Position the placeholder text a second or third ... time.
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The placeholder text is inserted on the form page and can be replaced in
the appropriate report by the graphic selected in the form properties.
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14
Generating Plot Frames
When generating a plot frame, the Plot frame properties - <Plot frame
name>dialog is opened, in which you specify the most important properties of the
new plot frame. (This dialog can also be called up for an opened plot frame after the
event to allow you to change the properties at any time.)
Precondition:
Utilities > Master data > Plot frame > New
1. In the Create plot frame dialog, select the drive and directory, in which the
new plot frame should be saved.
2. In the File name field, enter a descriptive name for the plot frame.
3. In the Path field, select Popup menu > Go to default if you would like to
return to the standard settings for drive and directory. (The default directory is
either the EPLAN-specific default path <Drive_EPLAN>:<Program
Folder>\PlotFrames\<Company Code> or the setting specified under
Options > Settings > User > Management > Directories.)
4. Click [Save].
5. In the Plot frame properties- <Plot frame name> dialog, select the
properties to be shown in the list from the Category drop-down list.
6. Specify the values for the properties, either by making or overwriting an entry
or by selecting a preset value from a drop-down list.
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7. Click [OK].
The new plot frame is saved according to your entries and displayed in the
plot frame editor.
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15
Editing Plot Frames
As soon as you have opened the plot frame you want to edit in the plot frame editor,
you can edit its components.
15.1 Edit static components

Static components are elements that have no influence on the data generated by the
program when the schematic logic is evaluated. These are, for example, frames, and
graphical elements such as rectangles, lines, embedded bitmaps, etc. These can be
edited just like the corresponding objects on schematic pages. That is, they can be
filled, moved, or pulled to a different position and you can assign them certain
properties, such as line type, text direction, etc.
Tip:
You can show the column division of the plot frame via View > Columns. This makes
the overview easier when inserting new elements.
Preconditions:
You have opened the plot frame that you would like to edit in the plot frame
editor (Utilities > Master data > Plot frame > Open > [Open]).
Proceed as follows:
1. Select Insert > Graphic to add (more) graphic elements such as rectangles,
lines, and so on.
2. Select Insert > Graphic > Text to enter text information
3. Select Insert > Graphic > Image file to select a graphic in the Select image
file dialog and to insert it, for example, as a logo in the footer of your plot
frame.
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4. Double-click an already added element in order to open the element-specific
Properties dialog and view or change the properties.
5. Proceed in a similar manner for all static components of the plot frame.
Tip:
You can use Drag & Drop to insert text by dragging a selected text from an Office
application into your open plot frame.
15.2 Add special texts

Preconditions:
You have opened the plot frame that you would like to edit in the plot frame
editor (Utilities > Master data > Plot frame > Open > [Open]).
In addition to static elements, plot frames consist of and this is the more important
aspect special texts. This includes placeholders for project and page properties that
are filled in accordance to the data entered from the program. You can also insert
row and column texts that are then taken into consideration in the reports.
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16
Editing Plot Frame Properties
The Plot frame properties - <Plot frame name> dialog is automatically opened
when creating a plot frame; it can also be called up for an opened plot frame after the
event.
Preconditions:
You have opened a plot frame in the plot frame editor (Utilities > Master data >
Plot frame > Open > [Open]).

Proceed as follows:
1. In the Page - <Project Name> navigator dialog, select the plot frame whose
properties you would like to view and edit.
2. Select Popup menu > Properties.
3. In the Plot frame properties- <Plot frame name> dialog, select the
properties to be shown in the list from the Category drop-down list.
4. Specify the values for the properties, either by making or overwriting an entry
or by selecting a preset value from a drop-down list.
5. Click
[New] on the toolbar above the table Property name / Value.
6. In the Property selection dialog, select a new property that you would like to
assign to the plot frame.
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7. Click [OK].
8. Assign the property a value.
9. Proceed in a similar manner for all of the other properties.
10. Click [OK].

The plot frame is displayed with changed / new data in the plot frame
editor.
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17
Copying Plot Frames
To copy a plot frame with all its content, save it to another location and / or under a
different name.
Precondition:
Utilities > Master data > Plot frame > Copy
1. In the Plot frame selection dialog, select the drive and directory of the plot
frame to be copied.
2. Select the desired plot frame file. (Multiple selection isn't possible here).
3. Click on [Open].
4. In the Save as dialog, specify the storage location for the copy of the plot
frame.
5. In the File name field, enter a descriptive name for the new plot frame.
6. Click [Save].
The plot frame is copied and the copy opened for editing.
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18
Inserting and Editing Special Texts
18.1 Insert project and page properties in forms and plot

frames
The special texts available for forms and plot frames are placeholders for project and
page properties that are automatically replaced by EPLAN with the corresponding
properties.
Preconditions:
You have opened the form in which you want to define special texts in the form
editor (Utilities > Master data > Form > Open > [Open]). You have opened
the plot frame in which you want to define special texts in the plot frame editor
(Utilities > Master data > Plot frame > Open > [Open]).
1. In the subsequent menu, select whether a page property or project property
should be inserted.
2. In the Special text <...> dialog, click [...] in the Property field of the
Placement tab.
3. In the Property selection dialog, select the page or project property that
should be inserted in the plot frame / form.
4. If needed, limit the display of possible properties by selecting an entry from the
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5. Click [OK].
The selected property is entered into the Property field.
6. Change to the Format tab.
7. Specify the formatting settings of the special text.
8. Change to the Language tab.
9. Specify the language settings for the special text.
10. Change to the Border tab.
11. If needed, select the Activate alignment box check box and enter the size
and treatment of the text within the frame.
12. If the alignment boxes are not only to be taken into account on the report
page, but also drawn, then also select the Draw alignment box check box.
13. Click [OK].

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14. Positioning the special text on the plot frame / form page.
15. Positioning the Special text a Second or Third Time time.
The special text is inserted on the plot frame / form page and can be
revised by double-clicking it.
Note:
EPLAN internally notes the last selected property and suggests it again when next
inserting. All settings made during the placement are also used.
18.2 Insert column and row texts in plot frames

There are also column and row texts available for plot frames in addition to the
project and page properties.
Preconditions:
You have opened the plot frame in which you want to define row and column
texts in the plot frame editor (Utilities > Master data > Plot frame > Open >
[Open]).
1. In the subsequent menu, select whether a column text or a row text should
be inserted into the plot frame.
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2. In the Format tab of the Special text <...> dialog, specify the formatting
settings for the row and column text.
3. Click [OK].
4. Position the special text on the plot frame page.

5. Positioning the Special text a Second or Third Time time.

The special text is inserted on the plot frame page and can be revised by
double-clicking it.
Note:
The Utilities > Place column and row text again can be used to delete these
special texts and automatically placed on the border areas of the defined columns
and rows.
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19
Configuring the Display of Placeholder and

Special Texts
To arrange form and plot frame editing more clearly, so that inserting graphical
elements like lines and graphics is easier, there are the options described in the
following:
19.1 Hide placeholder texts

You can temporarily hide the placeholder text.
Preconditions:

Proceed as follows:
1. Select the menu items View > Hide placeholders.
The placeholder texts will be hidden.
2. Edit the graphical elements of the form.
3. Select View > Hide placeholders to display the placeholder texts again.
19.2 Display properties as numbers

The property texts are displayed as texts by default. However, this can be
bothersome if there are several entries in a row, for example.
Preconditions:
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> Master data > Form > Open > [Open]). Or you have opened the plot frame
that you would like to edit in the plot frame editor (Utilities > Master data >
Proceed as follows:
1. Select View > Properties as numbers.
The property texts are replaced by their internal ID numbers.
2. Edit the form / plot frame as desired.
3. Select View > Properties as numbers to display the property texts as texts
again.
19.3 Display column division

It can helpful to display columns, if you want to make sure that you are placing a
certain object in a certain column.
Preconditions:
> Master data > Form > Open > [Open]). Or you have opened the plot frame
that you would like to edit in the plot frame editor (Utilities > Master data >
Proceed as follows:
1. Select View > Columns.
The column division is displayed in the form / plot frame using lines.
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2. Edit the form / plot frame as desired.
3. Select View > Columns to return to the display without columns.
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20
Updating the Column and Row Designations of

Plot Frames
Both columns and rows can be predefined alphanumerically and numerically via the
numbering formats in the plot frame. Such a default can then be later updated.
20.1 Specify column and row numbering

Precondition:
1. Select Options > Settings > Projects > "Project name" > Management >
Pages.
2. In the Path numbering group box, specify whether the numbering should be
page or project related or by structure identifier by selecting the appropriate
option.
3. Click [OK].
With the page-dependent counting method, counting of column areas starts from
scratch for each page, i.e., EPLAN always starts with the configured starting value
and increments it until the last column of the page is reached. For numbering by
project, column numbers are counted through each page, so that counting starts with
the starting value on page 1 and counted to x on the last page. (Please note that all
pages are counted here, unless you activate the plot frame property Display column
designations on non-logic pages.)
The following plot frame properties (Category Settings) are established for the
report:
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Start value (column): The column numbers of the grid are normally numbered
from left to right (starting with 0). A different starting value can be provided
here.
Start value (row) The row numbers of the grid are normally numbers from top to
bottom (starting with 0). A different starting value can be provided here.
Column numbering format: Format of column numbers. If no format is
specified, the column number is hidden.

Row numbering format: Format of row numbers. If no format is specified, the
row numbers are hidden.

Page orientation / paper format: Specifies the way in which the schematic
pages are divided into areas: Landscape or Normal Format.
20.2 Update column and row numbering

Preconditions:
You have opened a schematic page to which a plot frame has been assigned.
1. Select Utilities > Update path designations.

The path designations are updated according to the selection made under
Settings.
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21
Deleting a Column and Row Numbering and

Placing Them Again
This function supports you in the labeling of column and row areas, in that all placed
column and row numbers are deleted and automatically reset. An automatic placing
function sets the column and row placeholder texts exactly on the edges of the
defined columns and rows.
Preconditions:
You have opened a plot frame in the plot frame editor.
You have placed column or row texts in the plot frame (Insert > Special text >
Column text or Insert > Special text > Row text).

1. Select Utilities > Place column and row text again.
The column and row numbers are deleted and placed again. During the generation of
special texts, the formatting last used is selected.
Example:
The two illustrations below show column and row numbers before and after selection
of the menu item, where P1 through P3 symbolized the columns and A through C the
rows.
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Before:
After:
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22
Documenting Forms and Plot Frames
It is possible to manage and output forms and plot frames in a special report, where a
table of contents is generated and change information can be entered. The report on
forms / plot frames can be a project into which the forms / plot frames are read. For
this purpose there are the special reports Form documentation and Plot frame
documentation. Form / plot frame documentations are overviews of all documents /
plot frames used in a project.
Precondition:
You have selected a form via Options > Settings > Projects > "Project" > Reports
> Graphical output > Forms documentation or Plot frame documentation and
specified the settings for the pages you would like to create.
Utilities > Reports > Generate
1. If the form documentation / plot frame documentation is not listed under the
reports, click [New].
2. In the Specify report dialog select the Form documentation or the Plot
frame documentation option.
3. If necessary, change the settings for Output project, Creator, and Creation
date.
4. Click [OK].
5. In the Forms documentation (Total) (or Plot frame documentation (Total))

dialog specify the settings for the pages to be generated.
6. Click [OK].
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The documentation is generated. This process can take some time,
depending on the number and complexity of the data.
7. Click [Close].
The newly generated pages are inserted into the target project selected. In
the list of reports, the level Form documentation / Plot frame
documentation is inserted, and the list of pages contained in the
documentation appears there.
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Form and Plot Frame Editor

Form and Plot Frame Editor

Form and Plot Frame Editor

Form and Plot Frame Editor

Generating Forms .........................................................................................5

Edit static components..............................................................................9

Insert placeholder texts...........................................................................13

Add special texts.....................................................................................14

Editing Forms Properties ...........................................................................15

Dynamically Placing Graphics...................................................................22

Inserting and Editing Placeholder Texts...................................................28

Repeating Main Sub-headers on Form Pages ..........................................33

Automatically Assigning Page Information ..............................................36

Defining General Graphics in Forms.........................................................39

Defining Graphics Depending on Property Values in Forms ..................41

Defining Graphics Depending on Function Definitions in Forms...........44

Inserting Form Graphics ............................................................................47

Generating Plot Frames .............................................................................50

Editing Plot Frames ....................................................................................52

Edit static components............................................................................52

Add special texts.....................................................................................53

Editing Plot Frame Properties....................................................................54

Copying Plot Frames ..................................................................................56

Inserting and Editing Special Texts ..........................................................57

Insert column and row texts in plot frames..............................................59

Configuring the Display of Placeholder and Special Texts.....................61

Hide placeholder texts ............................................................................61

Display properties as numbers................................................................61

Display column division...........................................................................62

Form and Plot Frame Editor

Updating the Column and Row Designations of Plot Frames.................64

Specify column and row numbering ........................................................64

Update column and row numbering ........................................................65

Documenting Forms and Plot Frames ......................................................68

This functionality is only available for certain module packages. Info

Form and Plot Frame Editor

Form and Plot Frame Editor

Form and Plot Frame Editor

7. From the Category drop-down list, select which properties should be

Form and Plot Frame Editor

This functionality is only available for certain module packages. Info

Form and Plot Frame Editor

Edit static components

> Master data > Form > Open > [Open]).

Form and Plot Frame Editor

Form and Plot Frame Editor

Form and Plot Frame Editor

Form and Plot Frame Editor

5. Proceed in a similar manner for all static components of the form.

Insert placeholder texts

> Master data > Form > Open > [Open]).

Form and Plot Frame Editor

Add special texts

> Master data > Form > Open > [Open]).

Form and Plot Frame Editor

Editing Forms Properties

Open > [Open]).

Form and Plot Frame Editor

Form and Plot Frame Editor

4. From the Category drop-down list, select which properties should be

Form and Plot Frame Editor

(New) on the toolbar above the table Property name / value.

Form and Plot Frame Editor