For HMIs running on microcontrollers (MCUs) and embedded devices with limited memory and processing power, traditional web graphics are not an option. That is where lightweight embedded graphics libraries come in.
Before we dive into the download links, let’s address the ROI of aesthetics. Operators spend 12-hour shifts staring at your screens. If your graphics are ambiguous or clunky, you increase cognitive load. High-quality vector graphics reduce reaction time in emergencies.
An HMI graphics library is a collection of pre-designed graphical elements—symbols, widgets, icons, and components—used to represent physical machinery, data points, and processes in a software interface. Symbols: Pipes, valves, pumps, motors, tanks, sensors. Controls: Switches, buttons, sliders, knobs.
HMI graphics libraries are software libraries that provide pre-built graphical components, tools, and APIs to create HMIs for industrial automation, embedded systems, and other applications. These libraries typically include a range of graphical elements, such as charts, gauges, buttons, and screens, that can be easily customized and configured to create a user-friendly interface.
: Whole facility health status indicators.
As part of its SCADA platform, Siemens installs a free “IndustryGraphicLibrary,” which is a standard library of pre‑defined SVG graphics. These graphics are specially crafted so that key properties can be “dynamized” (e.g., color changes based on process value) directly within WinCC. While intended for Siemens’ tools, the SVG files can also be extracted and used in other SVG‑compatible environments.
To get the most out of free HMI graphics libraries, follow these best practices:
To get the most out of a free HMI graphics library, follow these best practices: