Control WinCC Graphics Designer Objects with VBScript
This lab targets wincc graphics designer vbscript with copy-ready examples, expected results and diagnostic guidance.
1. Access Screen Items through HMIRuntime
WinCC exposes the active picture and its configured objects through HMIRuntime.ActiveScreen.ScreenItems. Use the exact configured object name, not the visible caption.
Dim statusText
Set statusText = HMIRuntime.ActiveScreen.ScreenItems("txtMotorStatus")
statusText.Text = "RUNNING"
Set statusText = Nothing2. Control Visibility and Operator Feedback
Dim warningObject
Dim alarmTag
Set alarmTag = HMIRuntime.Tags("Demo_AlarmActive")
alarmTag.Read
Set warningObject = HMIRuntime.ActiveScreen.ScreenItems("grpAlarmWarning")
warningObject.Visible = CBool(alarmTag.Value)
Set warningObject = Nothing
Set alarmTag = NothingUse standard dynamics for simple visibility or color changes when possible. Use VBS when several objects or conditions must be coordinated.
3. Change Colors without Hiding Meaning
Keep the plant HMI color standard authoritative. Do not rely on color alone; combine it with text, symbol shape or state. Test default, invalid-quality and communication-loss states as well as normal process states.
4. Navigate Pictures and Picture Windows
Use the WinCC functions and object model available in the installed release. Picture-window object names, properties and navigation functions can differ by project architecture, so validate examples in the installed WinCC V8.1 help before deployment.
5. Graphics Script Troubleshooting
| Problem | Action |
|---|---|
| Object required | Confirm the picture is active and the configured object name is exact |
| Property does not change | Check whether another dynamic or script overwrites the same property |
| Screen becomes slow | Replace frequently evaluated VBS with standard dynamics or a slower trigger |
Hands-On Verification Lab
Hands-onPrepare a controlled test
Create only the internal tags, folders or disposable database rows required by this tutorial.
Run the smallest example
Execute one operation and inspect WinCC diagnostics before expanding the script.
Test a failure path
Use a safe backup copy to test an invalid tag, path or disposable input.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should this WinCC VBScript be tested in production?
No. Use a backed-up training or staging project and follow the plant change-control process.
Which WinCC versions does the example target?
The examples target classic WinCC Explorer V7.x/V8.x. Verify object properties, action signatures and providers in the installed WinCC help.
How should Runtime failures be diagnosed?
Use scoped Err checks, WinCC object diagnostics and HMIRuntime.Trace while recording the exact station, trigger, tag and Runtime identity.