Front Panel

The Front Panel of a VI contains the User Interface of the VI. The front panel can be simple with only a few inputs, (controls) and outputs (indicators) for a SubVI or complex with many controls, indicators, and decoration for an application interface. The Controls Palette or Quick Drop is used to select the type of control, indicator, or decoration to add to the front panel. By default the size and position of the front panel will dictate its running size and position

Creating a Front Panel

Adding Controls/Indicators

Via Controls Palette

Right-Click on a blank space on the Front Panel
Navigate through the Controls Palette to find the desired Control or Indicator
Click on the Control or Indicator. A dotted outline of it appears.
Click on the Front Panel to place.

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Via Quick Drop

While on the Front Panel, press Ctrl-Space. The Quick Drop Window will appear.
Type the name (or shortcut) of the Control or Indicator.
Click on Front Panel to place.

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Organization Best Practices

For simple VIs, it is best practice to place inputs (controls) on the left side of the front panel and outputs (indicators) on the right side of the front panel in a manner that matches their position on the Connector Pane.

For complex UIs see the page on User Interfaces.

Advanced

Properties

Front panel properties and be accessed via a panel refnum and a Property Node using the VI Server. See Panel Properties.

Methods

Front panel methods and be accessed via a panel refnum and an Invoke Node using the VI Server. See Panel Methods.