By searching keywords like "factory," "pump," "valve," "conveyor," or "gauge," you can access thousands of free flat icons perfect for modern dashboards.
Once you have downloaded your free graphics files, the integration process depends on your specific HMI development environment.
: While general-purpose, Flaticon has a vast "Industrial" section. You can find free vector icons for pumps, valves, tanks, and sensors. (Note: Check individual licenses, as some require attribution). The Noun Project
If you are looking for high-quality, free-to-use graphics, these resources are currently the top choices for automation engineers: 1. Open Automation Software (OAS) HMI Graphics Library free hmi graphics library
In the rapidly evolving world of Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) and automation, Human Machine Interfaces (HMIs) are the frontline of operator interaction. Effective HMIs are no longer just functional; they must be intuitive, modern, and visually appealing. However, creating high-quality, professional graphics from scratch is time-consuming and expensive.
Building an efficient HMI does not require a massive software budget. With free resources from companies like Opto 22 and OAS, or tools like AdvancedHMI, developers can access high-quality industrial graphics to create intuitive and modern UIs. By choosing the right library and focusing on usability, you can achieve professional results efficiently.
GitHub and open-source automation forums are excellent sources for community-driven graphical assets. You can find free vector icons for pumps,
Rendered from multiple perspectives; available in red, green, blue, grey, and yellow.
SquareLine Studio offers a drag-and-drop editor for LVGL with a free personal plan 1.2.4 . 2. AdvancedHMI
What are you currently building on? What industry or process type is this interface for? Open Automation Software (OAS) HMI Graphics Library In
| | Primary Use Case | Key Strengths | Considerations | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Embedded / Microcontrollers (MCUs) |||| | LVGL | Resource-constrained embedded devices (smart home, wearables, medical). | Ultra-lightweight (64 kB Flash, 16 kB RAM), 30+ built-in widgets, advanced graphics effects, MIT license for free commercial use. | Requires C programming expertise; lacks the raw graphical performance of Qt for high-end systems. | | GT-HMI | Embedded GUI design for domestic (Chinese) markets, specifically for LCD screens. | Free, "permanent" design software and open-source engine; low memory footprint; comes with a rich set of industrial-grade widgets and multi-language support. | Ecosystem and documentation are largely in Chinese, which could be a barrier for some. | | Web / PC-Based (SCADA Focused) |||| | FUXA | Rapid, modern web-based HMI/SCADA for IoT and remote monitoring. | Pure web-based (HTML5) designer, low-code / drag-and-drop, supports multiple industrial protocols (Modbus, MQTT, OPC UA). | May have a less mature feature set for very large-scale, complex SCADA systems compared to enterprise solutions. | | Rapid SCADA | Full-featured SCADA/HMI for mid-to-large scale factory automation. | Comprehensive platform with built-in HMI designer, alarm management, reporting, and unlimited tags; highly extensible in C#/.NET. | Less "drag-and-drop" than FUXA; requires more initial setup and .NET skills for deep customization. | | AdvancedHMI | Windows-based, desktop SCADA development, especially for C# developers. | Seamless integration with Visual Studio, provides 20+ native PLC drivers (Modbus, Siemens, etc.), and easy drag-and-drop HMI design. | Primarily for the Windows ecosystem; the UI is based on WinForms, which may feel dated for modern web applications. |
This is where a becomes a game-changer. By leveraging pre-designed, open-source, or vendor-provided symbol libraries, developers and engineers can drastically reduce development time while enhancing the visual quality of their dashboards.
These open-source, highly consistent outline icon packs are ideal for navigation buttons, settings menus, and system status indicators. Essential Formats: SVG vs. PNG vs. BMP
Using common, free symbols makes your HMI more intuitive for operators familiar with industry standards. Implementing Free Graphics in Your HMI Design