Image quality in GUI/Dashboards (Bitmaps)

[valentin_r]

[ FlexSim 19.1.1 ]

Dear reader,

I've been putting some pictures in dashboards and GUIs and I still wonder how to improve the quality of the images. I've been able to see the quality difference if I put an image inside a static text (which is really bad) and inside a button (pretty good) (cf. joined picture). In fact, both of them have been put in a bitmap node. Is there a way to improve this quality without using a button ?

quality.png

Thank you very much and have a good day,

Val

[philboboADSK · Accepted solution]

Please post an example model with the image you are using so that we can replicate the issue. We cannot explain what is happening or how to improve it with just a screenshot showing the result.

In my test with an image, it rendered identically on a button, a static, and when pasted directly (thus converting to a bmp and losing its transparency):

Attached is the model (question-mark.zip) demonstrating my unsuccessful attempt at replicating your issue.

[Ben_WilsonADSK]

Hi @Valentin R,

You might try upgrading your graphics drivers or other suggestions found in our graphics compatibility article.

[valentin_r]

Hi,

Firstly, thank you for your answers. I verified my drivers and updates, however everything seems in order and I still have the same problem. I looked through the model you sent. I've been able to witness that you obtain the same quality using a static text and a button. However, I then tried to obtain the same myself using a .jpg picture which didn't worked. I then thought that the .png format was maybe better supported however I still get the same issue. At that point, I am not able to understand what is going wrong.

Thank you very much,

Val question-mark-v2.fsm

[philboboADSK]

All of the images in that model look fine on my machine:

On your end, the ones displayed with Static text look bad?

Please send a screenshot of the Help > About FlexSim screen, and a screenshot of your File > Global Preferences > Graphics tab.

If your images aren't looking like mine, then my best guess is that it is a graphics configuration issue.

Try saving your image with dimensions that are powers of 2: 128x64, 256x256, 128x512, 1024x1024, etc.

[philboboADSK]

I think I found the issue. Is your Windows set to use a 150% DPI scaling?

The function of scaling up to 150% DPI on buttons and statics seems to be handled differently, and I think this is causing the visual issue you are seeing.

I'll add a case to the dev list to look into this.

[valentin_r]

Hi,

On my display, the ones on static texts looked worst that on the buttons. Regarding my dpi Scaling, I'm on windows 10 with a Win8DpiScaling deactivated (set to 0), a 125% scaling on my monitor which is the recommended value. I give you these values just in case it can help you somehow. I still joined the two first screenshots you were asking for.
screenshot-graphics.png screenshot-aboutflexsim.png screenshot-questionquality.png
Thank you very much,

Val