Symbol Factory Universal: Build Better HMIs Faster
Thousands of pre-built, scalable vector symbols for pumps, valves, motors, tanks, and more. Drop directly into any HMI or SCADA application and stop designing graphics from scratch. Focus on what matters.
Total Symbols
Vector Graphics
Perpetual License
What is Symbol Factory Universal?
Symbol Factory Universal is the combination of a software application for the management and manipulation of the appearance of an included, extensive library of over 5,000 industrial graphics optimized for high performance for use in industrial automation HMI applications, including pumps, pipes, valves, tanks, mixers, motors, ducts, electrical symbols, flow meters, material handling, sensors, PLCs, transmitters, and ISA symbols.
The over 4,000 vector-based symbols in the library will scale without loss of quality, and the library also includes photorealistic raster images of common operator panel elements such as pushbuttons, selector switches and more. The graphics and included management software application are designed to help engineers create consistent, professional operator interfaces while reducing development time.
The management application empowers users to search for symbols by name and description, create derived versions with their own custom colors for re-use and storage in custom categories. This enables standards enforcement and re-use across projects.
When to Use Symbol Factory Universal
Symbol Factory excels at solving the most time-consuming part of HMI development across a range of scenarios.
Building New HMI/SCADA Applications
Start your project with a complete, professional symbol library on day one. No time wasted designing basic process graphics. Focus on system logic and configuration.
Modernizing Legacy HMI Graphics
Replace outdated, inconsistent graphics with a professional symbol set. Improve operator clarity without rebuilding your entire application from scratch.
Standardizing Across Multiple Sites
Establish a common visual language across facilities and projects. Operators transfer between sites without relearning different symbol conventions.
Accelerating FAT Schedules
System integrators hit factory acceptance test deadlines faster when HMI graphics don't have to be custom-built for every project engagement.
From Install to HMI in Minutes
- 1
Install Symbol Factory
Install Symbol Factory Universal on your engineering workstation. The library integrates with your HMI/SCADA development environment immediately.
- 2
Browse & Select Symbols
Browse thousands of categorized symbols: pumps, valves, instruments, electrical, and more. Use built-in search to find exactly what you need.
- 3
Export & Drop Into Your HMI
Export symbols in the format your HMI platform requires. Drop them into your project and resize freely without any quality loss.
Symbol Factory Universal: Buy Now
Add industrial-grade symbol libraries and controls to your HMI/SCADA and software projects with the Symbol Factory family.
Symbol Factory License
- Full Symbol Factory Universal application
- Access to thousands of industrial graphics
- Custom HMI/SCADA design and export
- Licensed per computer (physical or virtual)
- 1 Year of technical support & maintenance included
- Free upgrades during active support period
📌 Quick Notes
- This item is a perpetual license that includes the first year of support & maintenance. You own the license and have the option to renew support & maintenance after the first year in order to receive free upgrades and continued support.
- This product is licensed per machine or virtual instance that you plan to install it on.
- Need multiple seats or a volume license? Contact our team for a custom quote.
Why Choose Symbol Factory?
See how Symbol Factory compares to building graphics in-house or sourcing them piecemeal.
| Feature | Symbol Factory Universal | Build In-House | Individual Clip Art |
|---|---|---|---|
| Symbol Count | 1,000s included | Build as needed | Limited sets |
| Scalable Vector Format | ✓ | Varies | Varies |
| ISA/ISO Standards Compliant | ✓ | If designed correctly | ✗ |
| HMI Platform Optimized | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ |
| Time to First Use | Minutes | Days to weeks | Hours |
| Long-Term Cost | $695 one-time | High (engineering time) | Recurring |
| Technical Support | ✓ Included | ✗ | ✗ |
| Consistent Visual Language | ✓ | If enforced | ✗ |
"Symbol Factory cut our HMI development time dramatically. We used to spend days just creating basic pump and valve graphics for every project. Now we pull from the library and focus on configuration and logic. The ISA-compliant symbols also gave our customer confidence in the professional quality of the deliverable.
Symbol Factory Universal FAQ
Common questions from engineers, system integrators, and software vendors evaluating Symbol Factory Universal for their HMI/SCADA projects.
What is Symbol Factory?+
The Symbol Factory Universal product is the combination of a software application for the management and manipulation of the appearance of an included, extensive library of over 5,000 industrial graphics optimized for high performance for use in industrial automation HMI applications, including pumps, pipes, valves, tanks, mixers, motors, ducts, electrical symbols, flow meters, material handling, sensors, PLCs, transmitters, and ISA symbols.
The over 4,000 vector-based symbols in the library will scale without loss of quality, and the library also includes photorealistic raster images of common operator panel elements such as pushbuttons, selector switches and more. The graphics and included management software application are designed to help engineers create consistent, professional operator interfaces while reducing development time.
The management application empowers users to search for symbols by name and description, create derived versions with their own custom colors for re-use and storage in custom categories. This enables standards enforcement and re-use across projects.
What versions of Symbol Factory are available?+
The current product is Symbol Factory Universal (Version 3).
Legacy products that have been retired or are no longer recommended for new projects include:
- Symbol Factory Classic (1.x) and (2.x)
- Symbol Factory ActiveX
- Symbol Factory .NET
- Symbol Factory ArchestrA
Software Toolbox recommends Symbol Factory Universal for new installations and projects.
Is Symbol Factory 2.5 still available?+
No. Symbol Factory 2.x has reached end-of-life status and is no longer sold for new projects.
The current version is Symbol Factory Universal (Version 3), which:
- Includes all the same graphics as the 2.x family
- Adds over 1,000 vector graphics using modern graphical components compatible with all modern software applications
- Provides a modern, significantly more flexible management interface including the ability to recolor portions of a symbol independently of other parts
- Save re-usable customized symbols to match your standards
- Save custom categories of symbols for re-use across projects, to enforce standards
- Import symbols from modern SVG formats
- Search for symbols by symbol name and description
How many symbols are included?+
Symbol Factory contains over 5,000 industrial automation graphics covering common equipment and instrumentation used in industrial facilities but also specific industrial verticals. Categories include but are not limited to:
- Pumps
- Valves
- Tanks
- Motors
- Mixers
- Pipes and fittings
- Conveyors
- Material handling equipment
- Sensors
- Flow meters
- Electrical symbols
- PLCs
- Chemicals
- Data Center
- Pulp & Paper
- Renewable Energy
- Water & Wastewater
- ISA instrumentation symbols
Where can I download a free trial?+
You can download the free trial from the Software Toolbox website and it automatically runs in trial mode after installation without any further action:
Symbol Factory Free Trial
https://softwaretoolbox.com/symbol-factory/free-trial
The trial allows you to:
- Browse the entire symbol library
- Experience the symbol management interface
- Test symbol editing capabilities
- Export and use the first symbol from each category
A purchased license removes these trial limitations.
What applications can Symbol Factory be used with?+
Symbol Factory graphics can be used in many industrial visualization environments, including:
- HMI applications
- SCADA systems
- Industrial visualization platforms
- Custom operator interface applications
- Engineering documentation
- Training materials
- Presentations
- Any software application that supports vector SVG or XAML formats, or raster PNG, JPG, GIF, or BMP formats
What is the difference between a single-user license and an OEM license?+
Single-User License
A single-user license is appropriate when a developer, system integrator, or engineering team creates and maintains custom screens on behalf of a specific customer.
Examples:
- Building HMI screens for a customer
- Delivering completed screens
- Making future modifications for the customer
- End users do not create or modify symbols themselves
In this scenario, only the developer uses Symbol Factory.
OEM License (also called an ISV license)
We use the term ISV, or independent software vendor, to distinguish from a machinery builder Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM). Most people that ask us for an OEM license are actually ISVs, which is why we use the term "OEM/ISV".
An OEM/ISV license is required when Symbol Factory functionality is embedded into a commercial software application and the end user can create, edit, configure, or modify screens that utilize Symbol Factory symbols.
Examples:
- HMI software vendors
- SCADA software vendors
- Commercial automation platforms
- Applications that allow customers to design or edit their own screens
In this scenario, the Symbol Factory functionality becomes part of the software delivered to the end user. Learn More about use with Commercial Software.
How do I know if I need OEM/ISV licensing?+
You may need OEM/ISV licensing if:
- You are building a commercial HMI or SCADA product.
- Your software allows end users to build screens.
- Your software allows end users to edit symbols.
- You distribute Symbol Factory functionality as part of your application.
You typically do not need OEM/ISV licensing if:
- You deliver static screens only.
- Your customers cannot edit symbols.
- Your engineering team performs all future screen modifications.
If you are unsure, contact Software Toolbox and describe your application so we can help determine the appropriate licensing model. Learn More about use with Commercial Software.
Is there a minimum quantity required for OEM/ISV pricing?+
Yes. OEM/ISV pricing typically requires a commitment of at least 100 licenses per year.
Additional OEM/ISV terms and pricing are customized based on the application and deployment requirements.
I am an OEM/ISV. What information do you need from me?+
To evaluate OEM/ISV licensing, Software Toolbox typically requests:
- Your company name, address, markets served
- A description of your application or project
- A product website, application note, or project documentation
- If this is an existing product, how long has it been in the market?
- If you are developing a new application, when do you plan to ship your product?
- Information about how Symbol Factory will be used
- What graphics formats you support
- Estimated annual deployment volume or number of licenses shipped per year
This information helps determine the appropriate licensing model and pricing structure. Learn More about use with Commercial Software.
How is OEM/ISV licensing priced?+
OEM/ISV agreements are customized to match your needs with our business needs in a win-win scenario based on:
- Application type
- Distribution model
- Annual deployment volume
- Technical requirements
- Support requirements
Software Toolbox works directly with OEM/ISV customers to develop licensing terms that fit their business model. Learn More about use with Commercial Software.
Can multiple developers share a single-user license?+
No. Symbol Factory licensing is generally based on the machine or user that will be using the software. Each developer who actively creates or edits screens using Symbol Factory should have an appropriate license.
For larger teams, contact Software Toolbox regarding volume licensing options.
Why do I need to provide a company email address?+
Software Toolbox primarily serves businesses, system integrators, OEMs, manufacturers, utilities, and industrial organizations.
To process evaluations, quotations, and purchases, we typically require:
- Company name
- Company email address
- Business phone number
This information helps us ensure that licensing, support, and commercial discussions are handled appropriately and efficiently.
Can Symbol Factory symbols be resized without losing quality?+
Yes. Most Symbol Factory graphics (over 4,000 of the 5,000) are vector-based and can be copied/exported as SVG or XAML files, allowing them to be scaled larger or smaller without losing clarity or image quality. This makes them ideal for use in modern HMI and SCADA applications with varying screen sizes and resolutions.
Why do customers choose Symbol Factory?+
Common reasons customers choose Symbol Factory include:
- High-performance vector graphics built by people that understand HMI/SCADA
- Wide industrial control and vertical industry coverage
- Faster HMI and SCADA development
- Consistent graphics across projects
- Professional operator displays
- Reduced engineering effort
- Standards-based industrial symbols
- Reusable graphic assets
These benefits help organizations improve visualization consistency while reducing the time required to build industrial applications.
Where can I get help choosing the right Symbol Factory version or licensing model?+
Contact Software Toolbox Sales or Technical Support and provide:
- Your application description
- Your development environment
- Whether end users will edit screens
- Expected deployment quantities
We can help determine the most appropriate product and licensing option for your project.
Can I use Symbol Factory graphics in AutoCAD?+
Symbol Factory is designed primarily for HMI, SCADA, industrial visualization, and documentation applications. Many customers export symbols for use in engineering documentation and drawings.
Compatibility with AutoCAD depends on the ability of your AutoCAD version to support vector SVG or XAML file formats for best results with scalable images.
If your goal is to use Symbol Factory graphics within AutoCAD or AutoCAD-based products and the above does not answer your question, contact Software Toolbox with details about your workflow and software version so we can recommend the best approach.
Can I use Symbol Factory with AVEVA™ InTouch / Wonderware®?+
Yes. Symbol Factory has been widely used by customers creating HMI and SCADA applications with Wonderware InTouch and AVEVA products for many years.
Customers commonly use Symbol Factory graphics to create:
- Operator displays
- Process overview screens
- Equipment status displays
- Alarm and diagnostic screens
The exact method for importing or using symbols depends on the Symbol Factory version and the AVEVA software version being used.
Can I use Symbol Factory with Siemens WinCC?+
Many customers use Symbol Factory graphics in Siemens visualization projects. Because Siemens offers multiple WinCC product families and versions, implementation methods may vary.
If you are evaluating Symbol Factory for WinCC, please first determine what graphics format your WinCC version supports. If it supports vector SVG or XAML formats, and raster JPG, PNG, GIF, or BMP then you will be able to use the symbols.
Can I import my own symbols into Symbol Factory?+
Symbol Factory is primarily a professionally designed and curated library of industrial symbols. With Symbol Factory Universal, you can import vector SVG images and raster images from a variety of formats.
Many customers supplement the Symbol Factory library with their own graphics within their HMI or SCADA software platform.
If your project requires custom symbols, contact Software Toolbox to discuss available options and recommended workflows.
What export formats are supported?+
Our answer to "can I use this with my HMI/SCADA?" is: does your HMI/SCADA support one of the formats below? If it does, then the answer is yes. Consult your HMI/SCADA supplier's documentation for details on how to copy/paste or import the images. You should prefer a vector format for best results in scaling images.
Symbol Factory has a long history in the industrial control market, and we refer to symbols as Basic and Enhanced:
Basic Symbols refers to the symbols that were in Versions 2.5 and prior of Symbol Factory. The native format for these symbols is either Windows Metafile (WMF) or bitmap/picture (BMP), and can be exported in a variety of formats. These are retained in the product for backwards compatibility for our long loyal client base.
Enhanced Symbols refers to symbols that were added starting with Symbol Factory Universal (V3.x and higher). These symbols have a native format of SVG and contain real gradients, and groupings of vectors into logical parts which enables recoloring of independent parts of the symbols. There are over 1,400 Enhanced Symbols in the library. Enhanced Symbols are also available in XAML format, and can be exported to any raster format supported by Symbol Factory, although when you export to raster formats, you lose the ability to select individual symbol sub-parts in your application after export.
| Format | Basic Symbols | Enhanced Symbols |
|---|---|---|
| Vector Formats | ||
| WMF | Yes | No – gradients and vector grouping isn't supported by the WMF file format |
| SVG | Yes | Yes |
| XAML | Yes | Yes |
| Raster Formats | ||
| BMP | Yes | Yes |
| JPG | Yes | Yes |
| GIF | Yes | Yes |
| PNG | Yes | Yes |
Can I transfer my license to a new computer?+
In most cases, yes. Software Toolbox understands that customers periodically replace or upgrade computers.
License transfer procedures vary depending on:
- Product version
- Licensing technology
- Whether the license is activated online or offline
If you need to move your license to a new machine, contact Software Toolbox Support for assistance before decommissioning the old system whenever possible. License transfers may incur a support cost.
What happens when my Support & Maintenance Agreement expires?+
Your perpetual Symbol Factory license does not stop working when Support & Maintenance expires.
However, expiration generally means you no longer receive:
- Product updates
- New releases
- Technical support
- License upgrade benefits included with maintenance
You may continue using the version you already own subject to the terms of your license agreement.
What is included with Support & Maintenance?+
Support & Maintenance typically includes:
- Technical support from Software Toolbox
- Access to product updates
- Access to maintenance releases
- Access to eligible version upgrades released during the maintenance period
Support & Maintenance helps ensure that you can take advantage of product improvements, operating system compatibility updates, and technical assistance when needed.
Do Symbol Factory symbols support animation?+
Symbol Factory provides graphic symbols that are commonly used as the foundation for animated HMI and SCADA displays.
Animation capabilities such as color changes, rotation, visibility, fill levels, movement, and status indication are generally provided by the HMI or SCADA platform itself rather than Symbol Factory.
The symbols are intended to be used within software platforms that provide animation functionality.
Can I modify Symbol Factory symbols?+
Yes. Many customers customize Symbol Factory symbols to match site standards, customer requirements, or corporate branding. The Symbol Factory Universal Management application enables users to recolor symbols, save them as new versions, and group their derived symbols into their own user defined categories.
Customers also commonly modify colors, labels, grouping, and other visual elements after importing symbols into their application. For best results you should use vector formats in your application if you intend to edit the symbol after importing, and the level of editing is a function of your software application, not Symbol Factory.
Is Symbol Factory subscription software?+
No. Symbol Factory is typically licensed as a perpetual software product.
Customers purchase a license that allows continued use of the software version licensed.
Support & Maintenance is generally provided separately and includes access to updates, upgrades, and technical support during the covered period.
How many symbols are included with the purchase?+
A licensed copy of Symbol Factory provides access to the complete symbol library included with the version purchased. Over 5,000 symbols are included in the library.
The trial version allows limited testing, while a licensed version unlocks the full collection of symbols available in the product.
Can I use Symbol Factory graphics in multiple projects?+
Yes. Licensed users commonly use Symbol Factory graphics across multiple projects within their organization, subject to the terms of the applicable license agreement.
The licensing requirements are based on how the software is used and distributed, not on the number of projects created.
If you are distributing software or applications containing Symbol Factory functionality, OEM licensing requirements may apply.
I am a System Integrator. Do I need OEM/ISV licensing?+
Usually not. Most System Integrators use a standard Symbol Factory license to develop screens and applications for specific customers.
OEM/ISV licensing is generally only required when:
- A commercial software application is being distributed.
- End users can create or edit screens themselves.
- Symbol Factory functionality is embedded in a product being sold.
If you create and maintain the screens on behalf of your customer, a standard license is often sufficient.
If you are unsure, contact Software Toolbox with a description of your project.
Ready to Build Better HMIs?
Get Symbol Factory Universal today and start building professional industrial graphics in minutes. Purchase now for immediate access or contact our team to discuss your project.