ControlDraw matrices are small tables that are typically used to represent the state behaviour of diagrams. These tables contain rows and columns that can be linked to symbols in ControlDraw diagrams and cells that show the required state of a symbol.

When matrix row and columns are linked to symbols on diagrams the

Please note - Matrices can also be used to contain data that has been pasted into a model (or even linked into a model) from as database such as InTools, see Imported Matrices

See also Matrix Types

When showing a matrix, if a tag name of a symbol that is used in a row or column has changed ControlDraw prompts and optionally changes the dynamic type of a Symbol you can transpose twice to re-establish the column types.

A button on the Matrix form, Dereference matrix appears if the matrix is from the reference model.

When dereferencing a diagram it's matrix is also dereferenced

Use Dynamics

When this is on, (default) the matrix cells show the state names of their connected symbols in a drop down list, as shown here

When this is off you see the underlying data. This is very useful, for example it can make it quicker to fill in large matrices.

Colours

The colour by value checkbox provides you with the ability to change the colours of cells according to their values.

For example if you have an equipment state matrix where the  cells correspond to the open and close or run and stop then you can make those cells green for the running or open state and red for the stopped or closed state of the individual items.

The colours are set from the Colours tab. Each colour applies to a cell value. At present this is limited to less than 0 (True), 0,1,to 15 and > 15

In the matrix form, when the Check Connections checkbow is set, the rows and columns that are connected to symbols in the model are highlighted by colouring the background of their tagnames. Again, the colours are set from the Colours tab.

You can also reconnect symbols or change the symbol to which a row or column is connected. This is done  by using the edit menu, or right clicking. and choosing Row Symbol or Column Symbol. You can also use this to find what page the symbol is one, or its class.

You must first select a single column or row by clicking the column or row header to enable the Row or Column Symbol menus

You can set the font for each matrix from the Matrix form or the symbol controls

The Matrices remember their Row heights as well as the column widths

You can select several rows and size them all by then resizing one row.

The fit to Width button only sizes the selected columns

The size and fonts is also used in Special Matrix objects on diagrams, and, optionally  in the Printer and Reviewer.

The Matrix information Row and Col Link tab shows the connected symbols and allow you to add to them

The Matrix information tab includes list boxes that show the pages that the matrix is referenced by. The Used By list shows all the diagrams that have the current matrix in their Default Matrix field and the Set State list shows all the diagrams that have the current matrix in their Set State State field. Double click a row to open the diagram.

See also Importing Matrices and Matrix Types