Creating and Operating Boolean Controls and Indicators
- Updated2026-08-05
- 2 minute(s) read
Add Boolean controls or indicators to a LabVIEW front panel. You can update the object label, toggle TRUE or FALSE, and customize their appearance or behavior.
To add a Boolean control or indicator to the front panel, complete the following steps.
- Add a Boolean control or indicator, such as a push button, to the front panel from the Controls palette.
- Optional:
Label the Boolean item.
-
Type an item name.
This label is the owned label for the control.
- End the editing session by clicking anywhere in the front panel window or pressing the following keys:
- Windows: Ctrl+Enter
- macOS: Option+Enter
- Linux: Alt+Enter
-
Type an item name.
-
To toggle between the TRUE and FALSE states, click the Boolean control with the
Operating tool.
In edit mode, you can operate both Boolean controls and Boolean indicators. If automatic tool selection is enabled, you might need to move the cursor over the Boolean control or indicator and temporarily switch to the Operating tool by pressing the following key:
- Windows: Ctrl
- macOS: Option
- Linux: Alt
- Optional: For Boolean controls, change the mechanical action, if desired.
- Optional:
Customize Boolean objects with .
Available customizations include the following:
- Design your own Boolean style.
- Import pictures for the TRUE, FALSE, and transition states of any Boolean control or indicator.
Related Information
- Labeling Front Panel and Block Diagram Objects
Use object labels to identify objects or document VIs on the LabVIEW front panel or block diagram. Use labels to provide general instructions, identify specific objects, and document Boolean values.
- Editing the Boolean Text Label
Edit Boolean text labels on LabVIEW Boolean controls and indicators so they reflect the TRUE and FALSE states.
- Customizing Boolean Text Labels
Customize Boolean text labels on a front panel control by moving, renaming, formatting, locking, or hiding the ON and OFF states.
- Allowing Multiple Boolean Text Labels for Labeled Buttons
Some pre-labeled Boolean controls, such as OK and Cancel, do not support custom Boolean text by default. You can customize pre-labeled Booleans to allow Boolean text for each state just like other Booleans.
- Changing the Mechanical Action of a Boolean Object
Boolean controls in labVIEW have multiple types of mechanical action. Mechanical action lets you customize Boolean controls to mimic the behavior of different types of buttons on physical instruments.
- Creating Custom Controls and Indicators from the Front Panel
You can use an existing control or indicator on the front panel of a VI in LabVIEW as a starting point for creating a custom control or custom indicator.
- Importing Graphics into Boolean Controls and Indicators
You can use the Control Editor window to import graphics into Boolean controls and indicators to indicate the TRUE, FALSE, and transition states of the control or indicator. Different customization options are available in edit and customize mode for the Control Editor.