These properties define the image displayed on the button surface of an interactive button element.


Image Source Options

To specify the origin or type of picture, choose one of the following options:

OptionDescription
Content LibraryReference an existing picture file from the PADS4 Content Library (recommended). Content Library items are auto-synced across all PCs, with relative references.
File NameReference an existing picture file located outside the Content Library. Files must be manually distributed and referenced with absolute file paths.
External Data from Data SourceConnect the element to a Data Provider and specify which data row and column will provide the image dynamically.

Data Provider Settings (When using external data)

PropertyDescription
Data ProviderConnect to a source such as a table, query, stored procedure, XML file, RSS feed, etc. You can create new providers on the fly. See Working with Data Providers for more.
ColumnSelect the column containing the image reference.
Content TypeSpecify how the content should be interpreted (e.g., image file path, URL, etc.).
RowSpecify which row of the data source to bind to the element.

Image Display Options

PropertyDescription
StretchIf enabled, the image will automatically resize to fit the element boundaries.
Maintain Aspect RatioIf enabled, the image will retain its original width-to-height ratio when stretched.

Remarks

  • Only references to image files are stored in the presentation, not the images themselves. If the image file is updated, the new version will be used automatically during playback.
  • If the specified row does not exist in the data source, no image will be displayed.
  • TIP: For best visual quality, try to display images at their original size when possible.