How to Draw a Scale Pointer in EEZ Studio?

Learn how to draw a scale pointer in EEZ Studio with simple steps, clear guidance, and a natural workflow that helps you build smoother UI elements.

To draw a scale pointer in EEZ Studio, you create or import a pointer shape, set the anchor where it rotates, add it to a gauge, then bind it to a value that updates during runtime. Once the pointer is anchored and connected, it moves with the data. If you’re interested in exploring more design and development tools, check out our guide on the best AI apps for design and development to enhance your workflow.

Let me be honest with you. The first time I tried to draw a scale pointer in EEZ Studio, I thought it would take a few clicks. You know… drag a gauge, drop a pointer, done. But when I got to that part, I realized the software expected me to figure out what the pointer should even look like. And then where it rotates. And then how it links to the data. It wasn’t complicated, but it wasn’t obvious either.

So if you’re here thinking, “Alright… how do I actually draw a scale pointer in EEZ Studio?” trust me, you’re not alone. I’m going to walk you through it the same way I figured it out myself… slowly at first, then with that moment where everything clicks and you think, “Oh… that’s it.”

Stick with me. You’ll get it.

Understanding What a Scale Pointer Actually Is

Before you start drawing anything, you need to understand the idea behind it. EEZ Studio gives you a gauge, but it doesn’t automatically hand you the pointer. You build it. That’s the whole idea. You get control.

Instead of being stuck with preset styles, the software expects you to draw or import the pointer you want. And honestly, once you get into it, that flexibility is nice. It just means that this one part requires a few small steps that you might not expect.

Think of it like making the hand on a clock. You don’t want a random hand placed anywhere. You want to design your own, choose how long it is, and decide exactly where it rotates from.

That’s what you’re doing here.

Setting Up Your Gauge First

Before you even touch the pointer, make sure your gauge is ready. If the gauge isn’t set up properly, the pointer won’t behave the way you want.

Add a Gauge Widget

Here’s what you do:

1. Drag a Gauge widget into your UI.
2. Set the minimum and maximum values.
3. Adjust the style… circular, half-scale, arc, whatever fits your project.
4. Make sure the scale looks the way you want before adding anything else.

It’s easier to draw the pointer once you know the shape and rotation path of the gauge.

Drawing the Pointer Shape

This is where most people hover for a moment because the options can feel wide open. Just breathe. You only need a simple, clean needle. You’re not painting a masterpiece. You’re drawing a pointer.

Open the Vector Editor

Click your gauge. Find the pointer or needle settings. Choose Edit or Create Custom Shape.

Once the editor opens, you’re in the right place.

Create a Simple Pointer

You can draw anything here… but keep it simple at first. A thin triangle or line works best.

Try this:

1. Add a shape.
2. Pick Line or Polygon.
3. Draw a long, narrow pointer facing upward.
4. Keep the base near the bottom center.
5. Don’t make it too thick… too wide… or too fancy.

The rule is simple. You want a pointer that is easy to see, not one that steals attention from the scale itself.

Set the Anchor Point

This part matters more than anything else you’re doing.

The anchor is the center of rotation… the imaginary screw the pointer spins around. If the anchor is even a little off, the pointer will rotate in a weird orbit and you’ll hate the way it looks.

Place the anchor:

• Right at the bottom end of your pointer
• Centered horizontally
• Exactly where the pointer should pivot

Once you get this right, everything else becomes easier.

Configuring the Pointer Rotation

Now that the pointer exists, it needs to rotate. EEZ Studio handles rotation through angles.

Set the Start and End Angles

Your gauge probably covers an arc. You choose two angles:

• Start angle
• End angle

For example, if your scale goes from left to right, you might use:

• Start: 160 degrees
• End: 20 degrees

It depends on how your gauge is shaped. If it rotates the wrong way the first time, don’t panic. Just flip the angles. You’ll figure it out fast.

Bind the Pointer to a Value

Your pointer won’t move in simulation mode unless you bind it to a variable.

Bind it to:

• A test variable
• A real hardware value
• A script variable

Pick something that changes so you can watch the pointer move.

Once you bind it, try adjusting the value. You should see the pointer respond immediately.

Styling the Pointer So It Looks Good

Now you’ve got a pointer that rotates, but it probably looks plain. Let’s clean it up.

Choose a Clear Color

Pick a color that stands out on your gauge. Red, black, white… as long as it’s readable.

Adjust Thickness

A pointer that’s too thick looks clumsy. A pointer that’s too thin gets lost.

Find the middle. You’ll know it when you see it.

Add a Center Cap (Optional)

You can cover the anchor with a small circle. It makes the pointer look more like a real analog meter. This part is optional, but a lot of people like the polish it gives.

Advanced Pointer Techniques

Once you’ve built a basic pointer, you might want more versatility.

Using a Custom SVG Pointer

If you prefer drawing in Figma, Illustrator, or Inkscape, you can:

1. Draw a precise pointer
2. Export an SVG
3. Import it into EEZ Studio
4. Set the anchor manually
5. Bind it like before

This gives you more control and lets you create very clean, professional-looking dials.

Adding Movement Smoothing

Sometimes a pointer jumps too fast when the data updates. You can enable smoothing so the motion feels more natural.

Using Multiple Pointers

You can have two or three pointers on the same gauge if you want:

• One for the actual value
• One for the peak
• One for the average

Just repeat the pointer steps and bind each one to a different value.

Common Problems You’ll Probably Hit

It’s completely normal to run into these. I’ll tell you how to fix each one.

Pointer Rotates Off Center

Your anchor is misplaced. Move it closer to the base.

Pointer Moves Backwards

Swap your start and end angles.

Pointer Disappears Behind the Scale

Move it to the front layer.

Pointer Doesn’t Move During Simulation

Check the value binding. Then try changing the value yourself.

Pointer Shakes or Jumps

Turn on easing or smoothing.

Comparison Table

Here’s a quick way to compare different pointer creation methods so you can choose what fits your project.

A Simple Temperature Gauge

Let’s walk through a real scenario so you can picture the whole workflow.

Imagine you’re building a temperature meter that goes from 0 to 300.

Here’s what you do:

1. Add a gauge widget.
2. Set min and max: 0 to 300.
3. Choose start and end angles that fit your design.
4. Draw a thin red pointer.
5. Anchor it at the base.
6. Bind it to your temperature variable.
7. Add a small center cap.
8. Test it in simulation mode.

You’ll see the pointer follow the value smoothly. Once you’ve done this once, the entire process becomes muscle memory.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make the pointer rotate smoother? Turn on easing or smoothing options in your gauge settings. This softens fast movement.

Why is my pointer spinning in the wrong direction? Your angles are reversed. Flip the start and end angles.

What if I want a custom pointer shape? Draw it in the vector editor or import an SVG from a graphics tool.

Why is my pointer not rotating at all? Check the value binding. Make sure your variable changes.

Can I have more than one pointer on a gauge? Yes. Add multiple shapes and bind each one to its own variable.

Why does the pointer look blurry? Increase its thickness or sharpen the SVG if you imported one.

Key Takings

• Drawing a scale pointer in EEZ Studio is mostly about understanding the anchor, the shape, and the angle settings.
• The pointer only rotates cleanly when the anchor is placed at the correct pivot point.
• The vector editor is simple but powerful enough for clean pointer designs.
• SVGs give you more control if you prefer designing outside EEZ Studio.
• Value binding is what actually drives pointer movement.
• Smoothing makes the pointer feel more natural.
• Once you build one working pointer, the process becomes straightforward for every future gauge.