Summary of Displaying Customized Graphics on OLED display using Arduino
This tutorial demonstrates how to load custom graphics like logos or GIFs onto an OLED display using an Arduino. Unlike LCDs, OLEDs emit their own light, allowing for deep blacks and thinner designs. The guide outlines necessary components, a simple wiring schematic connecting the display via I2C (SCL/SDA), and instructions to design images in standard software, ensuring they are saved as bitmaps before uploading to the microcontroller.
Parts used in the Custom Graphics on OLED Display Project:
- OLED Display
- Arduino Uno
- Large Breadboard
- Wires
One thing we all always wish we could do when using any display is to load our own custom graphics, be it a logo, gif etc. In today’s tutorial we will show how to do just that on an OLED display using an Arduino.
OLED (organic light-emitting diode) display is a display based on light-emitting diode (LED) in which the emissive electroluminescent layer is a film of organic compound that emits light in response to an electric current. This layer of organic semiconductor is situated between two electrodes; typically, at least one of these electrodes is transparent. OLEDs are used to create digital displays in devices such as television screens, computer monitors, portable systems such as mobile phones, handheld game consoles, and PDAs. OLED displays do not require a backlight because they emit visible light and can thus, display deep black levels and be thinner and lighter than a liquid crystal display (LCD).
We covered how to display text on the OLED display in one of our previous tutorials which can be found here.
Required Component
The following components are required to build this project;
As usual, the exact components used for this tutorial can be bought by following the link attached to each of them.
Schematics
The schematics for this project is a simple one as it involves just the connection between the OLED display and the Arduino. Connect them as shown in the Schematics below.
OLED - ARDUINO VCC - 5v GND - GND SCL - SCL SDA - SDA
Creating the Graphics
After connecting the LCD to our Arduino, the next line of action is to prepare the graphics to be displayed.
The graphics can be created/designed using tools like Microsoft paint, Corel draw, Paint.net or Adobe Photoshop. The important thing is to ensure the image is saved as a bitmap.
Read more: Displaying Customized Graphics on OLED display using Arduino
- How do you load custom graphics on an OLED display?
You can load custom graphics by designing them in tools like Microsoft Paint or Adobe Photoshop, saving them as a bitmap, and then using an Arduino to display them. - What is the difference between OLED and LCD displays?
OLED displays do not require a backlight because they emit visible light, allowing them to display deep black levels and be thinner and lighter than LCDs. - Which components are required for this project?
The required components are an OLED Display, an Arduino Uno, a Large Breadboard, and Wires. - Can you use Corel Draw to create graphics for this project?
Yes, you can use Corel Draw, along with other tools like Microsoft Paint or Adobe Photoshop, to design the graphics. - What file format must the image be saved as?
The important thing is to ensure the image is saved as a bitmap. - How are the SCL and SDA pins connected?
The SCL pin on the OLED connects to the SCL pin on the Arduino, and the SDA pin on the OLED connects to the SDA pin on the Arduino. - Does the OLED display need a backlight?
No, OLED displays do not require a backlight because they emit visible light directly. - What voltage should the VCC pin receive?
The VCC pin of the OLED display should be connected to the 5v pin on the Arduino.
