PLC programming software for every brand
Every PLC manufacturer has its own programming software, and you usually cannot program one brand with another brand's tool. This guide lists the software for each major brand, which PLCs it supports, whether a free version exists and how you can practise without hardware.
The big picture
All PLC software does the same core jobs: configure the hardware (CPU, I/O modules, network), write the program, download it to the PLC, and monitor it live while the machine runs. The programming languages are also largely shared, thanks to the IEC 61131-3 standard. What differs is the user interface, the addressing system and the licensing.
Software by brand
| Brand | Software | PLCs | Free option |
|---|---|---|---|
| Siemens | TIA Portal (STEP 7) | S7-1200, S7-1500, S7-300/400, ET 200SP CPU | 21-day trial |
| Siemens | STEP 7 V5.x (SIMATIC Manager) | older S7-300/400 | no |
| Siemens | LOGO! Soft Comfort | LOGO! logic modules | demo |
| Mitsubishi | GX Works3 | iQ-R, iQ-F (FX5) | trial |
| Mitsubishi | GX Works2 / GX Developer | Q, L, FX3 and older FX | trial |
| Rockwell / Allen-Bradley | Studio 5000 Logix Designer | ControlLogix, CompactLogix | no |
| Rockwell / Allen-Bradley | RSLogix 500 | SLC 500, MicroLogix | Micro Starter Lite (MicroLogix 1000/1100) |
| Rockwell / Allen-Bradley | Connected Components Workbench | Micro800 | yes, free |
| JTEKT | TOYOPUC-PCwin | TOYOPUC PC10, Plus, Nano | no |
| Omron | Sysmac Studio / CX-Programmer | NJ/NX / CP, CJ, CS | trial |
| Beckhoff | TwinCAT 3 | Beckhoff IPCs and embedded PCs | free engineering, trial runtime |
| Many brands | CODESYS | WAGO, ifm, Festo, Bosch Rexroth, Eaton and hundreds more | yes, free |
| Schneider Electric | EcoStruxure Control Expert (formerly Unity Pro) | Modicon M340, M580 | trial |
| Schneider Electric | EcoStruxure Machine Expert (CODESYS based) | Modicon M241, M251, M262 | basic version free |
| Keyence | KV STUDIO | KV-8000, KV-5000, KV Nano | from Keyence |
| Delta | ISPSoft / WPLSoft / DIADesigner | DVP and AS series | yes, free |
| LS Electric | XG5000 | XGT series | yes, free |
| Panasonic | FPWIN Pro / FPWIN GR | FP series | limited free version |
Licensing and free versions change over time, so check the manufacturer's website for the current terms.
HMI and drive software
The PLC software is usually part of a suite. Siemens WinCC (in TIA Portal) programs HMI panels; Mitsubishi GT Designer3 programs GOT panels; Rockwell FactoryTalk View programs PanelView terminals; Omron NB-Designer and Sysmac Studio cover HMIs. Drives and servos have their own tools (Startdrive, MR Configurator2, Connected Components Workbench) or are configured inside the PLC suite.
Simulators: practise without hardware
| Software | Simulator |
|---|---|
| TIA Portal | S7-PLCSIM / PLCSIM Advanced |
| GX Works2 / 3 | built-in simulation |
| Studio 5000 | FactoryTalk Logix Echo / Logix Emulate |
| Sysmac Studio | built-in simulator |
| CODESYS | CODESYS Control Win (soft PLC) |
| Any brand | PLC Sim Lab Playground: free in the browser, with Siemens, Mitsubishi, Allen-Bradley and TOYOPUC addressing |
Which one should you learn?
- Learn the one used where you work or want to work. Europe and India: Siemens is very common. North America: Rockwell. Japan and Japanese plants worldwide: Mitsubishi, Omron, Keyence and TOYOPUC (Toyota group).
- The skills transfer. Once you understand ladder logic, timers and counters and I/O wiring, switching brands mostly means learning a new menu layout and address format.
- CODESYS is a good free way to learn IEC 61131-3 structured text and function blocks.
Watch it in the video tutorial
Starts at 7:10: writing and checking a ladder program in the free simulator. Open on YouTube →
Try it yourself. Wire sensors, contactors and a PLC, write ladder logic and press RUN in the free PLC Sim Lab Playground. Nothing to install.
Open the Playground →Guided lessons →