Compare the Top Government PLC Programming Software as of April 2025

What is Government PLC Programming Software?

PLC programming software is used to program industrial automation systems that are based on programmable logic controllers (PLCs). It enables users to create, modify and debug programs for PLCs in a structured, user-friendly manner. The software can also be used to design control systems for various industries such as pharmaceuticals, aerospace and automotive production. In addition, it provides features such as data logging, trending and simulation capabilities. Compare and read user reviews of the best Government PLC Programming software currently available using the table below. This list is updated regularly.

  • 1
    OpenPLC Editor
    The OpenPLC Editor is an IEC 61131-3 compliant PLC editor totally free and open source. You can use it to upload PLC code directly to any board or system running OpenPLC Runtime. OpenPLC is an open-source programmable logic controller that is based on easy-to-use software. It is the first fully functional standardized open-source PLC, both in software and hardware. The OpenPLC project was created in accordance with the IEC 61131-3 standard, which defines the basic software architecture and programming languages for PLCs. OpenPLC is mainly used in industrial and home automation, the internet of things, and SCADA research. The Runtime is a portable software designed to run from the smallest of all microcontrollers (Arduino-compatible) to powerful servers in the cloud. It is responsible for executing the PLC programs you create using the Editor. The OpenPLC Editor is the software that runs on your computer and, as mentioned, is used to create your PLC programs.
    Starting Price: Free
  • 2
    VTScada

    VTScada

    Trihedral

    VTScada is award-winning software that provides a refreshingly intuitive platform for creating highly-customized industrial monitoring and control applications that end users can trust and use with ease. A wide variety of industries around the world use VTScada for mission-critical applications of every size. VTScada is unique in that all its core SCADA components are developed in-house and are installed out-of-the-box. No need to cobble together basic functionality using custom code and third-party components like alarm dialers, Historians, and application version control. Built-in is better.
    Starting Price: $3,295 one-time fee
  • 3
    ISPSoft

    ISPSoft

    Delta

    ISPSoft is the latest program development tool for Delta's programmable logic controllers (PLC) that complies with the IEC 61131-3 standard to integrate multiple tasks for project management. Customers can use standard PLCopen® function blocks, as well as Delta's self-developed function blocks to easily achieve different control requirements. ISPSoft offers users an efficient and convenient development environment and is suitable for both small and complex control systems. Symbols can be introduced in call-by-value or call-by-reference types. It can be stored and managed separately. Multiple monitor tables can be stored in a single project. Users can design frequently used instructions for specific applications in different industries. Supports cyclic, I/O interrupt, timer interrupt, external interrupt, and more. The software will provide usable tasks for different CPUs. Provides high-speed data log ability and the interval could be 1 CPU scan.
    Starting Price: Free
  • 4
    ABB Automation Builder
    ABB Automation Builder is the integrated software suite for machine builders and system integrators wanting to automate their machines and systems in a productive way. Combining the tools required for configuring, programming, debugging, and maintaining automation projects, Automation Builder addresses the largest single cost element of most of today's industrial automation projects, time spent on working with the software. ABB Automation Builder covers the engineering of AC500 PLCs, AC500 safety PLCs, CP600 control panels, drives, and motion. A convenient setup helps to configure the installation. It also handles license registration, maintenance, and updates of the software. Automation Builder is available in basic (free), standard, and premium editions fitting the needs of small projects and managing the challenges of many and large projects for OEMs and system integrators. Automation Builder is immediately available by using the incorporated 30-day test license.
  • 5
    Studio 5000

    Studio 5000

    Rockwell Automation

    The Studio 5000® environment combines elements of design into one standard framework that optimizes productivity and reduces time to commission. This intuitive integrated design environment focuses on rapid design, re-use, collaboration and virtual design. The updated user interface provides a common, modern user experience across all Studio 5000 applications. Studio 5000 Logix Designer® is an intuitive programming environment that allows users to work collaboratively to design and maintain their systems. With Studio 5000 Architect®, you can jump-start your initial system creation for your control and visualization applications. Studio 5000 Simulation Interface connects controllers – physical or emulated – to simulation and modeling tools to enable virtual commissioning and model-based design.
  • 6
    Eaton easySoft
    Eaton’s easySoft software is used to program easy controllers and displays. The software provides circuit diagram input and editing and the diagrams can be displayed in the format desired. An integrated offline simulation tool allows users to test a circuit diagram before commissioning. It supports users who are configuring, programming, and defining parameters for all the intelligent relays and creating visualization functions for the MFD displays. Existing programs that were created with the previous series (easy500/700/800) can be simply transferred to the easyE4 PLC with automatic conversion of visualizations with easySoft 7. Eaton’s goal is to enhance your product competency, troubleshooting skills, and safe operation of machinery control products. From beginners who are growing their knowledge to experts who need a refresher, Eaton offers a range of self-guided, eLearning, and instructor-led training to meet your individual needs.
  • 7
    SIMATIC STEP 7
    SIMATIC STEP 7 in TIA Portal is the comprehensive engineering tool for configuring and programming SIMATIC controllers, whether PLC- or PC-based. SIMATIC STEP 7 Professional (TIA Portal) can be used to configure, program, test, and diagnose all generations of SIMATIC controllers. SIMATIC STEP 7 Basic (TIA Portal) is the price-optimized subset of STEP 7 Professional software that can be used both for engineering the SIMATIC S7-1200 Basic Controllers and for configuring the SIMATIC HMI Basic Panels, because WinCC Basic is part of the software package. Today’s automation solutions must overcome a variety of challenges. To do this, they require high-performance software that is as efficient, flexible, and reliable as possible, both now and in the future. By choosing the right license for your individual application, you’ll keep your software cost-effectively up to date.
  • 8
    EcoStruxure Machine Expert

    EcoStruxure Machine Expert

    Schneider Electric

    EcoStruxure Machine Expert (formerly SoMachine) saves engineering time through intuitive machine programming, with one of the most modern and powerful tool-based software concepts on the market. EcoStruxure Machine Expert is a unique solution software for developing, configuring, and commissioning the entire machine in a single software environment, including logic, motion control, robotics/mechatronics, simulation, diagnostics, intelligent motor and load management and drives, HMI (Vijeo Designer), IIoT and related network automation functions. Predefined templates allow to save engineering time by applying complete libraries or even a new machine module. One software covering the needs of simple up to high-performance machines. New Machine Expert Installer to install the complete software the web, local folder or physical media.
  • 9
    TwidoSuite

    TwidoSuite

    Schneider Electric

    The first programming software that is organized according to the development tasks of your project, Twido Suite offers you a navigation that will become second nature! Discover a truly modern interface that is simple and intuitive, making implementation more user-friendly, quicker and more efficient. Simply smart, resulting from a study relating to ergonomics, TwidoSuite has been developed to assist and simplify all your operations with the aim of significantly reducing development time. Designed for your simple and varied applications ranging from 10 to 100 I/Os, it also ensures the upgrading of your automation systems.
  • 10
    EcoStruxure Control Expert

    EcoStruxure Control Expert

    Schneider Electric

    EcoStruxure Control Expert is the common programming, debugging and operating software for Modicon M340, M580, M580S, Premium, Momentum and Quantum ranges. Design your applications faster and easier with its standardized objects or libraries, program units, integration of field devices and powerful debug and simulation tools. EcoStruxure Control Expert allows you to maintain and update your installations without stopping the process (CCOTF). With Modicon M580 web server, you can diagnose from any tablet or smartphone. EcoStruxure Control Expert’s integrated conversion tools and Unity M580 Application Converter (UMAC) bring smooth continuity and migration from your legacy PLC ranges to the new generation PACs.
  • 11
    TIA Portal

    TIA Portal

    Siemens

    Totally Integrated Automation Portal (TIA Portal) gives you unrestricted access to the complete range of digitalized automation services, from digital planning to integrated engineering and transparent operation. Shorten your time to market with the aid of simulation tools, boost the productivity of your plant using additional diagnostic and energy management functions, and increase flexibility via connections to the management level. Innovative simulation tools, seamlessly integrated engineering, and transparent plant operation work perfectly together in TIA Portal for more flexibility, speed, and productivity. The new options benefit system integrators and machine builders as well as plant operators, making TIA Portal your perfect gateway to automation in the Digital Enterprise. With a digital workflow, a virtual model of machines and plants can be used to simulate and test every aspect before actually building the real thing.
  • 12
    LADDER EDITOR
    Thanks to its user-friendly features based on the distinctive functions of the Windows® operating system, such as icons, menu bar, and mouse operation. Such operations as cut, copy, paste, and save can be done in the same way as on other Windows® based software. Execution of various commands and input of ladder symbols can be easily performed using a mouse. The features of LADDER EDITOR for Windows® help users program efficiently.
  • 13
    HX CODESYS

    HX CODESYS

    Hitachi

    The CODESYS OPC UA Server is a scalable solution for runtime systems that optimal fits the resources of the controller. The component is platform-independent and is very easy to integrate into the current runtime system. The product is targeting OEM customers and enables the integration of OEM-specific objects via the integrated provider interface. Various functions such as automatic input completion and assistance, syntax error check, debug and simulation allow you efficient development. Compiler for optimized powerful machine code of HXCPU. Project trees allow you collective management of devices, tasks, and programs of application.
  • 14
    Pro-H

    Pro-H

    Hitachi

    Pro-H is the universally usable 32 bit Programming software for all Hitachi H-Series PLC. Flexible choice of editors considerably decreases programming time. Additional special instructions for H-Series PLC. Standard according to IEC 61131-3.
  • 15
    SILworX
    SILworX allows you to program and configure your HIMA safety-related controllers and diagnose errors in an intuitive user interface. This results in fewer user errors and faster engineering – enabling you to commission your safety system more quickly and adapt it to new requirements immediately. The engineering tool is a part of the HIMA Smart Safety Platform and supports current standards such as OPC UA (Open Platform Communications Unified Architecture). Thanks to its API, the software can be integrated into almost any system landscape. Automated tests and version management in external tools are also possible. Comparing logics and making changes visible. With the SILworX COMPARATOR PLUS project changes are quick, easy and comprehensible. It allows you to compare the logic of two programs, functions or functions blocks (Programming Organization Units) with one another, displaying the changes graphically and in tabular form with a high degree of detail.
  • 16
    CX-Programmer
    CX-Programmer, the programming software for all Omron's PLC series, is fully integrated into the CX-One software suite. CX-Programmer includes a wide variety of features to speed up the development of your PLC program. New parameter-setting dialogues reduce setup time, and with standard function blocks in IEC 61131-3 structured text or conventional ladder language, CX-Programmer makes the development of PLC programs a simple drag & drop configuration. Create advanced programs using data blocks of identical data types (Arrays), or different data types (Structures). Member symbols of the new User Defined Type can be simply accessed from the program. Symbol creation becomes quicker as memory allocation and management is automatic, and you can easily monitor all member symbols in the Watch Window just by using their name. Using Structures and Arrays as In / Out variables for a Function Block provides simple passing of many parameters in a uniform layout.
  • 17
    RSLogix 500

    RSLogix 500

    Rockwell Automation

    RSLogix 500 is the design and programming environment for the 1747 SLC and MicroLogix controller platforms. This software offering scales based on controller platform support as well as programming capabilities to ensure the right fit and function for your application.
  • Previous
  • You're on page 1
  • Next