7 Best PLC Simulation PC Software for Training in 2026

Enter PLC simulation software. These indispensable tools have revolutionized automation training by creating a risk-free, cost-effective virtual environment where complex industrial processes can be designed, coded, tested, and debugged directly on a personal computer. A high-quality PLC simulator does more than just run code; it creates a digital twin of an industrial machine, providing realistic feedback and a crucial visual link between the logic and the controlled process. This article details the seven best PLC simulation PC software available today, covering everything from industry-standard powerhouse development suites to dedicated 3D training platforms, ensuring you find the perfect tool to master the art of industrial control.

7 Best PLC Simulation PC Software for Training

Siemens SIMATIC S7-PLCSIM (and TIA Portal)
Factory I/O
CODESYS Development System (with SoftPLC)
Rockwell Automation Studio 5000 Emulate (or LogixPro/PLCLogix)
PLCLogix 500 and 5000 Simulators
OpenPLC Editor
Nirtec Machines Simulator Suite

1. Siemens SIMATIC S7-PLCSIM (and TIA Portal)

The Industry Titan’s Training Ground

Siemens is a dominant force in global automation, and its simulation tool, S7-PLCSIM, is the gold standard for anyone working with the company’s S7-1200 and S7-1500 controllers. It is not a standalone tool but an integral part of the Totally Integrated Automation (TIA) Portal engineering framework, Siemens’ powerful IDE (Integrated Development Environment).

Key Features & Why It Ranks High

Native Integration: PLCSIM is seamlessly integrated into the TIA Portal, allowing users to write code (in Ladder Diagram (LAD), Function Block Diagram (FBD), or Structured Text (SCL)) and instantly download it to the virtual controller. This is the most authentic simulation experience for Siemens users.
S7-PLCSIM Advanced: This version allows the creation of a full virtual CPU (SoftPLC) on your PC, which can communicate with plant simulation software like Factory I/O via a virtual network interface, enabling comprehensive Virtual Commissioning.
Diagnostics: It offers the full suite of diagnostic tools available in the real-world hardware, teaching essential troubleshooting skills.
Market Relevance: Mastering TIA Portal and PLCSIM is crucial for employment in any industry relying on Siemens PLCs (automotive, food & beverage, and heavy manufacturing).

2. Factory I/O

The Gold Standard for 3D Factory Visualization

Factory I/O is a cutting-edge, 3D simulation platform that is often the missing piece for a complete training environment. Unlike the other entries on this list, which focus on the programming environment, Factory I/O focuses on the realistic 3D visualization of the industrial process.

Key Features & Why It Ranks High

Realistic 3D Worlds: It provides a library of common industrial scenarios—like conveyor systems, bottling lines, and automated warehouses—that react realistically to your PLC code. This visual feedback is invaluable for quickly understanding the impact of your logic.
Brand Agnostic Connectivity: This is its greatest strength. It connects to nearly every major PLC platform’s simulation tool, including:
- Siemens S7-PLCSIM
- Rockwell Emulators (LogixPro/Studio 5000)
- Codesys SoftPLC
- Modbus TCP/OPC UA
Easy Scenario Building: Users can easily build custom training scenarios using a library of industrial parts (sensors, actuators, valves, etc.).
Skill Bridging: It bridges the gap between raw code (Ladder Logic) and real-world mechanics, teaching I/O mapping and sequential control logic memorably.

3. CODESYS Development System (with SoftPLC)

The Universal, Hardware-Independent Platform

CODESYS is a vendor-neutral, hardware-independent development environment that supports the entire IEC 61131-3 programming standard. It is used by over 500 manufacturers globally to program their controllers, making it one of the most versatile tools for a new automation professional.

Key Features & Why It Ranks High

IEC 61131-3 Compliance: Supports all five standard languages: Ladder Diagram (LD), Function Block Diagram (FBD), Structured Text (ST), Instruction List (IL), and Sequential Function Chart (SFC). This exposure is excellent for comprehensive training.
Integrated SoftPLC: The CODESYS Development System includes an extremely capable SoftPLC (software PLC) that runs directly on your PC. You can program, compile, and execute the code without any external hardware.
Virtual I/O and Visualization: You can create simple visualization screens (HMI) directly within the environment and map your PLC I/O to these controls, effectively building a virtual machine complete with its own operator panel.
Open and Free for Development: The IDE itself is typically free to download and use, with licenses only required for the runtime on a physical controller. This makes it highly accessible for training.

4. Rockwell Automation Studio 5000 Emulate (or LogixPro/PLCLogix)

The North American Standard for Logix Systems

Rockwell Automation (Allen-Bradley) is the other major global player, particularly dominant in North America. Their primary simulation tool is Studio 5000 Emulate, designed to work with their modern CompactLogix and ControlLogix controllers.

Key Features & Why It Ranks High

Authentic Logix Environment: It is the official emulator that replicates the behavior of a physical Logix controller, including its memory and task structure. This provides essential experience with the premium Studio 5000 software.
I/O Simulation Modules: Emulate includes virtual I/O modules that can be linked to third-party 3D simulation software (like Factory I/O) or simply manipulated manually for testing.
Ladder-Logic-Specific Alternatives (PLCLogix/LogixPro): For beginners or those focused on older, legacy Allen-Bradley systems (like RSLogix 500), third-party programs like PLCLogix or LogixPro are excellent alternatives.⁵ They offer standalone simulators specifically for the older Logix 500 instruction set, complete with 3D worlds like bottling lines and traffic lights for hands-on ladder practice.
Career Necessity: Familiarity with the Logix platform and its simulation tools is a requirement for countless automation engineering roles in the US and beyond.

5. PLCLogix 500 and 5000 Simulators

The Ultimate Training Software for Beginners and Schools

While Rockwell’s official tools (like Emulate) can be complex and costly for individual students, PLCLogix offers a dedicated, user-friendly simulation solution specifically for training, often packaged with curriculum for educational institutions.

Key Features & Why It Ranks High

Dedicated Training Focus: PLCLogix is designed from the ground up to be an educational tool, making it highly intuitive for first-time programmers.
Integrated 3D-Worlds: The software features a suite of interactive 3D environments (“3DWorlds”) such as car washes, batch mixers, and elevators. Users write the ladder logic, and the simulated machine responds instantly in the 3D world.
Lab Projects and Curriculum: It includes hundreds of pre-built lab projects, guiding the user through basic instructions (Timers, Counters) to advanced applications, providing a structured learning path.
Emulates RSLogix: The PLCLogix 500 version closely emulates the look and feel of the Rockwell RSLogix 500 software, giving students relevant experience without the high cost of a professional license.

6. OpenPLC Editor

The Free and Open-Source Champion

For students, hobbyists, or developers interested in the intersection of PLC, IoT, and open-source hardware (like Arduino and Raspberry Pi), OpenPLC Editor is an outstanding, completely free option.

Key Features & Why It Ranks High

Completely Free and Open Source: There is no cost, making it the most accessible entry point for anyone to begin their PLC programming journey.
Full IEC 61131-3 Support: Despite being free, OpenPLC supports all five standard languages, giving users a robust platform to learn Structured Text, Ladder Diagram, and Sequential Function Chart.
Target Flexibility: The OpenPLC Runtime can run on a variety of low-cost hardware (e.g., microcontrollers) or on your PC. The Editor allows you to program and simulate your code before deploying it to the physical hardware.
Web-Based Interface: It includes a simple web interface for monitoring and configuration, teaching basic SCADA principles and Modbus TCP/RTU communication, which are vital industry concepts.
Community Support: As an open-source project, it benefits from a growing community of users and developers, providing ample online resources and support.

7. Nirtec Machines Simulator Suite

The Custom Digital Twin Builder

Nirtec’s Machines Simulator Suite is an “All-in-One” solution focused on creating highly custom and realistic digital twins of industrial machines. It is geared towards users who want to build their own training scenarios or test complex machine designs.

Key Features & Why It Ranks High

Custom Machine Building: Its core strength is the extensive library of configurable 3D industrial components (motors, cylinders, sensors, etc.). Users can literally build any machine they can imagine within the virtual environment.
Broad PLC Compatibility: It supports an impressive range of drivers to interface with PLCs from all major brands (Siemens, Allen-Bradley, Beckhoff, etc.) via industrial communication protocols (Modbus, OPC, etc.).
Digital Twin and VR/AR: It is an ideal platform for creating a true digital twin for an engineering project, testing complex physics, and real-time interaction. It also supports Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) for immersive training.
Educational Tutorials: The software includes a Tutorial Manager with practical exercises, positioning it as a robust tool for educational centers and corporate training programs focused on industrial mechanics and control.¹⁵

Choosing Your Ideal PLC Simulator: A Comparative Guide

Selecting the right simulation software depends entirely on your goal. Are you learning for a specific job, or are you just starting with the fundamentals?

Software Name	Best For	Core Feature	Brand Affiliation	Free/Paid Model
Siemens S7-PLCSIM	Career in Complex Automation (EU/Asia)	Native integration with TIA Portal, Virtual Commissioning	Siemens	Paid (Trial Available)
Factory I/O	Visualizing Code in a 3D Environment	3D Plant Simulation, Brand-Agnostic Connectivity	Generic	Paid (Trial Available)
CODESYS	Learning All IEC 61131-3 Languages	Hardware-Independent SoftPLC, Integrated Visualization	Vendor-Neutral	Free IDE, Paid Runtime
Studio 5000 Emulate	Career in Rockwell Automation (North America)	Authentic Logix Controller Emulation	Rockwell Automation	Paid (Included with Studio 5000 License)
PLCLogix 500/5000	Beginner/Student-Focused Ladder Logic Training	Integrated 3D Worlds and Structured Curriculum	Allen-Bradley (Emulation)	Paid (Educational Focus)
OpenPLC Editor	Free Learning and Open-Source/IoT Projects	Full IEC 61131-3 Support on PC, Arduino, Raspberry Pi	Open-Source/Generic	Completely Free
Nirtec Machines Simulator	Building Custom Digital Twins and Machine Scenarios	Extensive 3D Component Library, Multi-Brand Drivers	Generic	Paid (Professional/Educational)

The Essential Role of Simulation in Modern Automation

The shift from physical lab benches to virtual simulation is a core part of the Industry 4.0 movement, particularly in the process of Virtual Commissioning.

Reduced Risk and Cost

Simulators allow engineers to test control logic for high-value or safety-critical machinery before the physical equipment is even built. A coding error in a simulation is a simple program reset; an error on a live machine could result in thousands of dollars in damage or, worse, a safety incident. This upfront testing dramatically reduces commissioning time and virtually eliminates the risk of hardware damage.

The Power of the Digital Twin

The concept of the Digital Twin is at the heart of modern simulation. It’s a virtual replica of a physical asset, system, or process. Simulation software allows the PLC code—the “brain” of the machine—to interact with the virtual Digital Twin—the “body”—providing unparalleled insight into how the physical process will behave. This is not just a training benefit; it is an industrial tool used to optimize production lines for speed, efficiency, and energy consumption.

Flexibility and Accessibility

For education, the benefits are transformative. Students can practice advanced concepts like PID control, motion control, and network communication from a laptop anywhere in the world. This democratization of access ensures that the future workforce is trained on the same cutting-edge software used by leading manufacturers, creating a more skilled and adaptable labor pool ready for the challenges of modern industrial environments.

Conclusion: Investing in Your Automation Future

The best PLC simulation PC software is more than a learning tool—it’s a gateway to a high-demand career. Whether you choose the market dominance of Siemens TIA Portal with PLCSIM, the visual mastery offered by Factory I/O, the open flexibility of CODESYS or OpenPLC, or the beginner-friendly curriculum of PLCLogix, you are making a critical investment in practical, risk-free skill development.

As automation continues to drive global industry, the ability to rapidly test and commission complex control systems virtually is no longer a luxury—it’s a requirement. Download a free trial, start with an open-source option, and begin your journey toward mastering the logic that runs the world’s factories. The control room is now open on your desktop.