Best Free PLC Programming Software of 2025

The OpenPLC Editor is a completely free and open-source tool that adheres to the IEC 61131-3 standard for PLC editing. This software allows users to upload PLC code directly to any compatible board or system utilizing OpenPLC Runtime. OpenPLC represents a revolutionary shift in programmable logic controllers, offering an intuitive software interface that is fully open-source for both software and hardware aspects. The project was developed in line with the IEC 61131-3 standard, which outlines essential software architecture and programming languages for PLCs. It finds its primary applications in various fields, including industrial automation, home automation, IoT implementations, and SCADA research. The Runtime component is versatile, capable of operating on everything from minimal microcontrollers, such as Arduino, to powerful cloud servers. It plays a crucial role in executing the PLC programs that users develop through the Editor. Thus, the OpenPLC Editor serves as the primary interface for users to design and implement their PLC applications effectively.

VTScada is a user-friendly platform that allows you to create highly customized industrial monitoring and control applications that end-users can trust and use with ease. VTScada is used by many industries worldwide for mission-critical applications. The Human Machine Interface Software allows industrial users to monitor and control their equipment via a computer. This software can be used to control pumps and motors, or display fluid levels and temperatures on a monitor. HMI software (such VTScada) is used to control remote hardware and retrieve process information. Municipal utilities, for example, can use radios to centrally monitor the distribution of water and wastewater collection sites distributed over a large geographical area or an Ethernet network.

ISPSoft is a cutting-edge program development tool designed for Delta's programmable logic controllers (PLC), adhering to the IEC 61131-3 standard to facilitate the integration of various tasks in project management. Users are empowered to utilize both standard PLCopen® function blocks and Delta's proprietary function blocks, enabling them to meet diverse control needs effortlessly. The platform presents a user-friendly and effective development environment, making it suitable for projects ranging from simple to highly complex control systems. It allows for the introduction of symbols in both call-by-value and call-by-reference formats, which can be managed and stored independently. In addition, multiple monitoring tables can be housed within a single project, enhancing data organization. Users have the flexibility to design custom instructions tailored for specific applications across different industries. Additionally, ISPSoft supports a variety of interrupt types, including cyclic, I/O, timer, and external interrupts, thus offering robust options for task management. It ensures that the software provides applicable tasks tailored to various CPU configurations, while also boasting high-speed data logging capabilities, with intervals as short as a single CPU scan, greatly enhancing operational efficiency. This comprehensive tool ultimately streamlines the process of developing and managing control systems effectively.

The ABB Automation Builder serves as a comprehensive software suite tailored for machine builders and system integrators aiming to efficiently automate their machinery and systems. By integrating essential tools for configuring, programming, debugging, and maintaining automation initiatives, Automation Builder effectively tackles the most significant cost factor in today's industrial automation projects: the time invested in software management. This powerful suite supports the engineering of AC500 PLCs, AC500 safety PLCs, CP600 control panels, drives, and motion control systems. Its user-friendly setup simplifies installation configuration, while also managing software license registration, maintenance, and updates. Available in basic (free), standard, and premium versions, Automation Builder caters to a range of project requirements, from small-scale endeavors to the complexities faced by OEMs and system integrators in larger projects. Furthermore, users can immediately access Automation Builder through a built-in 30-day trial license, allowing them to explore its features and benefits without initial commitment. This versatility ensures that users can find a suitable edition to meet their specific automation requirements efficiently.