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In the world of PLC programming, the gap between experts and beginners often lies in the details. While others are still clicking through menus to find functions, experts have already completed complex operations using keyboard shortcuts — this not only demonstrates efficiency but also reflects professionalism! Today, we have compiled the core shortcuts for Siemens and Mitsubishi PLCs. Whether you are a seasoned industrial control veteran or a beginner, saving this article will significantly boost your operational efficiency!
01🧰Comprehensive Analysis of Siemens PLC Shortcuts: From Basics to Advanced
1. Core Function Shortcuts (Must Remember!)
- F1: Get real-time help, a lifesaver when programming gets stuck
- F2: Quickly enter edit mode for ladder diagrams, modify programs anytime
- F3: One-click switch to run mode, super convenient for testing programs
- Shift+F3: Enter monitoring mode (supports online editing), debug while running
- F4: Compile the program, check for syntax errors in advance
- Ctrl+F: Quickly find soft components and addresses, essential for large programs
2. Component Input Shortcuts (Double Efficiency)
| Operation Content | Shortcut Key | Scenario Example |
|---|---|---|
| Normally Open Contact Input | F5 | Quickly build a start circuit |
| Parallel Normally Open Contacts | Shift+F5 | Multi-condition parallel control |
| Normally Closed Contact Input | F6 | Emergency stop buttons and other protection circuits |
| Coil Output | F7 | Drive motors, solenoids, and other actuators |
| Function Instruction Input | F8 | Call complex instructions like addition, shifting, etc. |
| Horizontal Line Input | F9 | Connect logic circuits |
| Vertical Line Input | Shift+F9 | Build branch circuits |
3. Editing and Navigation Shortcuts (Precise Operations)
- Delete: Delete the current component and lines, a savior for mistakes
- Shift+Delete: One-click delete the line where the cursor is located, essential for batch modifications
- Insert: Insert a single component (cursor turns rose red)
- Shift+Insert: Insert an entire row, more flexible for program expansion
- Ctrl+Home/End: Quickly locate to the beginning or end of the program, a navigation tool for long programs
- Arrow Key + Shift: Batch select cells, more efficient for area operations
02📊Mitsubishi PLC Shortcuts: The Efficiency Code of Japanese Programming
1. Basic Keys for Project Management (Used 100 times a day)
- Ctrl+N: Create a new project file, essential for starting new projects
- Ctrl+O: Open an existing project, quickly switch projects
- Ctrl+S: Save the project file, prevent accidental loss
- Ctrl+Z: Undo operation, 3 times faster than mouse click undo
- Ctrl+X/C/V: Cut, copy, paste, consistent with Windows logic
- Alt+0: Show/hide project file data, a tool for organizing the interface
2. Monitoring and Running Control (Core of Debugging)
- F3: Switch to monitor mode, view program running status in real-time
- Shift+F3: Monitor write mode (can be modified online)
- Alt+F3: Stop monitoring, quickly exit after debugging
- Ctrl+F3: Start monitoring all windows, view multiple tasks simultaneously
- F4: Convert the current program (compile), a unique operation for Mitsubishi
- Alt+Ctrl+F4: Convert all programs, batch checking is more reassuring
3. Ladder Diagram and SFC Programming Techniques
- F2/Shift+F2: Write mode / Read mode switch, protect the program from accidental changes
- F5/F6: Normally open / Normally closed contact input, more intuitive for Japanese programming logic
- Ctrl + Arrow Key: Move the ladder diagram cursor, precisely locate each component
- Alt+F1: Switch between ladder diagram and instruction list, freely switch perspectives
- Ctrl+J: Convert SFC and ladder diagram, essential for complex process programming
- Shift+Ins/Del: Insert / Delete rows, more flexible for SFC process adjustments
03💡10 Golden Shortcuts Every Beginner Must Remember (Use Daily!)
| Function Scenario | Siemens Shortcut | Mitsubishi Shortcut | Application Scenario Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Project | – | Ctrl+N | Start a new project |
| Save File | Ctrl+S | Ctrl+S | Press every 5 minutes to prevent crashes |
| Normally Open Contact | F5 | F5 | Start button, sensor input |
| Normally Closed Contact | F6 | F6 | Stop button, limit switch |
| Compile Program | F4 | F4 | Syntax check before downloading |
| Online Monitoring | Shift+F3 | F3 | View real-time sensor values |
| Copy and Paste | Ctrl+C/V | Ctrl+C/V | Quick reuse of repeated modules |
| Find Component | Ctrl+F | Ctrl+F | Locate components in complex programs |
| Undo Operation | Ctrl+Z | Ctrl+Z | Emergency recovery when components are accidentally deleted |
| Soft Component Testing | Alt+1 | Alt+1 | Test buttons, check if relays are functioning |
📌Efficient Memory Techniques: Master the Shortcut System in 3 Steps
- Classification Memory Method: Classify shortcuts into “Project Management”, “Component Input”, “Monitoring and Debugging”, memorize one category at a time
- Muscle Memory Training: Spend 10 minutes daily practicing deliberately, such as using shortcuts to repeatedly build simple circuits
- Create Shortcut Stickers: Print this article and stick it next to your monitor, develop the habit of looking at the keyboard instead of the mouse
Exclusive Benefits for Industrial Control Professionals: After saving this article, consider sharing it with colleagues — when the whole team uses shortcuts, collaboration efficiency will undergo a qualitative change! What is your most frequently used PLC shortcut? Let’s discuss your efficiency tips in the comments!
Note: Different PLC software versions may have slight differences, it is recommended to refer to actual software operations. Remember to check the software version you are using before saving!
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