PLC programming
---
## ✅ **Free Learning Platforms for PLC**
### 🎓 **Free Online Courses & Tutorials**
| Platform | Course/Topic | Notes |
|---------|---------------|-------|
| [RealPars YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/user/RealPars) | PLC Basics, Siemens
TIA, Ladder Logic | Top-quality video lessons |
| [SolisPLC YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/@SolisPLC) | Allen Bradley, Siemens,
Automation | Real industry-level examples |
| [AutomationDirect eLearning](https://www.automationdirect.com/adc/overview/tech-
video-library/training) | PLC training (CLICK PLC) | Self-paced, beginner-friendly
|
| [All About Circuits](https://www.allaboutcircuits.com/technical-articles/an-
introduction-to-programmable-logic-controllers-plcs/) | Basics to advanced PLC
concepts | Text-based tutorials |
| [InstrumentationTools](https://instrumentationtools.com/category/plc/) | PLC
Projects, MCQs, Ladder Examples | Very practical |
| [OpenPLC Docs](https://www.openplcproject.com/docs) | Learn using OpenPLC
software | Full open-source PLC project |
| [MIT OpenCourseWare](https://ocw.mit.edu) | Some control systems theory |
Engineering-level foundation |
| [EdX](https://www.edx.org/) | Courses like “Industrial Automation” | Some courses
are free to audit |
---
## 🧰 **Free PLC Simulators & Software**
### **Offline Software (Downloadable)**
| Software | Features | Notes |
|---------|----------|-------|
| **OpenPLC Editor** – [openplcproject.com](https://www.openplcproject.com/) |
Ladder Logic, ST, free & open-source | Works on Windows, Linux, Raspberry Pi |
| **PLC Ladder Simulator 2 (Android)** – [Google
Play](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.casdata.plcladdersimulator)
| Mobile Ladder Logic simulator | Great for on-the-go practice |
| **LogixPro Simulator** (Demo) –
[TheLearningPit](https://www.thelearningpit.com/lp/logixpro.html) | Allen Bradley-
style simulator | Limited demo but very useful |
| **Factory I/O (Demo)** – [factoryio.com](https://factoryio.com/) | 3D industrial
simulation | Free demo with limited time use |
| **Siemens TIA Portal (Trial)** – [Siemens](https://new.siemens.com/) | Industry-
grade software | 21-day trial; registration required |
---
## 📚 **Free Books and PDFs**
1. 📘 [*PLC Programming for Industrial Automation* by Kevin Collins
(PDF)](https://www.cs.cmu.edu/~koopman/intro/koopman94_ch01.pdf)
2. 📘 *Automating Manufacturing Systems with PLCs* by Hugh Jack – [Link to PDF]
(https://www.mich.edu/technology/pdf/plc-book.pdf)
3. 📘 *Introduction to PLCs* – Hugh Jack – Also available as a free e-book
4. 📘 [*Siemens S7-1200 Programming Manual*
(Official)](https://support.industry.siemens.com/cs/document/109752226/simatic-s7-
1200-programming-manual?dti=0&lc=en-DE) – Great for hands-on with Siemens PLCs
---
## 🧪 **Hands-On Practice Ideas (Free)**
- Use **OpenPLC + PLC Ladder Simulator 2** to simulate traffic lights, motor
start/stop, and tank level systems.
- Connect **Factory I/O demo** with **OpenPLC** for 3D virtual projects.
- Simulate Modbus with **ModSim** or **QModMaster** (free Modbus software tools).
---
## **Online Communities to Ask Questions & Learn**
- [PLC Reddit Community](https://www.reddit.com/r/PLC/)
- [PLCTalk.net Forum](https://www.plctalk.net/qanda/)
- [StackExchange: Electrical Engineering](https://electronics.stackexchange.com/)
- [AutomationForum.co](https://www.automationforum.co/)
---
Would you like a **starter project idea** using OpenPLC and a simulator for hands-
on practice?
