CX-Programmer & Omron PLC Software Guide
Omron has two current programming environments: CX-Programmer (part of CX-One) for the legacy CS/CJ/CP series, and Sysmac Studio for the current NJ/NX series. This guide covers both, explains the 64-day CX-One trial and 30-day Sysmac trial, system requirements, Omron's addressing notation, and how to practice the underlying IEC 61131-3 ladder logic in your browser.
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Product overview
Omron programming software — which tool for which hardware?
Omron's PLC software is split by hardware generation. Knowing which generation your hardware belongs to determines which IDE you need.
| Software | Hardware target | Trial | Programming |
|---|---|---|---|
| CX-Programmer (via CX-One) | CS1, CJ1, CJ2, CP series | 64-day trial | Classic channel/bit LAD + ST |
| Sysmac Studio | NJ, NX series (Machine Automation Controllers) | 30-day trial | IEC 61131-3 native: LAD, FBD, ST, SFC |
| CX-One Suite | CS/CJ/CP + HMI + motion config | 64-day trial | Full suite: CX-Programmer + CX-Designer + more |
Addressing
Omron CX-Programmer addressing explained
CX-Programmer uses a channel (word) and bit notation. Each channel is a 16-bit word; bits within that channel are addressed with a decimal bit number from 00 to 15. The full address is written as channel.bit — for example I:0.03 is input channel 0, bit 3.
I:I:0.00 – I:0.15Input channel bits — digital inputs from field wiringQ:Q:0.00 – Q:0.15Output channel bits — digital outputs to field devicesWW0.00 – W511.15Work area bits — internal relay equivalentsHH0.00 – H511.15Holding relay bits — retentive (battery-backed) internal bitsTT0 – T4095Timer (100ms or 10ms depending on instruction)CC0 – C4095Counter (up-counting)DD0 – D32767Data memory words — 16-bit integer registersRequirements
System requirements for CX-One and Sysmac Studio
Download steps
How to download the CX-One 64-day trial
Register on Omron's Industrial Automation website
Go to industrial.omron.eu (or your regional Omron Industrial Automation portal) and register for a free account. The exact portal varies by country — search "Omron CX-One trial download" to find your regional page.
Find the CX-One trial download
Navigate to Software → CX-One → Trial version. The 64-day trial covers the full CX-One suite including CX-Programmer, CX-Designer, and CX-Simulator. The download is typically 1–2 GB.
Install the suite
Run the installer as Administrator. The CX-One installer handles all components automatically. You can deselect optional components you do not need (motion, network configurators) to reduce disk usage. Installation takes 15–30 minutes.
Activate the 64-day trial
On first launch, CX-Programmer will detect the trial license automatically. The 64-day clock starts from first launch. After 64 days the software enters a restricted mode — you can view projects but cannot compile or download.
Practice now
Practice ladder logic in your browser while you get CX-One or Sysmac Studio
Both CX-Programmer and Sysmac Studio (for NJ/NX hardware) implement ladder diagram based on the same IEC 61131-3 contact/coil model: normally open contacts, normally closed contacts, output coils, timer-on delay, timer-off delay, up counters, down counters. These concepts are identical to what our browser simulator practises — the only thing that changes between vendors is the address notation (I:0.03 vs I:0/3 vs %I0.3). Build your conceptual fluency first; the address notation takes an afternoon to learn once you have the logic solid.
Related guides
Related resources
- GX Works Mitsubishi software guide — Mitsubishi's equivalent: GX Works3 for iQ-R/iQ-F, GX Works2 for Q/FX series.
- CODESYS download guide — the vendor-neutral IEC 61131-3 IDE that powers many competing platforms.
- PLC software download guide — all major vendors compared in one table.
CX-Programmer and Omron PLC software FAQ
Ladder logic fundamentals — free in your browser, any OS.
Core IEC 61131-3 concepts that transfer directly to CX-Programmer and Sysmac Studio.