Siemens Logo Eplan P8 Macrol May 2026

Siemens LOGO! and EPLAN Electric P8 — Overview, workflow & best practices

This article explains how to plan, document, and implement small automation projects using Siemens LOGO! controllers together with EPLAN Electric P8. It covers device selection, schematic creation, PLC I/O mapping, macro use, export/import options, and practical tips to streamline engineering and reduce errors.

Useful Feature Example: Auto-Insertion of Terminals

Let's enhance the macro to automatically insert and connect terminals:

1. Insert Terminals:

   • Before saving your circuit as a macro, insert the necessary terminals and connect them appropriately.
   • Ensure connections are properly made between components and terminals.

2. Macro Parameters:

   • When defining your macro, think about parameters that could make it more versatile. For instance, you could parameterize the terminal designations or the types of components.

The Challenge: The "Copy-Paste" Trap

We have all been there. You have a standard LOGO! configuration—perhaps a pump control logic or a lighting timer—that you use across multiple projects. Siemens Logo Eplan P8 Macrol

Without macros, the workflow looks like this:

1. Open an old project.
2. Find the LOGO! circuit.
3. Copy the pages.
4. Paste them into the new project.
5. Manually update device tags, wire numbers, and terminal designations.

This manual process is slow and prone to error. One wrong wire number copy-pasted can cause headaches during commissioning. Siemens LOGO

2. Typical project workflow

1. Define requirements and I/O list (inputs, outputs, signals, power).
2. Choose LOGO! hardware (base module + I/O expansion or networked model).
3. Create electrical schematics in EPLAN:
   • Single-line power diagrams, control circuits, terminal strips, and device mounting plans.
   • Use consistent project structure and naming conventions.
4. Build or reuse EPLAN macros for common LOGO! circuits (power, inputs, outputs, relays, fuses, connectors).
5. Map logical functions to physical I/O:
   • Create PLC tags or I/O assignment tables in EPLAN.
6. Export documentation and generate BOM, terminal plans, wiring lists.
7. Implement program in LOGO! Soft Comfort and test in simulation.
8. Commission, wire per produced documents, and update EPLAN as-built changes.

Issue 1: The Macro Shows "???" or No Part Number

Solution: The macro lost its part reference. Use Edit > Properties and assign the correct LOGO! part number from the Siemens parts database.

6. Compatibility (⭐ 3.5/5)

• ✅ EPLAN P8 2.5 to 2024 → Works.
• ❌ EPLAN Pro Panel – macros lack 3D model link (you need separate STEP files).
• ❌ Older EPLAN 1.9 – Not compatible (property mapping differs).

2. Macro Overview

| Property | Value | |----------|-------| | Device | Siemens LOGO! 8 (8DI / 4DO) | | Order No. | 6ED1052-1MD08-0BA1 | | EPLAN Macro Type | Window macro / Symbol macro | | File Extension | .ema (Window), .ems (Symbol) | | Naming Convention | Siemens_LOGO8_6ED1052-1MD08-0BA1.ema | | Graphical Standard | IEC 60617 / GB/T 4728 | | Connection Point Logic | Digital inputs (I1..I8), Digital outputs (Q1..Q4), Power supply (L1, N, PE) | Insert Terminals:

Step 5: Generating the Macro File

1. Select the entire drawing (Ctrl+A).
2. Navigate to Utilities > Macros > Generate.
3. Settings:
   • Type: Select Window Macro (.ema) – This captures the drawing as a picture and logic.
   • Reference Point: Click 'Set' and pick the top-left corner of the LOGO! drawing. This controls how the macro snaps into your page.
   • Variable Assignment: Ensure "Replace DT during insertion" is active.
4. Save it to a standardized path, e.g.: C:\EPLAN\Macros\Siemens\LOGO\6ED1052-1MD08-0BA1.ema