# Do I need to have a PLC to use Factory I/O?

**URL:** <https://community.factoryio.com/t/do-i-need-to-have-a-plc-to-use-factory-i-o/42>\
**Category:** Support\
**Created:** [February 20, 2020, 11:50am UTC](https://community.factoryio.com/t/do-i-need-to-have-a-plc-to-use-factory-i-o/42 "2020-02-20T11:50:30Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 1\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![brunovgr](https://dub1.discourse-cdn.com/flex017/user_avatar/community.factoryio.com/brunovgr/32/12_2.png) [@brunovgr](https://community.factoryio.com/u/brunovgr)\
**Post date:** [February 20, 2020, 11:50am UTC](https://community.factoryio.com/t/do-i-need-to-have-a-plc-to-use-factory-i-o/42/1 "2020-02-20T11:50:30Z")

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No, you can use a PLC simulator instead to control Factory I/O.

- [**Factory I/O Starter Edition**](https://factoryio.com/starter-edition/) includes its own PLC simulator: Control I/O. The main goal of Control I/O is to provide a brand independent tool, easy enough to be learned by anyone starting in the world of automation. With Control I/O you develop programs with function block diagrams using the most common functions available on real PLC. Learn more about Control I/O [here](https://docs.factoryio.com/controlio/).

- [**Factory I/O Siemens Edition**](https://factoryio.com/siemens-edition/) and PLCSIM, which is included in Siemens S7-PLCSIM (TIA Portal). You can download a trial version of TIA Portal by following this link: [https://support.industry.siemens.com/cs/document/109740158/simatic-step-7-(tia-portal)-v14-trial-download?dti=0&lc=en-WW](https://support.industry.siemens.com/cs/document/109740158/simatic-step-7-(tia-portal)-v14-trial-download?dti=0&lc=en-WW)

- [**Factory I/O MHJ Edition**](https://factoryio.com/mhj-edition/) offers a completely integrated PLC training solution for users looking for a low-cost alternative to official Siemens software. MHJ Edition allows you to do ladder logic drawings. WinSPS-S7 or WinPLC-Engine sold separately.

- [**Factory I/O Modbus & OPC Edition**](https://factoryio.com/modbus-opc-edition/) allows you to integrate Factory I/O with a wide range of technologies using Modbus TCP/IP and OPC Client Data Access. As an example, we have a tutorial showing how to use CodeSys SoftPLC to control a Factory I/O scene [here](https://docs.factoryio.com/tutorials/codesys/). Also, you will find a tutorial on how to use Unity Pro Soft PLC through Modbus TCP/IP to control the Sorting by Height (Advanced) scene [here](https://docs.factoryio.com/tutorials/schneider/unity-pro-modbus/).