Questions? Answers.

What is CodeShuttle?

CodeShuttle is a Windows application that exports the contents of a Siemens TIA Portal project as readable text files and keeps both sides in sync. This lets you version, compare and merge PLC and HMI projects with Git.

Who is CodeShuttle for?

For everyone programming Siemens controllers with TIA Portal: machine and plant builders, system integrators, engineering firms and operators with their own automation team – from single seats to teams with many engineers.

Does CodeShuttle work with Beckhoff, B&R, Rockwell or CODESYS?

No. CodeShuttle specialises in Siemens TIA Portal and uses its official TIA Portal Openness interface. Projects from SIMATIC Manager (STEP 7 V5.x) are not supported.

Which TIA Portal versions are supported?

V14 SP1, V15, V15.1, V16, V17, V18, V19, V20 and V21. CodeShuttle detects the version of the running instance itself. New versions are included in the subscription.

Do I need to change my TIA Portal installation?

No. CodeShuttle installs nothing inside TIA Portal. Once, your Windows account is added to the "Siemens TIA Openness" group and CodeShuttle is allowed in TIA Portal. The manual walks you through it step by step.

Do I need administrator rights?

Not for the installation – CodeShuttle installs per user. Adding you to the "Siemens TIA Openness" Windows group is usually a one-time task for your IT.

Which files end up in the folder?

One sub-folder per device, mirroring the group structure of your TIA project. SCL, STL and DB blocks as source (.scl, .awl, .db), data types as .udt, graphical blocks (LAD, FBD, GRAPH) plus tables and HMI objects as XML, WinCC Unified scripts as .js/.yml. Plus a DeviceDetails.xml per device and the file codeshuttle.db, in which CodeShuttle keeps the last sync state.

Does CodeShuttle run without internet?

Yes. A connection is only needed once for licence activation, plus for updates and – if used – your team repository. After that, CodeShuttle starts and works offline.

Can I work with several TIA instances at once?

Yes. CodeShuttle lists every running instance with version and project; "switch instance" lets you jump between them without restarting.

Can CodeShuttle damage my TIA project?

CodeShuttle only writes what you confirmed in the preview. Conflicts stop the run until you decide, deletes only happen on explicit request, and CodeShuttle never saves the project itself. As with any engineering tool, we recommend keeping a backup before the first import into TIA and checking imported content before downloading it to the controller.

Can I edit blocks outside TIA?

Yes. Edit SCL or other files in the editor of your choice or by script – the next sync detects the change and proposes "folder → TIA". Block numbers are preserved via a header line.

Are new HMI screens created on import?

No. On import into TIA, CodeShuttle updates existing HMI objects but does not create new ones. You create new screens in TIA; from then on CodeShuttle versions them like everything else.

What about know-how-protected blocks?

They are skipped and noted in the log. The protection stays untouched.

Does compiling in TIA create phantom changes?

No. If only the timestamp moved, CodeShuttle checks the actual content and reports only real changes.

Do I need Git skills or a Git server?

No. Git is built in. In "Local" mode, every sync creates a commit automatically. For a team, a shared network folder is enough; a Git server is optional.

Which Git servers are supported?

Any Git server with HTTPS access and a personal access token – such as GitLab, GitHub, Azure DevOps, Gitea or Bitbucket – plus network shares (UNC path). SSH remotes are used in "Expert" mode with your own Git tool.

Do I need Siemens Multiuser Engineering?

No. Every engineer works in their own TIA project and sync folder; changes are merged through the shared Git repository.

What if two colleagues change the same file?

CodeShuttle detects the merge conflict, pauses and shows both versions side by side. Per file you choose "my version" or "team version". Your own state is always kept as a safety commit.

I already use Git. Does CodeShuttle work with my repository?

Yes. In "Off" or "Expert" mode, CodeShuttle leaves your repository alone or commits only on request – branching, pull and push stay in your hands. An existing repository is never changed unasked.

Does CodeShuttle support F-blocks?

Yes, from TIA Portal V21 with STEP 7 Safety: user-written F-FB, F-FC and F-DB. An F-change is never preselected, and after every run CodeShuttle shows the collective F-signature before and after. In older TIA versions, F-blocks appear as locked rows.

Does CodeShuttle ask for the safety program password?

No, never. If the safety program is protected, you log in to TIA Portal as usual before the run.

Does my project data leave the company?

No. CodeShuttle runs locally. Project data only goes to the Git destination you set yourself – such as your network share or your own Git server. Please note: the sync folder and repository contain your source code and, with the device details, IP addresses – keep them where only authorised people have access.

How are credentials stored?

Personal access tokens for Git servers are stored encrypted under your Windows account and never appear in the log or in a commit.

Can our IT control update checks centrally?

Yes. The update check can be disabled by policy in the Windows registry; updates are never forced.

Does CodeShuttle help with the new Machinery Regulation?

CodeShuttle provides a complete, provable change history of your PLC code in engineering – an important foundation for the evidence Regulation (EU) 2023/1230 requires from January 2027. Details on our Machinery Regulation page.

How much does CodeShuttle cost?

CodeShuttle is a subscription from €45 per user per month (volume price from 10 users, net plus VAT) – including support, all updates and new TIA Portal versions. More on the pricing page.

How do I get CodeShuttle?

Book a free discovery call or email codeshuttle@igrf.de. We get to know how you work, then show you how CodeShuttle addresses your requirements, and prepare a quote. After ordering, you receive the setup and your licence file – installation takes just a few minutes.