I have structured this as a professional software review, suitable for posting on a forum, blog, or technical documentation site.
In QElectroTech: File → New → Element. Set a meaningful name: Siemens_S7-1500_DQ_16x24VDC_BA.
In the world of industrial automation, precision is paramount. Electrical schematics are the DNA of any control cabinet, and the元器件 (components) used must be represented accurately. For engineers and technicians working with Siemens automation products (Siemens SIMATIC S7-1200, S7-1500, LOGO!, Drives, and protection devices), creating symbols from scratch for every project is a tedious, error-prone process.
Enter QElectroTech – a powerful, free, and open-source software (FOSS) for creating electrical diagrams. While it is incredibly versatile, its native library often lacks the specific, brand-accurate symbols needed for Siemens hardware. This is where the concept of a QElectroTech Siemens Library becomes a game-changer.
This article serves as the ultimate guide to sourcing, creating, and managing a custom Siemens library in QElectroTech to supercharge your design workflow.
A Siemens-style symbol library for QElectroTech gives small engineering teams the look, consistency, and workflow of enterprise tools without the license overhead. It boosts productivity, reduces errors, and enables smoother handoffs to electricians, maintenance, and procurement.
If you want, I can:
For users looking to integrate components into QElectroTech (QET)
, the library is primarily maintained through the community-driven Official Elements Collection and specialized forum contributions. Accessing Siemens Libraries Official QET Collection
: Most standard Siemens components (contactors, circuit breakers, PLCs) are located in the built-in library under the Automation folders. You can browse these directly within the Elements Panel Siemens-Specific PLC Symbols
: For complex Siemens hardware like S7-1200 or S7-1500, users often share dedicated element sets on the QElectroTech Forum . Look for topics regarding standardized PLC symbols to ensure compatibility with existing templates. External Conversion Tools
: If a specific Siemens part is missing, you can use tools like
to convert Siemens' official DXF CAD files into QET-compatible QElectroTech Best Practices for Library Management
To keep your Siemens library clean and functional, follow these "proper post" guidelines from the QET community: QElectroTech Grid Alignment
: Ensure terminal positions (X,Y) are multiples of 10 to match the standard grid. Terminal Spacing Standard components (fuses, contactors): Use a step of Special elements (PLC I/O, speed variators): Use a minimum step of is recommended for better readability. Avoid Duplication
: Rather than creating unique elements for every amperage (e.g., 5A, 10A, 20A), create one generic element and use the Element Editor to change properties or labels as needed. Organization : Store custom Siemens symbols in your User Collection qelectrotech siemens library
folder rather than the official collection to prevent them from being overwritten during software updates. QElectroTech troubleshooting a custom symbol you've created? Official elements collection for QElectroTech. - GitHub
QElectroTech (QET) does not have a single, monolithic "Siemens Library," many Siemens-specific elements are included in the Official Elements Collection or shared by the community on the official forum Where to Find Siemens Elements Official Collection
: Most standard Siemens components (PLCs, contactors, relays) are bundled with the software. You can find them under the "Official"
tab in the elements panel, typically organized by category or manufacturer. GitHub Repository qelectrotech-elements
repository is the most up-to-date source for new Siemens S7 elements and other contributions. User Contributions
: For specific or newer hardware, users often post custom-made files on the QElectroTech Elements Forum Siemens S7-1200 : Specific elements for the S7-1200 PLC series are frequently discussed and shared. Sinamics V90 : Dedicated elements for Siemens Sinamics V90 drives are also available in user-shared threads. QElectroTech Importing Custom Siemens Elements file from the forum or GitHub. Right-click on your "User Collection" in the QET elements panel. "Open directory" to find the local path on your computer. Copy and paste the downloaded file into that folder. Restart QET or refresh the collection to see the new Siemens parts. QElectroTech Conversion Limitations Share the elements library (Page 1) - QElectroTech
Posts: 15 * 1 Topic by luca_orlandi 2021-03-14 11:20:03 (edited by luca_orlandi 2021-03-14 11:22:30) luca_orlandi. Nouveau membre. QElectroTech Quality of the elements II (Page 1) - QElectroTech
Developing a Siemens library QElectroTech (QET) involves integrating high-quality, standardized symbols for industrial automation components. While QET includes a massive Official Elements Collection
, specialized Siemens-specific libraries often need to be custom-built or imported to match technical manuals. 1. Structure the Siemens Library
Organize your Siemens content into logical subcategories within the User Collection to simplify navigation: PLCs & Modules : S7-1200, S7-1500, and ET 200SP distributed I/O. HMI Panels : Comfort and Basic panels. Drives & Starters : SINAMICS G120 series and SIRIUS motor starters. Switchgear : SENTRON circuit breakers and contactors. 2. Element Creation Workflow To develop specific Siemens components like the SIMATIC S7-1200 Base Template : Right-click an existing PLC element and select Edit element to use it as a foundation. SVG Import
: For "fancy" or highly detailed elements, you can create the visual base in external SVG editors and import them into the QET Element Editor Pin Mapping
: Ensure terminal numbers (e.g., L+, M, I0.0) match the official Siemens Technical Documentation
: While QET doesn't have a traditional "group" function, unselecting "Maintain visual rotation" for text fields keeps labels aligned during rotation. 3. Management and Sharing Storage Location : In Windows, your custom Siemens elements are stored in %APPDATA%\qet Collaboration : Use GIT to manage your library. You can clone the official repository
to keep basic elements updated while maintaining your Siemens additions in a separate branch. Project Specifics : Note that once an element is used, it is copied into the Project Collection
, making the project file portable even if the recipient lacks your Siemens library. 4. Essential Siemens Components for QET Recommended Items Source Inspiration CPU 1214C, CPU 1511-1 PN Siemens Industry Support Communication CP 1243-1, SCALANCE Switches LCom Library Protection 3VA Molded Case Circuit Breakers Official Siemens Catalogs step-by-step tutorial I have structured this as a professional software
The story of the QElectroTech (QET) Siemens library is a prime example of open-source collaboration, where a community-driven project rose to meet the needs of industrial professionals seeking free alternatives to expensive proprietary software. The Genesis of QElectroTech
The journey began in 2007 when two French students, Xavier and Benoit, founded QElectroTech as a tool for creating complex electrical schematics. Although the original founders left in 2013, a global community of developers and electrical engineers took over, evolving the software into a robust CAD/CAE editor. Bridging the Industrial Gap
As QET grew, users working with high-end industrial hardware—particularly from Siemens—needed standardized symbols to document their systems.
A Massive Collection: Today, the official collection exceeds 8,000 symbols, covering electrical, logic, pneumatic, and hydraulic systems.
Vendor-Specific Additions: Recent updates (such as version 0.100) specifically highlighted the addition of Siemens-related elements, logic sensors, and Arduino components to better support industrial automation workflows. The User-Driven Library
What makes the "Siemens library" unique in QET is its community-curated nature:
Contributions: Many Siemens-specific symbols are created by professional electricians and shared via the QET Official Elements Collection on GitHub.
Customization: Because Siemens hardware varies greatly, users often use the built-in Element Editor to draw their own specific PLC or drive symbols. Once dropped into a project, these symbols can be edited and saved to a personal "User Collection".
Open Standards: Symbols are saved in XML format, allowing for easy modification and sharing across different operating systems (Windows, Linux, and macOS). How to Use the Library
Engineers typically integrate Siemens components into their projects by:
Searching the Collection: Using the integrated search engine to find "Siemens" or specific part types in the elements panel.
Drag and Drop: Dragging the symbol onto the workspace where it automatically connects to aligned conductors.
Generating Reports: Once the schematic is finished, the Export Nomenclature tool can generate a CSV parts list for ordering the actual Siemens hardware.
Today, the QElectroTech Siemens library continues to grow through an active Forum where users exchange new symbols, ensuring the software remains a viable, professional-quality choice for industrial documentation. Quality of the elements II (Page 1) - QElectroTech
Headline: Streamline Your Siemens Projects in QElectroTech ⚡ Step 2: Open the Element Editor In QElectroTech:
Tired of drawing Siemens PLC racks and I/O modules from scratch? I’ve put together a comprehensive Siemens Element Library for QElectroTech to help speed up your electrical schematic workflow. What’s inside this collection:
S7-1200 & S7-1500 Series: CPU units, digital/analog input and output modules.
S7-300/400 Heritage: Classic rail components for legacy support. ET 200SP: Distributed I/O stations and base units.
HMI Panels: Basic and Comfort panel outlines for cabinet layouts. Why use this library?
Standardized Dimensions: All elements follow a consistent grid for clean, professional schematics.
Correct Terminals: Pre-defined connection points matching official Siemens datasheets.
User Collection Ready: Simply drop the .elmt files into your User Collection folder and start dragging them onto your workspace. How to Install: Download the library archive [Insert Link Here]. Open QElectroTech and go to the Elements Panel. Right-click on User Collection > Open directory.
Paste the Siemens folder into this directory and restart QElectroTech.
Building a shared resource makes the open-source automation world stronger! If you have specific modules you’d like to see added, let me know in the comments.
#QElectroTech #Siemens #PLC #ElectricalEngineering #OpenSource #Automation #S71200 #S71500 Tips for your post:
Visuals are key: Attach a screenshot of a completed S7-1500 rack or a detailed schematic page using these elements.
Source Verification: If you are looking for existing libraries, check the QElectroTech Forum where users frequently share "S7-1200" and "S7-1500" collections.
Compatibility: Remind users that QET elements are saved in XML format, making them easy to edit in the built-in Element Editor if they need to tweak a specific part. Elements (Page 1) - QElectroTech
11 siemens s7-1200 plcs elements (2) * 1 reply. * 1,393 views. * Last post 2026-01-06 14:43:18 by spotu. QElectroTech QElectroTech - a quick start guide 1 - TuxFamily