Batch Exporting and Printing S7 Block Folders in SIMATIC PCS 7 - DOCPRO vs Process Object View and PDF Merging

In SIMATIC PCS 7 (v7.1 and later), exporting or printing all variables, interfaces, and code blocks from the offline S7 program Blocks folder into a single unified document can be achieved using three distinct methods: SIMATIC DOCPRO, Process Object View (POV) batch copying, or multi-object PDF printing. While Process Object View displays parameter tables for blocks instantiated in CFC, SIMATIC DOCPRO generates formal, audited project binders covering every used and unused FB, FC, DB, and UDT. Alternatively, selecting all blocks in SIMATIC Manager and printing to an automated PDF merge printer produces a single consolidated reference file.

Challenges of Comprehensive S7 Code and Variable Documentation

During plant commissioning, audits, or regulatory compliance handovers (e.g., FDA/GMP or safety validation):
* The Manual Printing Bottleneck:
An S7 program contains hundreds of Function Blocks (FB), Functions (FC), Data Blocks (DB), and User Defined Types (UDT). Opening each block individually in the LAD/FBD/STL editor and printing to PDF generates hundreds of fragmented files and causes severe prompt fatigue.
* Used vs Unused Blocks:
Tools like Process Object View (POV) are optimized for CFC instances, often excluding raw background DBs, standard system functions (SFC/SFB), or uninstantiated library routines. Engineers require a method to document the entire offline Blocks container in one comprehensive file.

SIMATIC DOCPRO: Automated Project Binder Generation

SIMATIC DOCPRO (6ES7803-0CC03-0YA5) is Siemens' official documentation tool integrated into SIMATIC Manager:
* The Document Structure:
DOCPRO organizes documentation into project manuals with standardized cover sheets, revision histories, table of contents, and numbered drawing frames.
* Automated Batch Processing:
By adding the 'S7 Program -> Blocks' container into a DOCPRO job, the tool automatically iterates through every block in sequential order, formatting variable declarations, network comments, and cross-references into a unified multi-page print job.

Process Object View (POV) for Parameter and Variable Export

For tabular data extraction (e.g., importing into Excel or engineering schedules):
* The Parameters Tab:
In SIMATIC Manager, selecting the AS project and switching to Process Object View -> Parameters displays all block inputs and outputs in a spreadsheet grid.
* Direct Export:
Engineers can filter by block type or variable name, select all rows (Ctrl+A), and copy/paste directly into Microsoft Excel or text editors for instant documentation.

Comparison Table: Documentation Methods for S7 Block Folders

The table below compares documentation approaches in SIMATIC PCS 7:

MethodScope of Data CapturedOutput FormatEffort / Setup TimeIdeal ApplicationSIMATIC DOCPRO (6ES7803-0CC03-0YA5)Entire project (FBs, FCs, DBs, HW Config)Single bound PDF / Print binderModerate (Layout template setup)Formal plant handover & GMP auditsProcess Object View (POV)Instantiated CFC blocks and parametersExcel grid / Tabular CSVMinimal (Instant copy/paste)Parameter tuning schedulesManager Multi-Select PrintAll selected blocks in Blocks folderMultiple print jobs (Auto-merged)Minimal (Requires PDF merge tool)Quick technical code referenceLAD/FBD/STL Single PrintSingle block interface and networksIndividual PDF filesVery High (Manual per-block save)Isolated troubleshooting

Step-by-Step Procedure to Generate a Single Consolidated S7 Blocks PDF

Method A: Automated Printing via PDF Merger (No Extra Licenses):
* Install a scriptable PDF virtual printer (such as PDFCreator or CutePDF with custom options enabled).
* In printer settings, set Auto-Save mode to automatically save files to a temporary directory without prompting, or enable Merge All Jobs into One File.
* Set this virtual printer as the Default Windows Printer.
Execute Multi-Block Print in SIMATIC Manager:
* Open the offline S7 Program's Blocks folder in SIMATIC Manager.
* Select all blocks (Ctrl+A), then hold Ctrl and deselect System Data (hardware configuration data cannot be printed via block text print).
* Right-click any highlighted block and select Print -> Object Contents.
* STEP 7 queues print jobs sequentially. The PDF merger combines all blocks into a single comprehensive PDF document with internal bookmarks.
Method B: Using SIMATIC DOCPRO:
* In SIMATIC Manager, select Options -> DOCPRO -> Create Manual.
* Add the Blocks folder to the manual tree.
* Configure drawing border template and page numbering.
* Click Print Manual -> Print to PDF. DOCPRO compiles the entire program into a single indexed PDF document.

Verification

To verify that the block export is complete and readable:
1. Open the resulting consolidated PDF document.
2. Verify that the table of contents or PDF bookmarks lists all FBs, FCs, and DBs in numerical order.
3. Check variable declarations: confirm that input, in/out, output, and static variables are rendered with comments and initial values.
4. Verify that total page count reflects the entire program scope without truncated networks.

Limitations and Operational Precautions

Exclude System Data Blocks (SDB): Never select System Data when executing batch block printing. SDBs contain binary compiled hardware telemetry; attempting to print them triggers print driver errors.
Large Project Spooling: In massive PCS 7 projects with over 1,000 blocks, batch spooling can consume several gigabytes of Windows print spooler temporary space. Ensure sufficient free disk space on drive C:.
Licensing Disclaimer: Utilizing SIMATIC DOCPRO (6ES7803-0CC03-0YA5) requires an engineering license validated against the applicable Siemens catalog and authorized distributor quotation.