Enabling SIMATIC XML-Transfer and Exporting Projects for SIMIT in PCS 7

In SIMATIC PCS 7 and STEP 7 v5.5, the menu command 'Edit > Export...' (to export project structures into XML format for SIMIT Simulation Platform) requires the software component 'SIMATIC XML-Transfer'. This component is not installed by default with base STEP 7; it is located on the SIMIT installation media under the '04_XMLTRANSFER' directory. Furthermore, the export command is only enabled when selecting the specific S7 project object inside the multiproject rather than the multiproject root. Reorganizing the project database resolves application freezes during XML export.

Role of SIMATIC XML-Transfer in Virtual Commissioning and SIMIT

In modern virtual commissioning workflows, SIMIT Simulation Platform (6DL8913-0AK00-0AB5) interfaces with S7-PLCSIM or Virtual Controllers to simulate plant instrumentation, behavioral physics, and actuator feedback.

To avoid manually recreating thousands of I/O signals, tags, and drive telegrams inside SIMIT:
* SIMIT imports the complete plant hierarchy, symbol table, and CFC block topology directly from SIMATIC Manager using standardized XML transfer files.
* The SIMIT import wizard parses this XML document to auto-generate simulation components, signal couplings, and virtual sensor models with exact addresses and engineering units.

Why the 'Export XML' Menu Item is Missing or Disabled

Engineers following SIMIT tutorials frequently report that the instructed command Edit > Export XML does not exist in SIMATIC Manager:
1. Naming Discrepancy: The menu command in SIMATIC Manager is simply Edit > Export... (not labeled 'Export XML'). The file type .xml is selected automatically in the subsequent file dialog.
2. Missing Component: The XML export capability is provided by an optional add-on package called SIMATIC XML-Transfer. If this add-on was not installed during SIMIT or PCS 7 setup, the export engine does not exist.
3. Invalid Object Selection: In SIMATIC Manager, selecting the top-level Multiproject icon, an individual CFC chart, or a project removed for editing disables the Export... menu item. The user must select the individual S7 Project container object.

Installing the XML-Transfer Add-on from SIMIT Installation Media

The following table details the installation source and software prerequisites for XML-Transfer:

Component AttributeSpecificationVerification CheckpointSoftware PackageSIMATIC XML-TransferCheck Start > Siemens Automation > Installed Software.Media LocationSIMIT Installation DVD / DownloadDirectory: \04_XMLTRANSFER\Setup.exePrerequisitesSTEP 7 v5.5 SP4 or PCS 7 v8.0/v8.1/v8.2Must be installed on the Engineering Station.XML Parser EngineMicrosoft XML Core Services (MSXML 6.0)Enforces XML schema validation.

Table 1: SIMATIC XML-Transfer software installation requirements.

Step-by-Step Project Export Workflow and Resolving SIMATIC Manager Freezes

To install the add-on and execute a clean XML export without application freezes:

Install XML-Transfer:
* Insert the SIMIT installation media or mount the ISO.
* Navigate to 04_XMLTRANSFER and run Setup.exe as Administrator.
* Follow the wizard and restart the Engineering Station.
Reorganize the PCS 7 Multiproject:
* If SIMATIC Manager freezes during export, internal database indexes are corrupted or locked.
* In SIMATIC Manager, close all charts and select File > Save As....
* Check With Reorganization (Slow) and save under a new project name.
* This rebuilds relational indexes and clears corrupt symbol handles.
Execute Export:
* Open the reorganized multiproject.
* In the left tree, select the specific S7 Project object (e.g., color_gs_prj), ensuring the project is checked into the multiproject (icon is solid, not transparent).
* From the top menu, select Edit > Export....
* Choose target directory, verify format is set to XML (*.xml), and click Save.
* A progress dialog exports the hardware configuration, symbols, and CFC topology cleanly.

Verification

To confirm proper XML export and SIMIT compatibility:

Inspect the exported file: verify that the .xml file exists on disk and is non-empty (> 1 MB for typical projects).
Open the file in an XML editor: verify valid XML structure displaying <SIMATIC_PROJECT>, <STATION>, and <CHART> nodes.
Launch SIMIT Simulation Platform:
* Create a new SIMIT project.
* Open the Import wizard and select the exported .xml file.
* Verify that SIMIT imports all I/O signals, tags, and drive couplings without schema validation errors.

Limitations and Operational Precautions

Never attempt to export a project while CFC charts are actively open in test mode or being edited by another user in multi-user engineering.
Large multiprojects with thousands of charts can take several minutes to export; do not terminate SIMATIC Manager via Task Manager while the XML serializer is writing.
SIMIT and PCS 7 require compatible software versions; consult the SIMIT compatibility tool before importing XML files into newer SIMIT releases.

Engineer FAQ

Can I export XML from standalone STEP 7 without PCS 7?

Yes, provided the SIMATIC XML-Transfer add-on package from the SIMIT DVD is installed on the STEP 7 engineering computer.

Does XML export include WinCC graphics and faceplates?

No. The XML export extracts the AS automation structure: hardware configuration, symbol table, and CFC block interconnections. It does not export WinCC OS picture graphics.

Why does the export option remain grayed out even after installing XML-Transfer?

Ensure you have highlighted the specific S7 project folder inside the multiproject window. If a component folder (such as Blocks or Charts) is highlighted, the command is disabled.