Technical data

Downloading and Uploading
19.1 Downloading from the PG/PC to the Programmable Controller
Programming with STEP 7
Manual, 05/2010, A5E02789666-01 417
19.1.2 Differences Between Saving and Downloading Blocks
You should always distinguish between saving and downloading blocks.
Saving Downloading
Menu commands
File > Save
File > Save As
PLC > Download
Function The current status of the block in the editor
is saved on the hard disk of the
programming device.
The current status of the block in the editor
is only downloaded to the CPU.
Syntax check A syntax check is run. Any errors are
reported in dialog boxes. The causes of the
errors and the error locations are also
shown. You must correct these errors
before you save or download the block. If no
errors are found in the syntax, the block is
compiled into machine code and either
saved or downloaded.
A syntax check is run. Any errors are
reported in dialog boxes. The causes of the
errors and the error locations are also
shown. You must correct these errors
before you save or download the block. If
no errors are found in the syntax, the block
is compiled into machine code and either
saved or downloaded.
The table applies independent of whether you have opened the block online or offline.
Tip for Block Changes - Save First Then Download
To enter newly created blocks or changes in the code section of logic blocks, in declaration tables
or to enter new or changed data values in data blocks, you must save the respective block. Any
changes you make in the editor and transfer to the CPU using the menu command PLC >
Download, -for example, for testing small changes-, must also be saved on the hard disk of the
programming device in every case before you exit the editor. Otherwise, you will have different
versions of your user program in the CPU and on the programming device. It is generally
recommended that you save all changes first and then download them.