Open MER Files
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View FactoryTalk View ME HMI screens without expensive software. Upload your MER file and instantly browse screen layouts, display text, tag references, and operator blind spots for PanelView Plus terminals.
MER uploads are free when paired with an ACD, L5X, or RSS project file.
Supported HMI Terminals
The FactoryTalk View ME Runtime Format
MER files are the compiled runtime application format for FactoryTalk View Machine Edition, Rockwell Automation's HMI software for PanelView Plus terminals. These files contain:
- Screen layouts and display objects
- Button labels, status text, and alarm messages
- Tag references (PLC tags the HMI reads and writes)
- Embedded images and graphics
- Macro definitions and navigation targets
- Operator blind spots (I/O tags missing from HMI, when paired with PLC file)
No PLC Logic
MER files contain HMI screens, not ladder logic or structured text
No Rung Explanations
Rung-by-rung code explanations require a PLC program file (L5X, ACD, or RSS)
No Simulation
Interactive simulation works with PLC logic, not HMI screens
Pair With PLC File
Upload your PLC file alongside the MER for blind spot detection, tag cross-references, and AI HMI chat
What You Get From a MER Upload
Extract, browse, and analyze HMI screen data without FactoryTalk View Studio
Automatic Screen Categories
Screens are automatically organized into categories -- home, alarms, diagnostics, jog, settings, production, and more. Browse by category or search across all screens.
Display Text Extraction
See all text from each screen: button labels, status messages, alarm text, and operator prompts. Search across all screens to find specific text.
Tag Reference Browser
See which PLC tags each screen reads and writes. Find numeric displays, string displays, and control bindings across every HMI screen.
Operator Blind Spot Detection
When paired with a PLC file, identifies I/O tags that have no HMI screen representation. Find tags that operators cannot see or control from the PanelView.
Tag Cross-Reference
When paired with a PLC file, see matched tags (visible on HMI), unmatched HMI tags (not in PLC), and blind spots (PLC I/O with no HMI display).
AI HMI Chat
Ask questions about your HMI configuration in natural language. Find which screens reference a tag, what alarms are configured, or how screens are organized.
Images and Macros
View all embedded images and macro definitions. See image formats, file sizes, and macro commands used in your HMI application.
Free With PLC File
MER uploads are free when paired with an ACD, L5X, or RSS project file. No additional charge to your subscription.
HMI Simulator
Interactive PanelView simulator that renders buttons, indicators, and displays at their real screen positions. Click through screens like a real operator terminal.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a MER file?
A MER file is the runtime application file for FactoryTalk View Machine Edition (ME), Rockwell Automation's HMI software for PanelView Plus terminals. It contains compiled screen layouts, display objects, tag references, images, and macros that define the operator interface.
Can I open MER files without FactoryTalk View Studio?
Yes. PLC Company lets you open and view MER files directly in your browser without needing FactoryTalk View Studio ME installed. You can browse screen layouts, view display text, see tag references, detect operator blind spots, and ask AI questions about your HMI configuration.
Which HMI terminals use MER files?
MER files are used by PanelView Plus and PanelView Plus 7 terminals running FactoryTalk View ME. PanelView 800 terminals use a different software platform (Connected Components Workbench) and do not use MER files.
What can I see when I upload a MER file?
PLC Company extracts and displays HMI screens organized by automatic categories (home, alarms, diagnostics, jog, settings, and more), display text (button labels, status messages, alarm text), tag references, images, and macros. When paired with a PLC file, you also get tag cross-reference analysis and blind spot detection -- identifying I/O tags that operators cannot see or control from the PanelView.
What is blind spot detection?
When you upload both a MER file and a PLC program file (ACD, L5X, or RSS), PLC Company compares HMI tag references against the PLC tag database. Tags that exist in the PLC program but have no HMI screen representation are flagged as blind spots -- meaning operators have no visibility or control over those I/O points from the PanelView. This helps identify missing displays, unreachable diagnostics, and potential safety gaps.
Can I ask AI questions about my HMI?
Yes. When a MER file is attached to a PLC project, the AI chat includes an HMI mode. You can ask questions like 'which screens reference the motor run tag' or 'what alarms are configured' and get answers based on your actual HMI screen data and tag references.
Are MER uploads free?
Yes. MER file uploads are free when paired with an active PLC project file (ACD, L5X, or RSS). The MER file is attached to your existing project and does not add to your per-file subscription count.
Can I view PLC logic from a MER file?
No. MER files contain HMI screen data only, not PLC logic. To view ladder logic, rung explanations, simulation, and cross-reference analysis, upload an L5X, ACD, or RSS file containing your PLC program. You can then attach the MER file to the same project for HMI-to-PLC tag cross-references and blind spot detection.
Is my MER file secure when I upload it?
Yes. Your MER file is encrypted in transit and processed on secure, isolated infrastructure. Parsed data is stored in your private account and is never shared with third parties. You can permanently delete your files at any time.