RSLogix 500
Software

RSLogix 500 is Rockwell Automation's legacy programming software for Allen-Bradley SLC 500 and MicroLogix PLCs. It is used exclusively for programming and configuring controllers that cannot run Studio 5000 — older platforms that are still in use across manufacturing facilities worldwide.

RSLogix 500 uses pure ladder logic with file-based addressing (for example, N7:0, B3:0/0) and does not support structured text, function blocks, or the advanced instruction set available in modern Studio 5000. It was the standard tool for SLC 500 development for decades, but Rockwell discontinued active feature development around 2010.

Projects are saved as .RSS files (RSLogix Source and Storage), which contain all ladder programs, subroutines, data files, and I/O configuration. RSS files are proprietary to RSLogix 500 and cannot be imported into Studio 5000.

RSLogix 500 pricing varies by region and reseller, but typical costs are:

• Standard license: approximately $500–$800
• Professional edition: approximately $1,000–$1,500
• TechConnect annual support: $300–$500 per year

Rockwell Automation does not sell RSLogix 500 directly to end users. You must purchase through an authorized Rockwell distributor. Prices vary by region, distributor, and purchase volume. For exact pricing, contact your local distributor or Rockwell sales representative.

Unlike Studio 5000, there is no subscription option for RSLogix 500 — it is a perpetual license with optional annual maintenance (TechConnect) that provides software updates and technical support.

No. There is no permanent free version of RSLogix 500. Rockwell occasionally distributes time-limited evaluation licenses through authorized distributors or technical training programs, but these are typically valid for 30–90 days and then expire.

RSLogix Micro (free): Rockwell does offer a free version of RSLogix Micro, which programs only MicroLogix 1000 and 1100 controllers. However, Micro is extremely limited — it lacks subroutine support, most advanced instructions, and cannot handle the program size or complexity of full RSLogix 500. It is not a viable replacement.

If you need to view or analyze an RSS file without owning RSLogix 500, use plc.company — it opens RSS files in your browser for free and provides cross-reference analysis, AI explanations, and PDF export.

RSLogix 500 is the programming tool for two main Allen-Bradley controller families:

SLC 500 (Fixed I/O and Modular): SLC 5/01, 5/02, 5/03, 5/04, 5/05. The 1747 series is the most common (1747-L532, etc.). SLC 500 is a fixed-architecture platform with individual I/O cards.

MicroLogix (Compact Controllers): MicroLogix 1000, 1100, 1200, 1400, 1500. Catalog numbers 1762 and 1766 (1762-L24BWA, 1766-L32BWAA, etc.) cover most MicroLogix variants. These are smaller, all-in-one controllers with built-in I/O.

ControlLogix and CompactLogix (modern platforms) use Studio 5000, not RSLogix 500. You cannot use RSLogix 500 to program Studio 5000 controllers, and you cannot open RSLogix 500 files in Studio 5000.

An RSS file is the native project format for RSLogix 500. The acronym stands for "RSLogix Source and Storage." It is a proprietary Rockwell file that contains:

• All ladder logic programs (LAD, LST, PLC-2, etc.)
• All subroutines (INT, JSR, RET)
• All data files (N7, B3, T4, C5, R6, string files, etc.)
• I/O configuration and channel settings
• Comments and documentation

RSS files cannot be imported into Studio 5000 — Rockwell's modern platform uses completely different file formats (ACD and L5X). If you inherit an SLC 500 system, you must use RSLogix 500 to edit the RSS file, or use a tool like plc.company to view and analyze it without the software installed.

Upload your RSS file to plc.company and open it in your browser immediately — no software installation, no licensing, no RSLogix 500 required.

plc.company displays:

• All programs and subroutines with full ladder logic rungs
• All data files (registers, bits, timers, counters, etc.)
• Every instruction in every rung
• Cross-reference of every address used across all programs
• AI-powered explanations of what each rung does
• PDF export of your entire program

This is ideal for operators learning a system, engineers unfamiliar with the program, or anyone who needs to analyze SLC 500 logic without owning RSLogix 500.

Upload RSS File

RSLogix 500 and Studio 5000 are completely separate platforms for completely different controller families:

• RSLogix 500: Programs SLC 500 and older MicroLogix. Legacy platform. Ladder logic only. File-based addressing (N7:0). Development ended ~2010.
• Studio 5000: Programs ControlLogix, CompactLogix, GuardLogix, and newer MicroLogix. Modern platform. Ladder logic, structured text, function blocks. Continuous updates.

You cannot migrate an RSS file to Studio 5000 — you must either reprogram the logic from scratch, or keep using RSLogix 500. Many manufacturers continue running SLC 500 systems alongside Studio 5000 because the hardware is reliable and still in production.

For a detailed comparison, see our guide on RSLogix 500 vs Studio 5000.