Data Movement & Bit ShiftingBeginnerIEC 61131-3

MOVE (Data Move)

Copies a value from source to destination for any data type.

The MOVE function copies the value from the source input to the destination output. It works with all data types and is the fundamental data transfer instruction in PLC programming. MOVE is used for loading setpoints, copying process values, initializing variables, and transferring data between memory areas. Unlike in some programming languages, MOVE in PLCs always creates a copy of the data.

Parameters

Inputs

Name	Type	Description
IN	ANY	Source value to copy
EN	BOOL	Enable input (conditional move)

Outputs

Name	Type	Description
OUT	ANY	Destination - receives copy of IN

Ladder Logic Example

// Ladder Logic - MOVE (Load Setpoint)
//
// |----[ Recipe_1 ]----[MOVE]----|
// |                    IN: 250   |
// |                    OUT: SP   |

Structured Text Example

Setpoint := 250;  // Simple assignment is MOVE in ST

// Conditional move
IF Recipe_Select = 1 THEN
    Setpoint := Recipe_1_SP;
ELSIF Recipe_Select = 2 THEN
    Setpoint := Recipe_2_SP;
END_IF;

Free · no signup to try

Run this block in your browser

Try the instruction on a live rung before you copy it into a project — nothing to install.

Try it in your browser — no signup

Opens plcsimulationsoftware.com — same team

Prefer ready-made code? Ladder Logic Pack — $29 on Gumroad

Platform-Specific Implementation

Siemens (TIA Portal)

Use MOVE instruction in TIA Portal. Also supports MOVE_BLK for arrays.

Allen-Bradley (Studio 5000)

Use MOV (Move) instruction in Studio 5000. COP for block moves.

CODESYS

Assignment operator := in ST is equivalent to MOVE.

Common Applications

Loading setpoints from recipes
Copying process values
Initializing variables
Data transfer between areas
HMI value transfer

Frequently Asked Questions

What is MOVE (Data Move) in PLC programming?

Copies a value from source to destination for any data type. The MOVE function copies the value from the source input to the destination output. It works with all data types and is the fundamental data transfer instruction in PLC programming.

What are common applications of MOVE (Data Move)?

MOVE (Data Move) is commonly used for: Loading setpoints from recipes, Copying process values, Initializing variables, Data transfer between areas, HMI value transfer.

How do I use MOVE (Data Move) in different PLC platforms?

Siemens: Use MOVE instruction in TIA Portal. Also supports MOVE_BLK for arrays. Allen-Bradley: Use MOV (Move) instruction in Studio 5000. COP for block moves. CODESYS: Assignment operator := in ST is equivalent to MOVE.