Mitsubishi Electricv1.095YUpdated 2026Free Trial Available
GX Works3: Download, Pricing & System Requirements
GX Works3 is Mitsubishi Electric's 5-language PLC programming environment supporting MELSEC iQ-R, MELSEC iQ-F, FX5 and more. Released 2016, latest update 2024-07.
Pricing
$$
USD 1 000 – 5 000
Difficulty
Beginner Intermediate
1-3 months
OS
Windows 11
4+ GB RAM
Languages
LAD, FBD, ST, SFC, IL
IEC 61131-3
In one minute
GX Works3 is best for asian manufacturing facilities and automotive component manufacturers. Strong presence in Asia-Pacific, growing globally. Adoption is high (65% market share) across Asia-Pacific and North America.
Capability profile
Six-axis score (0–100) based on pricing, learning curve, hardware support, adoption, community, and feature depth.
Key features
Unified programming for multiple PLC series
Integrated simulation and debugging
Motion control programming
Built-in robot programming support
Network configuration tools
Extensive function block library
Multi-language support
Cross-reference and search tools
Project conversion from GX Works2
Version comparison tools
Automatic backup functionality
Pricing & licensing
| Tier | $$ |
| Price range | USD 1 000 – 5 000 |
| Pricing model | perpetual license |
| Free trial | Yes — 30 days |
| Educational discount | Yes |
More affordable than TIA Portal and Studio 5000. GX Works2 still widely used for older PLCs.
System requirements
| Operating systems | Windows 7, Windows 8.1, Windows 10, Windows 11 |
| Minimum RAM | 4 GB |
| Recommended RAM | 8 GB |
| Disk space | 10 GB |
| Processor | Standard multi-core |
Lighter system requirements than competitors
Supported hardware
PLC families
- • MELSEC iQ-R
- • MELSEC iQ-F
- • FX5
- • L-Series
- • Q-Series
Capabilities
- ✓ HMI integration
- ✓ SCADA integration
- ✓ Variable frequency drives
- ✓ Safety programming
- ✓ Motion control
- ✓ Robotics integration
Pros
- +User-friendly interface, easier learning curve
- +More affordable than competitors
- +Strong in Asia-Pacific market
- +Good simulation capabilities
- +Excellent robotics integration
- +Fast compilation and download times
- +Lightweight software, runs on modest hardware
- +Good documentation and examples
Cons
- −Less common in North America
- −Smaller community compared to Siemens/Rockwell
- −Limited third-party integration
- −Fewer job opportunities in some regions
- −Less advanced features than TIA Portal
- −English documentation can be limited
- −Fewer online training resources
- −Not as widely taught in schools
Best for
Asian manufacturing facilities
Automotive component manufacturers
Electronics and semiconductor industries
Small to medium-sized automation projects
Budget-conscious automation projects
Robotics-integrated systems
Compare GX Works3 with…
GX Works3 vs PLC Simulation Software
plcsimulationsoftware.com • free
GX Works3 vs TIA Portal
Siemens • $$$
GX Works3 vs Studio 5000
Rockwell Automation / Allen-Bradley • $$$
GX Works3 vs EcoStruxure
Schneider Electric • $$
GX Works3 vs TwinCAT
Beckhoff Automation • $
GX Works3 vs CODESYS
CODESYS GmbH (3S-Smart Software Solutions) • $
Certifications & training
Mitsubishi Electric Certified Technician (Basic, Advanced). Cost tier: $$.
Training providers: Mitsubishi Electric training centers, Distributors.
Frequently asked questions
How much does GX Works3 cost?
GX Works3 pricing falls in the $$ tier (USD 1 000 – 5 000). More affordable than TIA Portal and Studio 5000. GX Works2 still widely used for older PLCs.
How do I download GX Works3?
GX Works3 offers a 30 days free trial. Download from the official Mitsubishi Electric website. A licensed copy ranges from USD 1 000 – 5 000 depending on edition and add-ons.
What are the system requirements for GX Works3?
GX Works3 runs on Windows 7, Windows 8.1, Windows 10, Windows 11 with a minimum of 4 GB RAM (8 GB recommended) and 10 GB of disk space.
Which PLCs does GX Works3 support?
GX Works3 supports Mitsubishi Electric controllers, including MELSEC iQ-R, MELSEC iQ-F, FX5, L-Series, Q-Series.
Is GX Works3 hard to learn?
GX Works3 is rated Beginner Intermediate difficulty. Typical learning time is 1-3 months. Prerequisites: Basic programming concepts.
Does GX Works3 support all five IEC 61131-3 languages?
GX Works3 supports LAD, FBD, ST, SFC, IL from the IEC 61131-3 standard.