Allen-Bradley IO lists: ControlLogix aliases into loop sheets
By Saad, practising automation engineer · Updated 2026-09-25
Map ControlLogix or CompactLogix I/O spreadsheets to tag, signal type, slot, and channel. No Rockwell symbol library — drawings still come from the IO list.
What we read
If the sheet has an instrument tag and a signal type, the importer can count loops. Slot, channel, and alias columns fill card references on the sheet and the I/O allocation appendix.
SchematicForge does not emit an ACD or an RSLogix project. Output is loop diagrams, a round-trip Loop Register, cable schedule, and termination lists.
Aliases versus tags
Keep the plant instrument tag as the tag column even when the PLC alias is different. Put the alias in a remarks or I/O address column so both appear on the drawing without splitting the loop.
One signal per row. A motor with DO run plus DI status is two rows, one tag.
Try the file first
Drop the XLSX on the homepage. Confirm loop and signal counts before you create an account. The upload carries into signup.
Free PDF is the first 15 field-wired loops, watermarked. DXF is included with a pack.
ControlLogix columns that usually map
Tag or Instrument Tag; Description; I/O Type or Data Type if it is AI/AO/DI/DO; Slot; Channel; Alias. Put the plant tag in Tag even when the alias is Local:3:I.Data.0 — alias belongs in remarks or I/O address so the loop sheet shows both.
Frequently asked questions
Do you generate Studio 5000 content?
No. We generate instrumentation loop documentation from the IO list. Controller configuration stays in Rockwell tools.
What if the alias is the only identifier?
Map it as tag for the preview, then rename in the Loop Register so issued sheets use the plant tag.