In STEP 5 V7.2, symbols and comments can exist in the assignment list yet remain absent from the block editor. When the symbolic display options are already enabled, regenerate the block editor's INI data from the symbol source and then verify the language and INI path settings.
Identify the display failure
The reported condition is specific: ladder blocks show absolute operands even though the assignment list contains symbols and comments. Enabling Display Symbolic and Operands Symbolic in the project settings alone did not restore them.
Also enable symbols in the page or block display settings. Use Shift+F4 to switch the block view to symbolic display; if that does not work, continue with the symbol-file checks.
Verify operand language compatibility
Confirm that the STEP 5 language setting matches the operand notation stored in the symbol table. A mismatch can prevent the symbols from being accepted and displayed.
| Language setting | Input operand | Output operand |
|---|---|---|
| English | I 0.0 | Q 0.0 |
| German | E 0.0 | A 0.0 |
Regenerate the INI data
- Check that the configured .INI path points to the intended project data.
- Open the assignment or symbol list and confirm its operands match the selected language.
- Save the symbol table. A successful save without errors indicates that STEP 5 can process the symbols.
- Select Convert SEQ -> INI to regenerate the INI files.
- Reopen the block editor, enable symbolic display with Shift+F4, and confirm that symbolic names and comments appear instead of only absolute operands.
In the documented case, Convert SEQ -> INI restored symbolic representation. Treat language compatibility, the INI path, and the page-level display switch as separate checks if conversion alone does not resolve the condition.
FAQ
Why does STEP 5 V7.2 show absolute operands when symbols exist?
The block editor may be using missing or outdated INI data, or its page-level symbolic display may be disabled. Run Convert SEQ -> INI and press Shift+F4.
How do I regenerate STEP 5 symbol INI files?
Verify the .INI path, save the symbol table without errors, and select Convert SEQ -> INI. Reopen the block and check the symbolic display.
Can the STEP 5 language setting stop symbols from displaying?
Yes. English notation uses I 0.0 and Q 0.0, while German notation uses E 0.0 and A 0.0; make the symbol operands compatible with the selected language before regenerating the INI data.