ETS Basics for KNX
ETS is the one tool every KNX project is built in. Here's what it does, how a project is structured, and the workflow from import to commissioning.
ETS — Engineering Tool Software — is the manufacturer-independent software from the KNX Association used to design, program and commission every KNX installation. There is no KNX project without ETS. Understanding how it organises a project is the fastest way to understand how KNX itself works, whether you are specifying a system or learning to program one.
What ETS is — and why it's mandatory
One vendor-neutral tool for the whole KNX ecosystem.
ETS is developed by the KNX Association, not by any device manufacturer. Because every certified KNX product ships with an ETS product database, a single ETS project can mix devices from ABB, Gira, Ekinex, MDT, Theben and any other certified maker — all configured in the same environment.
ETS is licensed software: a free demo plus ETS Lite and ETS Professional. The demo is capped at a handful of devices, so real projects use a paid licence. Programming is done by a certified KNX integrator — this is the step that turns hardware on the wall into a working system.
- Manufacturer-independent — one tool for all certified KNX products
- Used for design, programming, diagnostics and commissioning
- Free demo (≤ 5 devices), then ETS Lite / Professional licences
- Product databases (.knxprod) supplied by each manufacturer
| Vendor | KNX Association |
| Current version | ETS6 |
| Free demo limit | ≤ 5 devices |
| Project file | .knxproj |
Always keep the .knxproj project file safe and versioned — it is the single source of truth for the installation. Hand it to the building owner at handover; without it, the next integrator starts almost from scratch.
How an ETS project is structured
Three views describe the same installation.
An ETS project organises devices in parallel views. The Buildings view groups devices by where they physically are (building → floor → room). The Topology view groups them by the bus structure (area → line → device). The Group Addresses view defines the functions that link devices together.
You place products, set their parameters (what a button does, how an actuator channel behaves), then link sensors to actuators with group addresses. The same device appears in all three views — they are lenses on one project, not separate data.
- Buildings — physical location (floor / room)
- Topology — bus structure (area / line)
- Group Addresses — the functions linking devices
- Devices carry parameters set per project
The commissioning workflow
From empty project to a live, documented system.
A typical ETS workflow runs: create project → import manufacturer product databases → add devices into Buildings/Topology → set parameters → create and assign group addresses → assign individual addresses → download to devices over the bus → test and document.
Download happens over the KNX bus (or KNX/IP), so the laptop running ETS connects through an interface. After download each device knows its address and behaviour; diagnostics in ETS (Group Monitor, Bus Monitor) then verify everything responds correctly.
- Import product databases for every device used
- Set parameters and link with group addresses
- Assign individual + group addresses
- Download over the bus, then test with Group Monitor
Commissioning is where most project time is spent and where experience shows. Virasmart's certified engineers program and commission KNX projects end-to-end, then hand over the documented .knxproj.
Learning ETS
The realistic path to programming your first project.
The KNX Association offers free online ETS training and a certified KNX Partner course. Start with the free eCampus modules, practise on the ETS demo, then take the certification to be listed as a KNX Partner.
If you are an architect or building owner rather than an integrator, you do not need ETS yourself — you need a certified partner who does. The value of understanding ETS is knowing what to expect, ask for, and receive at handover.
- Free KNX eCampus online modules to start
- Practise on the ETS demo (up to 5 devices)
- Certified KNX Partner course for professional work
- Owners: require the .knxproj file at project handover
Want to learn KNX hands-on in the Baltics? Explore Virasmart's KNX training, or talk to us about programming your project.
Need a KNX project programmed?
Virasmart's certified engineers handle ETS programming and commissioning for residential and commercial KNX projects across the Baltics.