ISE enables the developer to synthesize ("compile") their designs, perform timing analysis, examine Register transfer level (RTL) diagrams, simulate a design's reaction to different stimuli, and configure the target device with the programmer.

[4] The Xilinx ISE is primarily used for circuit synthesis and design, while ISIM or the ModelSim logic simulator is used for system-level testing.

[3] The Transcript window provides status of currently running operations, and informs engineers on design issues.

[3] ModelSim or ISIM may be used to perform the following types of simulations:[5] Xilinx's patented algorithms for synthesis allow designs to run up to 30% faster than competing programs, and allows greater logic density which reduces project time and costs.

[12] IP Cores are offered by Xilinx and other third-party vendors, to implement system-level functions such as digital signal processing (DSP), bus interfaces, networking protocols, image processing, embedded processors, and peripherals.

License registration is required to use the Web Edition of Xilinx ISE, which is free and can be renewed an unlimited number of times.