Fritzing is a free open source PCB design software for Windows, macOS, and Linux. Using this software, you can make a PCB design. Apart from PCB design, it also lets you create PCB schematics and breadboard designs. It offers a lot of inbuilt electronic parts which you can use in your PCB design. So, we present you 10 of the best PCB software tools available on the internet that will help you to develop your printed circuit board faster and with ease. 0 ∴ PCBWeb Designer PCBWeb is a free CAD application for designing and manufacturing electronics hardware.
VUTRAX
Beyond ordinary PCB CAD
Last Update 01 June 2020
Launch of Vutrax 14.2a with optional 64 bit operation.
Recent Changes, Mailing lists, etc. are in Latest
VUTRAX (pronounced View-Tracks) is the major professional Electronics schematic and PCB (Printed circuit board) design package in the UK. The product was the first EDA package offered for personal computers, having a pedigree back to 1981 when it was created for use by in-house draughtsmen. This modern product offers similar functionality to formal workstations but at a fraction of the cost. There are now thousands of systems in use worldwide designing boards used from the seabed to satellites.
VUTRAX is supported on Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7, Windows 8.1 & Windows 10 including x64 variants. An unsupported Linux Version is also available that works with most x86 based distributions, and the current issue runs under WINE.
A limited capacity FREE version can be downloaded for any platform. This can be upgraded to various levels by our supplying a customisation file.
The Pricing tab in the left column describes the many options, including details of the Free, Bundled and Professional configurations.
Downloads are grouped in the left column under Individual Downloads.
Most users will visit the Broadband and download a single .ZIP file containing the installer, packed content, and some useful extra items. Linux users will find a functional but superceded issue in that section, and advice on using the WINE 'windows emulator'.
The Pricing tab in the left column describes the many options, including details of the Free, Bundled and Professional configurations.
Downloads are grouped in the left column under Individual Downloads.
Most users will visit the Broadband and download a single .ZIP file containing the installer, packed content, and some useful extra items. Linux users will find a functional but superceded issue in that section, and advice on using the WINE 'windows emulator'.
Aids such as an adaptive toolbar, pop-up context sensitive local menus (right button), quick access to recently used operations, and an integrated tutorial and practice environment, promote early learning and productivity.
The system is highly modular, and can be customised from a simple schematic entry system to a fully fledged 100% auto-routing PCB layout system with direct output to photoplotters and CNC drilling & milling machines. You need only buy the facilities required, and can upgrade as needs change.
Vutrax includes a selection of advanced routers, design checkers, automated updating of modifications on the PCB back onto the schematic (and the reverse), and numerous interfaces to simulators, photoplotters including RS274X, CNC drilling & Milling machines, and other equipment used by the PCB industry. Extensive libraries of schematic symbols and multiple forms of PCB footprint are provided.
![Which Software Can Open Pcb File Which Software Can Open Pcb File](/uploads/1/3/4/4/134402051/817450251.png)
The product includes complete context sensitive tutorials and technical documentation. If you prefer the personal approach, individually tailored training courses from elementary to advanced can be provided.
Key Features:
- Integrated Schematic Capture.
- True WYSIWYG operation throughout.
- Tutorials integrated with the system in familiar 'Browser' style (Internet connection not required) including many practice and example sequences.
- Design for modern PCB technology includes Surface Mount, Gluespots, Blind and Buried Vias, Microvias, Components on both sides, pick and place, etc.
- Bidirectional Modification with integrity.
- Selection of Autorouters including orthogonal, ripup and retry, and Shape Based styles.
- On-line and Off-line Design Validation.
- EMC compatibility Checking.
- Capabilities for RF and Microwave Design.
- Extensive libraries of schematic symbols and component footprints are provided. A single schematic symbol can refer to the full range of the devices' packaging options, so you can take advantage of packaging advances without the reworking of schematics. Extensive search options help you find what you need.
- A single graphics editor (with mode sensitive options) is used for library, schematic, placement and routing, greatly reducing the learning time.
- Virtually infinite Undo/Redo capability.
- Choice of Metric or Imperial basic coordinates, but accepts coordinates of either type at all times. Resolution is 0.0001' (0.1 mil) / 0.0025mm
- Mechanical Drawing, including dimensioning using the same tools. You can even mix Schematics, PCBs and mechanical in the same documents.
- Use of any Windows TrueType font, even for photoplotter output.
- Settings can be preserved on the basis of Projects, Users, or both.
Selected Specialised Utilities:
- Powerplane and Groundplane generation.
- Automatic Component Renumbering of PCBs and Schematics.
- 3D View of the PCB.
- Gluespot and Testpoint (ATE) Analysis.
- Gerber RS274X or explicit aperture Photoplot output, plus output and Decoding of this and other formats.
- CNC drilling and milling outputs in numerous formats.
- Groups of settings for Plotting, Photoplotting and CNC sets for multilayer, buried VIAs etc. can be stored for rework, modification, or imported into other projects.
- Numerous linkages to 3rd Party Software including AutoCAD (DXF), CNC, ATE, Pick & Place, stock control, logic & analogue simulation, and import of various other CAD system data. Interfaces for the Electra and Specctra advanced auto-routers are also available.
- A Bitmap Import utility suitable for line drawings, Logos, Signatures, etc.
Recommended Computer Configuration
- Recommendations Configurations
- Pentium 233 or better with RAM requirements as recommended for the operating system.
- Windows XP, Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows Vista, Windows 7, Windows 8 & Windows 10, including x86 (32 bit) and X64 (64 bit) variants.
Earlier versions of Windows (Windows 95 onwards) should be functional but we can no longer offer support.
A PC based Linux version is also available but is no longer being developed. See Broadband Download for Linux. - CD-ROM or Network access to the files, 100MB of Hard disk available, Two button Mouse, VGA graphics at minimum, Windows printer, ports for any attached PCB artwork plotter.
An outline of the modules is included in the sections [Schematic Entry] onwards. If you have any questions or comments please don't hesitate to mail us below.
For further Information, please e-mail us here
Computamation Systems Limited.
9a Lower Way, Great Brickhill, Buckinghamshire, MK17 9AG, UK.Tel: 01525 261 381
Mobile: 07968 536 068
Fax: 0871 528 4646 (Fax calls cost 10p/min)
E-mail: [email protected]
Vutrax is a registered trademark of Computamation Systems Ltd.
Introduction: Free PCB Schematic Entry & Layout Software Beat Eagle for Some Features
'Nothing is free', 'There ain't no such thing as a free lunch', 'There is no such thing as free unless the thing in question is without value'. We've all heard this before but maybe, just maybe, the old maxim is challenged by some software.
Cadsoft Eagle, DipTrace and Uncle Tom Cobley all do 'free' or 'lite' so as to get you hooked and, they hope, have you come back and buy.
I've assembled a list of free PCB editor/layout that prove 'popular' software is a dog in many ways. Eagle, for example, is something you either love or hate! People have many things to say about it - often swear words. I know of one user who got so frustrated whilst using Eagle he used to pull at the hair of his temples. He is now permanently bald above his ears!
Few Editor (schematic entry)/Layout software packages are the ideal answer - I have six different packages on my company's servers ranging from Cadence (an expensive beauty), through Layout Sprint, to Express PCB. I use what is most appropriate to the assigned task. Note I use the term 'editor/schematic entry'. None actually 'capture'. Nuance Voice>Text software captures. The nearest to 'capturing' is the Sprint Layout ... which is not free, Osmond (Mac) described below.
So here's a list of free software listed in alphabetical order. Only YOU can decide what is best for your tasks, just as much as choices of transportation differ from person to person. Our goal is Gerbers - the route we choose to get there is variable. Quit the square pegs in to round holes game.
Step 1: CircuitMaker
Besides being a collaborative community for electronic design content, CircuitMaker is Schematic & PCB design software, built upon Altium Designer technology. With a streamlined interface and powerful engine to boot, you’ll never have to worry about your software holding you back. This is a free design tool unlike anything you've seen before.
CircuitMaker (http://circuitmaker.com)
Step 2: DesignSpark PCB
DesignSpark PCB is a free EDA package offered by RS Components. It has a board size limit or 1 square meter or 1550 sq inches and no limits on pin counts, layers, or output types. DesignSpark PCB includes schematic capture, PCB layout, autorouting, circuit simulation, design calculators, BOM tracking, component creation wizard, and 3d viewing. With the extensive library of Eagle components available online for free, the ability to import component library files makes transitioning and starting in DesignSpark PCB fast and easy. DesignSpark PCB outputs all of the required files to have you PCB made at any PCB manufacturer.
Eagle component libraries, design files, and circuit diagrams can be imported in to DesignSpark PCB. This enables Eagle files from articles or other sources to be converted without having to install Eagle. With practice size-limited Eagle files can be merged to form a larger board!
DesignSpark PCB (https://www.rs-online.com/designspark/pcb-software)
Step 3: EasyEDA (Cloud)
EasyEDA is a free, zero-install, Web and cloud-based EDA tool suite, integrating powerful schematic capture, mixed-mode circuit simulation and PCB layout in a seamless cross-platform browser environment, for electronic engineers, educators, students and hobbyists.
As with any cloud-based system you have to consider the safety of your hard work and the security from a content perspective.
EasyEDA (https://easyeda.com)
Step 4: ExpressPCB (Vendor Limited)
ExpressPCB is a simple to use PCB layout packager aimed at the first time user and designer. ExpressPCB offers a schematic capture program that integrates with their PCB layout software. The schematic and layout files can be linked to automatically carry changes forward. One neat feature is that you can group parts of a layout together and replicate, rotate, etc. as you would a component footprint.
ExpressPCB is meant to be used with the ExpressPCB manufacturing service and does not support outputting to standard formats directly. ExpressPCB offers a file conversion service for a fee ($100) if standard outputs are required.
Now, however, ExpressPCB files can be converted into formats acceptable to any fabricator of your choice. The answer is at the end of this article.
ExpressPCB (https://www.expresspcb.com) (Vendor limited) (See end)
Step 5: FreePCB
FreePCB is an open-source PCB design package for Windows. It was designed to support professional quality PCB designs but be easy to learn and use. The only limitations to FreePCB are a maximum board size of 60x60 inches and 16 layers, but it can use the FreeRoute web-based autorouter at www.freerouting.net.
Designs can be exported in the extended Gerber format, used by all PCB manufacturers.
FreePCB (http://www.freepcb.com)
Step 6: Fritzing
Fritzing software is an interesting open-source initiative to support designers, artists, researchers and hobbyists to work creatively with interactive electronics and develop electronic projects. Fritzing helps you learn more about electronic circuits, to document your projects and even let’s you prepare them for production.
A unique feature, useful for beginners, is the Breadboard View which populates an onscreen breadboard to aid you replicating it in reality in your work space. Other views include Schematic and Layout Views. A change in one is automatically reflected in the other views.
Lady Ada of Adafruit, the heroine of the electronic D-I-Y community, has started using this, too.
Fritzing (http://fritzing.org/)
Step 7: GEDA (Linux, Unix, Mac)
gEDA is an open source package that runs on Linux, Unix, Mac and has produced tools which are used for electrical circuit design, schematic capture, simulation, prototyping, and production. Currently, the gEDA project offers a mature suite of free software applications for electronics design, including schematic capture, attribute management, bill of materials (BOM) generation, netlisting into over 20 netlist formats, Verilog analog and digital simulation, transmission line analysis, and printed circuit board (PCB) design layout. Gerber outputs are supported.
gEDA (Linux) (http://www.gpleda.org/)
Step 8: Kicad (Linux/Unix, Mac, Windows, FreeBSD)
The best open source (GPL) EDA package is KiCad, which is available for Linux/Unix, Mac, Windows, and FreeBSD. The KiCad suite of programs includes schematic capture,
PCB layout with 3D viewer and up to 16 layers, footprint creator, project manager, a Gerber viewer. Tools are available to import components from other packages, such as Eagle. KiCad has a built in autorouter and the freeware FreeRouting can also be used. KiCad supports outputting to extended Gerber formats, enabling freedom in selecting the manufacturer you want to use.
Kicad (http://www.kicad-pcb.org/)
Step 9: Osmond PCB (Mac)
Osmond PCB is a free, full featured EDA package for the Mac. Osmond PCB has no limitations and can even work with both Imperial and Metric units in the same design seamlessly. Osmond PCB can import a PDF file to serve as a background image, allowing a design to be matched to the mechanical enclosure or trace an existing design or datasheet.
Osmond PCB supports direct printing of a layout to a transparency for the toner transfer technique for DIY home made PCB fabrication. Extended Gerber outputs are also supported, allowing freedom of choice in manufacturer.
Osmond PCB (Mac) (http://www.osmondpcb.com/)
Step 10: PCBWeb Designer
PCBWeb is a free CAD application for designing and manufacturing electronics hardware. Design multi-sheet schematics with a fast and easy-to-use wiring tool.
Route multi-layer boards with support for copper pours and DRC checking. Integrated Digi-Key Parts Catalogue with Bill of Materials Manager.
PCBWeb Designer (http://www.pcbweb.com/)
Step 11: TinyCAD (Schematic)
TinyCAD is a Editor program to help you draw circuit diagrams. It comes complete with symbol libraries to get you started straight away. As well as being able to simply print your designs, TinyCAD can publish your drawings by copying and pasting into a Word document or saving as a PNG bitmap for the web.
TinyCAD (Schematics only) (http://tinycad.sourceforge.net/)
Step 12: ZenitPCB
A layout design software tool to create professional printed circuit boards. It is limited to 800 pins maximum in the free version, which limits designs to smaller hobbyist or semi-professional use. ZenitPCB is able to export extended Gerber files, allowing PCBs to be made by any PCB manufacturer. is an easy to use PCB layout program that also includes schematic capture and a Gerber file viewer.
As it is limited to 800 pins maximum in the free version, it limits designs to smaller hobbyist or semi-professional use.This pin limitation is less restrictive than limiting board size as in the case of Eagle. ZenitPCB is able to export extended Gerber files, allowing PCBs to be made by any PCB manufacturer.
ZenitPCB (http://www.zenitpcb.com/)
Step 13: The Freedom Fighters - All We Want Is Gerbers - Viva Analogue ExpressPCB PDF Converter
Don Julien, is a programmer, who dedicates himself to updating the open-source program ‘pdf2gerb’. Ppdf2gerb is a text based ‘PERL’ instruction set that’s meant for converting PDF vector graphics language files to Gerber “Numerical Drilling” (CNC driver) ones - the brainchild of Matthew Swann.
“… in essence, the instructions that are meant to drive a printer are similar in nature to those used for driving an automated CNC machine” …
Three PDF “layer” files are print-created from by expressPCB which are true (basic) vector files. The top and bottom layers are combined into a top.pdf file, in order to produce copper text in the end, then the bottom.pdf only (without text, logos, etc .) and then the silk.pdf layer.
The program code and three object files are fed to a compiler which produces seven Gerber output files. Visual confirmation of translation accuracy to the new format can be made using a Gerber file viewer such as ViewPlot or 'Gerbv' or Pentalogix Viewmate to verify sizing, replication, drill file overlap, etc.
Viva Analog - Gerber files from expressPCB generated PDF’s (http://viva-analog.com/pdf2gerb-and-expresspcb-reality-cheque)
Links
pdf2gerb16e (https://www.viva-analog.com/forum/forum_files/pdf2gerb16e.zip)
Mathew Swann’s ‘pdf2gerb’ (http://swannman.github.com/pdf2gerb)
ViewPlot (http://www.viewplot.com)
Open Pcb File In Powerpoint
'Gerbv' (http://gerbv.geda-project.org/)
Pentalogix Viewmate (http://www.pentalogix.com/viewmate.php)
Step 14: The Freedom Fighters - All We Want Is Gerbers - Copper Connection ExpressPCB Conversion
I've included this software because it has the ability to convert expressPCB PDFs into industry standard formats.
Copper Connection is a modern PCB layout editor for creating printed circuit boards at home or commercially. The software is easy enough for hobbyists and students, but includes rich features for the benefit of professionals. Then, either print the board for etching at home, or export the board to an industry standard format to order from the PCB manufacturer of your choice.
The Home Edition is free of charge and can be upgraded at any time.
This is another way to convert ExpressPCB file format to other file formats. Using Copper Connection software, the ExpressPCB circuit boards can be easily searched, printed, or exported to Gerber and Excellon.
Copper Connection ExpressPCB Conversion (http://robotroom.com/CopperConnection/Converting-Express-PCB-Files.html)
Step 15: Wikipedia - Today's Encyclopedia
There is another list of software in Wikipedia (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Comparison_of_EDA_software) which I urge you to read.
It contains a fully comprehensive list of software packages with far greater feature descriptions than my list.
I hope this list serves to highlight other 'free' software packages - choose the one you feel that serves your purposes best. Then you can quit banging square pegs into round holes with you know what!
Step 16:
Footnotes
In September 2009, Farnell bought CadSoft, the makers of the Eagle Schematic-PCB program. Farnell now call themselves “element14”, and present themselves as an engineering resource, rather than just a component supplier.
In September 2009, Farnell bought CadSoft, the makers of the Eagle Schematic-PCB program. Farnell now call themselves “element14”, and present themselves as an engineering resource, rather than just a component supplier.
RS Components opened DesignSpark, a design portal and community for engineers, and offered “DesignSpark PCB”, a free, non-crippled and modified version of Easy-PC; a low end CAD tool from Number One Systems. RS also plan to build in a procurement tool.
Farnell and RS Components are the two big UK based players, and hope to make their engineering portals a haven for engineers who need inspiration, social contact and easy parts procurement.
Advance Circuits offers the PCB Artist derivative of Easy-PC, and has helpful documentation. In particular the Layout Software Part Creation Tutorial explains the library system.
Beware the Cloud
DesignSparkPCB uses internet licence management, so if RS ever turns off the licence server, you can lose your investment in libraries and projects.
DesignSparkPCB uses internet licence management, so if RS ever turns off the licence server, you can lose your investment in libraries and projects.
Different Philosophies
Most CAD tools link schematic symbol to footprint by a simple text field; giving you flexibility to use any combination of schematic and PCB tools. Eagle and DesignSpark PCB are different: they lock you in to a self-contained component model which keeps schematic and PCB inside the one program. That is a 'we know best' approach, which gives the beginner an easy start, but ultimately limits you.
Most CAD tools link schematic symbol to footprint by a simple text field; giving you flexibility to use any combination of schematic and PCB tools. Eagle and DesignSpark PCB are different: they lock you in to a self-contained component model which keeps schematic and PCB inside the one program. That is a 'we know best' approach, which gives the beginner an easy start, but ultimately limits you.
Someone Took the Words Out of my Mouth!
The Eagle user interface defies normal GUI conventions. Eagle has a scripting language – fiendishly clever – but running scripts is the only way to achieve tasks which might be a simple menu item in another program.
Be the First to Share
Recommendations
Digital Measuring Roller Using Microbit & Tinkercad in Tools
Pocket Dice! Electronic Dice for Liars Dice and More in Electronics
61 8.0K
52 5.9K
What Software To Open Pcb File
Make it Glow Contest
First Time Author Contest
PCB Challenge