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Electronics
Software
PCB
What are the best software for making PCBs?
5
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Considered
14
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Recs.
Aug 21, 2022
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5
Options
Considered
Best software for making PCBs
Price
License
Platforms
--
Autodesk EAGLE
-
-
-
--
KiCad EDA
-
-
-
--
PADS
-
-
-
--
Fritzing
FREE
GPLv3 (software), CC BY-SA (component images)
Mac OS X, Unix, Windows
--
gEDA
FREE
GPLv2
-
See Full List
--
Autodesk EAGLE
My Rec
ommendation
for
Autodesk EAGLE
My Recommendation for
Autodesk EAGLE
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All
4
Experiences
1
Pros
3
Top
Pro
•••
Well-covered
You will have no problem starting working with this piece of software thanks to a large number of theoretical materials, guides, and tutorials available online. Every design step, starting from the schematic assembly and finishing with the board design file that can be sent to a board house, are covered in great detail.
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Svjatoslavs Krasnikovs's Experience
As an electronics hobbyist and enthusiast, I've been using the Autodesk EAGLE occasionally for the last couple of years, and there wasn't a single time it failed to do its job. This is one of the most reliable software I've ever used.
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Top
Pro
•••
You can build your own libraries
If you ever fail to find the component you need in the standard component libraries, you can always create your own, custom library components with the Autocad Eagle. Everything you'll need is the component package dimensions and pinout. Even if you are relatively new to the Autodesk Eagle, creating a custom, say eight pin package will take you around 30 minutes thanks to the simple and clear component creation guide available at the manufacturer's website.
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Top
Pro
•••
Has a free version
You can download a free copy of the Autodesk Eagle to see it in action. Such copy will work perfectly for those working with double-sided printed circuit boards that are not larger than 80 square centimeters.
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Get it
here
Recommend
5
--
KiCad EDA
My Rec
ommendation
for
KiCad EDA
My Recommendation for
KiCad EDA
Add Video or Image
All
9
Experiences
1
Pros
6
Cons
2
Top
Pro
•••
Cross-platform
Available for Windows, macOS, and Linux.
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Top
Con
•••
Multi-page schematics only with hierarchical sheets
In order to have a multi-page schematic, you currently always need to use hierarchical sheets (but you don't have to use hierarchical pins - just use global labels to interconnect your schematics).
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Uli Köhler's Experience
I have been using KiCAD for professional digital & power PCB design for ~2 years, after migrating from DIPTrace. Works fine
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Top
Pro
•••
Open source
KiCad is open source.
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Top
Con
•••
Few RF design features
Supports differential pairs, interactive length & phase matching etc., but no RF filter design, no integrated impedance calculations and no support for RF-related DRC checks.
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Top
Pro
•••
Efficient routing with Shove & Walk Around
Saves time while manually routing everything but the most simple.
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Top
Pro
•••
High-speed differential pair routing support
Easy-to-use differential pair routing, interactive length matching and measurement.
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Top
Pro
•••
3D PCB model support
Use STEP component models export a STEP model of the whole PCB.
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Top
Pro
•••
Huge integrated part library
The large part library features tens of thousands of both generic and specialized parts & footprints, including 3D models.
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See All
Get it
here
Recommend
6
--
PADS
My Rec
ommendation
for
PADS
My Recommendation for
PADS
Hide
Get it
here
Recommend
2
--
Fritzing
My Rec
ommendation
for
Fritzing
My Recommendation for
Fritzing
Add Video or Image
All
2
Pros
1
Specs
Top
Pro
•••
Open Source
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Specs
License:
GPLv3 (software), CC BY-SA (component images)
Platforms:
Mac OS X, Unix, Windows
Type:
EDA
Source code:
https://github.com/fritzing/fritzing-app/
Hide
FREE
Recommend
1
--
gEDA
My Rec
ommendation
for
gEDA
My Recommendation for
gEDA
Add Video or Image
All
1
Specs
Specs
License:
GPLv2
Hide
FREE
Recommend
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