Blog  /  Best PCB Design Softwares

Best PCB Design Softwares

Are you looking for free PCB design software tools to get your latest electronic project implemented? Look at a list of 12 free PCB software that allows you to build your printed circuit board faster but without several hours of practice. Nearly all of the software packages mentioned here are free, and some software packages require payment. The main aim of these PCB design programs is to automate electronic circuit design and printed circuit boards.

PCB Design Software Illustration

Caption: PCB Design Software Illustration

 

1. PCB Artist 

 

PCB Artist

 

1.1 Features

 

PCB Artist of Advanced Circuits is a powerful software resource for electronics engineers finding a solution that is intuitive and simple to use. Electronics engineers often prefer PCB Artist as it enables them to save money and time.

 

1.2 Pros and cons

 

PCB Design Softwares

PCB

Caption: PCB

 

1.3 Cost

 

Free

 

1.4 Environment

 

It works with Windows only.

 

1.5 Suitable for the crowd

 

For intermediate and advanced users only.

 

1.6 Reviews

 

"The software is quite good, except it does not output Gerber files. In the version I used, the PCB file format requires you to use advanced circuits for manufacturing. Despite its deceptively simple-looking toolbars, very great depth is in the right-click menus. It keeps the new user experience from being overwhelming."—FreewareFiles.

 

1.7 Download

 

 

 

1.8 Social Accounts

 

Facebook

LinkedIn

Twitter

 

1.9 Recommended excellent tutorial

 

 

2. Ultiboard

 

Ultiboard

 

2.1 Features

 

With its transparent, software-centric platform that leverages modular hardware and an expansive ecosystem, National Instruments accelerates technological performance.  Electronics engineers explicitly choose the Utiliboard of National Instruments because it offers a quick PCB prototyping environment for multiple applications.

 

2.2 Pros and cons

 

PCB Design Softwares

 

2.3 Cost

 

  • Free evaluation
  • Contact for the enterprise edition

 

2.4 Environment

 

It works with Windows, Mac, and Linux.

 

2.5 Suitable for the crowd

 

For beginners, intermediate, and advanced users.

 

2.6 Reviews

 

"It's a NI instrument product, and as usual, it's student-centric. Your expectation should not be like the professional tools out there in the market like Altium or Orcad. However, we find it easy to learn."——G2

 

2.7 Download

 

http://www.ni.com/ultiboard/

 

2.8 Social Accounts

 

Facebook

LinkedIn

Twitter

 

2.9 Recommended excellent tutorial

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c1oCBJADJFQ

 

3. Altium Designer 17

 

Altium Designer 17

 

3.1 Features

 

A tech company offering engineering tools for designing electronics based on PCs, Altium presents Designer 17. Many in the industry consider this PCB modeling program to be the gold standard for electronics engineers. Altium Designer 17 is valid, user-friendly, and satisfies the evolving demands of qualified engineers and technicians.

 

3.2 Pros and cons

 

PCB Design Softwares

 

3.3 Cost

 

  • Free
  • Contact for the enterprise edition

 

3.4 Environment

 

It works with Windows only.

 

3.5 Suitable for the crowd

 

For intermediate and advanced users only.

 

3.6 Reviews

 

"Altium Designer has thousands of advanced features to design PCBs. I like the ability to make files of the PCB to send online PCB manufacturing services. Altium supports a 3D view, and we can see how to fit PCB on my CAD design. Altium has thousands of flexible design rules and auto-routing options."——Capterra

 

3.7 Download

 

http://www.altium.com/

 

3.8 Social Accounts

 

Facebook

LinkedIn

Twitter

 

3.9 Recommended excellent tutorial

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KpgTud1iQ-4

 

4. Solidworks PCB 

 

Solidworks PCB

 

4.1 Features

 

SOLIDWORKS provides powerful design technology for an electronic circuit, with the on-demand bi-directional integration with SOLIDWORKS CAD. And their PCB solution incorporates CAD and PCB design for seamless collaboration.

 

4.2 Pros and cons

 

PCB Design Softwares

 

4.3 Cost

 

Contact for price for different editions

 

4.4 Environment

 

It works with MAC only.

 

4.5 Suitable for the crowd

 

For advanced users only.

 

4.6 Reviews

 

"Version control implemented, and it supports with previously designed PCBs using Altium designer. Footprints and the 3d models of the components can easily design. It supports the libraries used in the Altium designer. And also, it supports earlier PCBs that are designed using Altium designer." ——G2

 

4.7 Download

 

http://www.solidworks.com/sw/products/electrical-design/solidworks-pcb.htm

 

4.8 Social Accounts

 

Facebook

LinkedIn

Twitter

 

4.9 Recommended excellent tutorial

 

 

5. DipTrace

 

pcb layout

 

5.1 Features

 

DipTrace is an electronics engineering PCB design software tool that includes an interactive design and great functionality. DipTrace offers smart manual routing and a form-based automatic router for PCB layout. Electronics engineers recommend DipTrace with direct circuit-to-board conversion, schematic updating, and back-annotation for its single setting.

 

5.2 Pros and cons

 

PCB Design Softwares

 

5.3 Cost

 

  • DipTrace Full: $1,195
  • DipTrace Extended: $695
  • DipTrace Standard: $395
  • DipTrace Lite: $145
  • DipTrace Starter: $75

 

5.4 Environment

 

It works with Windows, MAC, and Linux.

 

5.5 Suitable for the crowd

 

For beginners and intermediate users only.

 

5.6 Reviews

 

"DipTrace is one of the few PCB CAD software which is very user friendly. One can just start working without an event need to learn it. The GUI is designed in such a way that it's straightforward to understand what I have to do for my need." ——G2

 

5.7 Download

 

http://diptrace.com/

 

5.8 Social Accounts

 

Facebook

Twitter

 

5.9 Recommended excellent tutorial

 

 

6. PCBWeb Designer

 

pcbweb

 

6.1 Features

 

PCBWeb is a free CAD program for electronic development and manufacturing. It has a multi-page design schematic shot, multilayer support for the printed circuit board layout, and a broad range of details.

By using this popular PCB program, multi-sheeted schemes can produce with a fast and easy to use wiring tool. Even you can direct multilayer boards with copper fill support and DRC checks. Additionally, you can find an integrated list of Arrow information with a specification manager.

 

6.2 Pros and cons

 

PCB Design Softwares

 

6.3 Cost

 

Free

6.4 Environment

 

It works with Windows only.

 

6.5 Suitable for the crowd

 

For beginners, intermediate, and advanced users.

 

6.6 Reviews

 

"The tool is easy to use. It lets you generate Gerbers, shares your project through Publish, and create custom parts. I think the integration of Digi-key parts in the tool is a big thing. Not all tools have this. Add to that the freedom of the users to choose from different board houses. On the contrary, there are still many areas that need improvement. But, seeing that the tool is still young, it's a nice start. I would love to see the tool to improve in the future. It has a lot of potentials." ——PCBShopper

 

6.7 Download

 

http://www.pcbweb.com/

 

6.8 Social accounts

 

Facebook

LinkedIn

Twitter

 

Close up computer screen view of PCB design layout routing process in specialized software

Caption: Close up computer screen view of PCB design layout routing process in specialized software

 

6.9 Recommended excellent tutorial

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K_TEgbLzXlA&list=PLpesoqr44zTb2vaioyYRsWugiDLA70GHz

 

7. BSch3V

 

BSch3V

 

7.1 Features

 

BSch3V is a prominent PCB design computer program for electronics engineers needing a free solution from Suigyodo Online. BSch3V is a schematic capture program for Windows Vista/7/8/10 and has simple operating features.

 

7.2 Pros and cons

 

PCB Design Softwares

7.3 Cost

Free

 

7.4 Environment

 

It works with Windows only.

 

7.5 Suitable for the crowd

 

For beginners only.

 

7.6 Reviews

 

"BSch3V is a schematic capture program for Windows Vista/7/8/10. The name "BSch" is an abbreviation of "Basic Schematic." It has only essential functions to simplify operation."——report

 

7.7 Download

 

http://www.suigyodo.com/online/e/index.htm

 

8. circuits

 

XCircuit

 

8.1 Features

 

Electrical engineer Tim Edwards develops and manages XCircuit, electronic design automation (EDA) tool, and a schematic capture system for presentations. Electronics engineers render XCircuit part of their PCB application software toolbox while drawing worth publishing-quality schematic circuit diagrams and related figures and generating network circuit lists via schematic capture.

 

8.2 Pros and cons

 

PCB Design Softwares

 

8.3 Cost

 

Free

 

8.4 Environment

 

It works with Windows and Linux only.

 

8.5 Suitable for the crowd

 

For beginners only.

 

8.6 Reviews

 

"Circuit components are kept in and recovered from fully editable libraries. the circuit does not isolate artistic expression from circuit drawing; it maintains flexibility in style without compromising the power of schematic capture."——wiki.TCL-lang

 

8.7 Download

 

http://opencircuitdesign.com/xcircuit/

 

8.8 Recommended excellent tutorial

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-wbLyUsiGAI

 

9. Gerbv

 

XCircuit

 

9.1 Features

 

Gerbv is a free software Gerber file viewer, available on Sourceforge only for RS-274X. Electronics engineers may install several files with Gerbv on top of each other.

 

9.2 Pros and cons

 

PCB Design Softwares

 

9.3 Cost

 

Free

 

9.4 Environment

 

It works with Linux and MAC only.

 

9.5 Suitable for the crowd

 

For beginners only.

 

9.6 Reviews

 

"It solves so many issues. Now I can see how screwed my mask and paste layers are! The only thing missing is remembering where I left it, every time you open the viewer, you have to size it to fit your screen, no big." ——SOURCEFORGE

 

9.7 Download

 

https://sourceforge.net/projects/gerbv/

 

9.8 Social Accounts

 

Facebook

 

9.9 Recommended excellent tutorial

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upT73euZSes

 

10. KiCad

 

KiCad

 

10.1 Features

 

KiCad is an open-source and cross-platform electronic design automation program that works with Windows, macOS, and Linux. You can build your design with the circuit editor without any limitations. There are no paid networks to access features, as well.

The authorized symbols repository and the built-in symbols editor enable you to work on your projects quickly. Using up to 32 layers of Copper, you will be able to build professional PCB layouts.

This free PCB layout program comes with a push and shoves router that can route differential pairs and change trace lengths dynamically.

 

10.2 Pros and cons

 

PCB Design Softwares

10.3 Cost

 

Free

 

10.4 Environment

 

It works with Windows, Mac, and Linux.

 

10.5 Suitable for the crowd

 

Only suitable for intermediate and advanced users.

 

10.6 Reviews

 

"The easy to use interface and the comprehensive component library made it a very effective one. All the components can found online, so no need to create a customized."——G2

 

10.7 Download

 

http://kicad-pcb.org/

10.8 Social accounts

 

Facebook

LinkedIn

Twitter

Twitter

 

10.9 Recommended excellent tutorial

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l9b_6WLemmg

 

11.DesignSpark PCB

 

DesignSpark PCB

 

11.1 Features

 

DesignSpark PCB is a typical and straightforward to learn free PCB design tool for circuit capture and electronic design automation arrangement of printed circuit boards. This innovative approach relies on a powerful software engine for capturing circuits, circuit boards, and layouts.

It is indeed popular with numerous users, from students to professionals. It is also the most excellent 3D modeling program that can create 3D views for your design's real-time visualization.

This program offers plenty of video tutorials on different topics related to software design and other useful tips. You can upload the required information using its library to develop your project quickly.

 

11.2 Pros and cons

 

PCB Design Softwares

11.3 Cost

 

Free

 

11.4 Environment

 

Works with Windows only

 

11.5 Suitable for the crowd

 

Only suitable for intermediate and advanced users.

 

11.6 Reviews

 

"A very well designed and quite capable once you learn your way around the application. I managed to design a rather dense 4-layer PCB with 0.5 mm pitch QFNs and six mil trace/spacing without encountering any serious issues."——PCBShopper

 

11.7 Download

 

https://www.rs-online.com/designspark/pcb-software

 

11.8 Social accounts

 

Facebook

LinkedIn

Twitter

 

 

Caption: The concept of the technology of solid-state microelectronics

 

11.9 Recommended excellent tutorial

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jszgAwlXjN0

 

12.Eagle

 

Eagle

 

12.1 Features

 

EAGLE is an Electronic Structural Automation (EDA) program that enables PCB developers to easily link schematic diagrams, configurations of components, circuit board routing, and extensive library material. It just comes with a subscription to the Fusion 360.

With this PCB board design program, you can use SPICE simulation methods to test ideas quickly and quickly check the circuit output. All changes are synchronized automatically between your layout and the models so that you can focus on the creative process.

 

12.2 Pros and cons

 

PCB Design Softwares

12.3 Cost

 

  • FREE trial available for a month
  • EAGLE Standard Subscription
  • $15/month
  • $100/year
  • EAGLE Premium Subscription
  • $65/month
  • $500/year

 

12.4 Environment

 

It works with Windows, Mac, and Linux.

 

12.5 Suitability

 

Only suitable for beginners, intermediate and advanced users.

 

12.6 Reviews

 

"Autodesk eagle software best in design for multilayers single-sided and double-sided boards. All tools are simple and easy to know, and products are good for design. We can design a PCB board for simple and medium-size complex boards are fast. Best & faster for the schematic design and board design and component placement."——G2

 

12.7 Download

 

http://www.autodesk.com/products/eagle/overview

 

12.8 Social Accounts

 

Facebook

LinkedIn

Twitter

 

12.9 Recommended excellent tutorial

 

https://www.youtube.com/user/EAGLECadSoftComputer

 

Conclusion

 

Considering our review, you should now be in a position to make a sensible decision. If you'd like a high-end PCB design solution, then, in this case, Fritzing is one of the best options. In situations where you are focusing on a large project but have a minimal budget, try ZenitPCB.

If you're a student or inexperienced in PCB design and you need an incredibly simple-to-use and very well-documented software, then EAGLE or EasyEDA will be of great assistance. If you are working for an organization but choose not to obtain a license, go to KiCAD.