CircuitMaker vs KiCad

Struggling to choose between CircuitMaker and KiCad? Both products offer unique advantages, making it a tough decision.

CircuitMaker is a Development solution with tags like pcb-design, schematic-capture, electronics, cad.

It boasts features such as PCB layout and routing, Real-time design rule checking, 3D PCB viewing and export, Component library with over 7000 parts, Import Altium and Eagle designs, Multi-layer boards up to 16 layers, Autorouting, Mixed-mode SPICE simulation, Version control and project collaboration and pros including Free to use with no restrictions, Easy to learn and use, Powerful features for a free tool, Large component library, Can open Altium and Eagle files, Good for hobbyists and professionals.

On the other hand, KiCad is a Development product tagged with open-source, electronics, design, schematic, pcb.

Its standout features include Schematic capture, PCB layout, SPICE simulation, 3D visualization, Gerber file generation, and it shines with pros like Free and open source, Cross-platform (Windows, Mac, Linux), Large component library, Active development community, Flexible customization.

To help you make an informed decision, we've compiled a comprehensive comparison of these two products, delving into their features, pros, cons, pricing, and more. Get ready to explore the nuances that set them apart and determine which one is the perfect fit for your requirements.

CircuitMaker

CircuitMaker

CircuitMaker is a free PCB design and schematic software for electronics engineers. It features advanced routing tools, real-time design rules checking, and a component library with over 7000 parts.

Categories:
pcb-design schematic-capture electronics cad

CircuitMaker Features

  1. PCB layout and routing
  2. Real-time design rule checking
  3. 3D PCB viewing and export
  4. Component library with over 7000 parts
  5. Import Altium and Eagle designs
  6. Multi-layer boards up to 16 layers
  7. Autorouting
  8. Mixed-mode SPICE simulation
  9. Version control and project collaboration

Pricing

  • Free
  • Subscription-Based

Pros

Free to use with no restrictions

Easy to learn and use

Powerful features for a free tool

Large component library

Can open Altium and Eagle files

Good for hobbyists and professionals

Cons

Limited to 2 signal layers in free version

No manufacturing outputs in free version

Lacks some advanced features of paid tools

Component library not as comprehensive as Altium

Only available on Windows, not Mac or Linux


KiCad

KiCad

KiCad is an open source electronics design automation software suite used for schematic capture, printed circuit board design, and more. It is cross-platform and licensed under GNU GPL v3.

Categories:
open-source electronics design schematic pcb

KiCad Features

  1. Schematic capture
  2. PCB layout
  3. SPICE simulation
  4. 3D visualization
  5. Gerber file generation

Pricing

  • Open Source

Pros

Free and open source

Cross-platform (Windows, Mac, Linux)

Large component library

Active development community

Flexible customization

Cons

Steep learning curve

Limited documentation

Less intuitive UI than some paid options