DesignSpark PCB vs Fritzing

Struggling to choose between DesignSpark PCB and Fritzing? Both products offer unique advantages, making it a tough decision.

DesignSpark PCB is a Development solution with tags like pcb-design, schematic-capture, routing, electronics, free.

It boasts features such as Schematic capture, PCB layout and routing, Library of over 7000 components, 3D visualization, Import/export Altium and Eagle files, Multi-layer boards, Autorouting, Design rule checking and pros including Free to use with no limits, Easy to learn and use, Good component library, Can handle moderately complex designs, Good routing features, 3D preview of PCB.

On the other hand, Fritzing is a Development product tagged with opensource, electronics, design, prototyping, breadboard, schematic, pcb.

Its standout features include Breadboard view to design and layout electronics prototypes, Schematic view to document circuits and connections, PCB view to design printed circuit boards, Support for common electronic components and microcontrollers, Export designs as images, PDFs, or Gerber files for PCB manufacturing, Open-source and cross-platform (Windows, Mac, Linux), and it shines with pros like Intuitive and easy to use interface, Great for learning and teaching electronics and PCB design, Large component library, Active open-source community support, Free to use with no limits.

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.

DesignSpark PCB

DesignSpark PCB

DesignSpark PCB is a free PCB design software for electronics engineers. It allows for schematic capture and PCB layout with advanced routing features. Good for simple to moderately complex designs.

Categories:
pcb-design schematic-capture routing electronics free

DesignSpark PCB Features

  1. Schematic capture
  2. PCB layout and routing
  3. Library of over 7000 components
  4. 3D visualization
  5. Import/export Altium and Eagle files
  6. Multi-layer boards
  7. Autorouting
  8. Design rule checking

Pricing

  • Free

Pros

Free to use with no limits

Easy to learn and use

Good component library

Can handle moderately complex designs

Good routing features

3D preview of PCB

Cons

Limited to 2 signal layers

No embedded components or rigid-flex boards

Limited file import/export

Basic autorouter

No version control or collaboration features


Fritzing

Fritzing

Fritzing is an open-source electronics design software that allows users to document their prototypes, share designs with others, and order PCBs. It has a breadboard view, schematic view, and PCB view to design and document electronics projects.

Categories:
opensource electronics design prototyping breadboard schematic pcb

Fritzing Features

  1. Breadboard view to design and layout electronics prototypes
  2. Schematic view to document circuits and connections
  3. PCB view to design printed circuit boards
  4. Support for common electronic components and microcontrollers
  5. Export designs as images, PDFs, or Gerber files for PCB manufacturing
  6. Open-source and cross-platform (Windows, Mac, Linux)

Pricing

  • Free
  • Open Source

Pros

Intuitive and easy to use interface

Great for learning and teaching electronics and PCB design

Large component library

Active open-source community support

Free to use with no limits

Cons

Limited features compared to paid PCB design software

Can be slow and unstable with large/complex designs

Steep learning curve for advanced PCB design features