FreePCB vs LibrePCB

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

FreePCB is a Development solution with tags like pcb-design, schematics, layouts, autorouting, design-rule-checking.

It boasts features such as Schematic capture, PCB layout, Auto-routing, Design Rule Checking, Library editors, 3D view and pros including Free and open source, Cross-platform (Windows, Mac, Linux), Good for hobbyists and students, Active community support.

On the other hand, LibrePCB is a Development product tagged with pcb, eda, schematic-capture, routing.

Its standout features include Schematic editor, PCB editor, Library manager, Design rule checks, 3D visualization, Export to PDF/PNG/SVG, Import Eagle/KiCad projects, Undo/Redo, Multi-language support, and it shines with pros like Free and open source, Cross-platform (Windows/Mac/Linux), Intuitive user interface, Active development and community support, Powerful editing tools, No size/layer 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.

FreePCB

FreePCB

FreePCB is an open-source printed circuit board design software. It allows designers to create schematics and layouts for printed circuit boards. FreePCB has features like auto-routing, Design Rule Checking, and library editors.

Categories:
pcb-design schematics layouts autorouting design-rule-checking

FreePCB Features

  1. Schematic capture
  2. PCB layout
  3. Auto-routing
  4. Design Rule Checking
  5. Library editors
  6. 3D view

Pricing

  • Open Source

Pros

Free and open source

Cross-platform (Windows, Mac, Linux)

Good for hobbyists and students

Active community support

Cons

Limited features compared to paid options

Steep learning curve

Lacks some advanced/professional features


LibrePCB

LibrePCB

LibrePCB is an open source electronics design automation application for printed circuit boards. It allows schematic capture and PCB layout/routing with an intuitive user interface.

Categories:
pcb eda schematic-capture routing

LibrePCB Features

  1. Schematic editor
  2. PCB editor
  3. Library manager
  4. Design rule checks
  5. 3D visualization
  6. Export to PDF/PNG/SVG
  7. Import Eagle/KiCad projects
  8. Undo/Redo
  9. Multi-language support

Pricing

  • Open Source

Pros

Free and open source

Cross-platform (Windows/Mac/Linux)

Intuitive user interface

Active development and community support

Powerful editing tools

No size/layer limits

Cons

Limited library compared to proprietary options

Steep learning curve for beginners

Lacks some advanced/niche features

May have bugs due to rapid development