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.
pcb-design
schematic-capture
electronics
cad
CircuitMaker: Free PCB Design Schematic Software
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.
What is CircuitMaker?
CircuitMaker is a free printed circuit board (PCB) design software from Altium for electronics engineers. It allows users to design printed circuit boards and schematics for electronics projects.
Some key features of CircuitMaker include:
- Advanced PCB routing tools - Includes interactive routing, hugging, push and shove routing, and dynamic track width.
- Real-time design rule checking - Ensures the design adheres to specified electrical and physical constraints as you route.
- Extensive component library - Comes with over 7000 verified components from leading manufacturers.
- Native 3D viewing - Allows realistic visualization of the circuit board in 3D.
- Auto-placement and routing - Automates much of the PCB layout process.
- Version control and collaboration - Enables team-based design through version control integration.
- Export to manufacturing - Generates industry-standard Gerber files for fabrication.
As a free tool, CircuitMaker lacks some advanced functionality found in paid PCB design tools. But it has robust core functionality to take most designs from concept to manufacturing.
CircuitMaker Features
Features
- 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
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
Official Links
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