Eagle and KiCad
What is Eagle?
Eagle is a PCB design software that lets you create printed circuit board layouts. It was originally developed by Cadsoft and is now owned by Autodesk, which integrates it with other software tools to provide a comprehensive design environment
What is KiCad?
KiCad is a free, open-source software suite for electronic design automation (EDA). It allows you to create schematics of electronic circuits and convert them into PCB designs. KiCad is developed by a community of volunteers and can be used for personal or commercial purposes. It has a lot of cool features, like the ability to view your PCB in 3D and an autorouter.
Which is better, KiCad or EAGLE?
User Interface
| Feature | Eagle | KiCad |
|---|---|---|
| Interface | Modernized, drag-and-drop | Customizable, less modern |
| Learning Curve | Steeper for beginners | Moderate, with extensive documentation |
| Customizability | Limited customization | High customization |
Library and Component Support
| Feature | Eagle | KiCad |
|---|---|---|
| Component Library | Extensive, proprietary | Open-source, community-driven |
| Accessibility | Subscription-based access | Free, unlimited access |
Hardware Requirements
Both Eagle and KiCad run on standard hardware configurations, but there are nuances that might affect users with older systems.
| Software | Minimum RAM | Recommended CPU | Operating System |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eagle | 4 GB | Dual-core | Windows, macOS, Linux |
| KiCad | 2 GB | Single-core | Windows, macOS, Linux |
Cost and Licensing
Eagle: Offers a subscription-based model which might be a barrier for hobbyists or small businesses.
KiCad: Completely free and open-source, making it accessible for users on any budget.
Which software is best for PCB design?
KiCad is an open-source software suite for electronic design automation (EDA). It facilitates the design of schematics for electronic circuits and their conversion to PCB designs. KiCad is developed by a community of volunteers and is free for use for both personal and commercial purposes. It supports various features like 3D viewing of PCBs and a built-in autorouter among other tools.
For professionals working in a commercial environment where the integration of PCB design software with other tools (like mechanical CAD systems) is important, Eagle might be the better option, especially considering the backing by Autodesk.
