The 13 most used PCB layout design tools are Altium Designer, Eagle, KiCad, OrCAD, DipTrace, EasyEDA, ExpressPCB Plus, Siemens EDA (Mentor Graphics PADS), Siemens Xpedition, Zuken CADSTAR, Zuken CR-8000, DesignSpark, and CircuitMaker. These tools offer a range of features that cater to different user needs, from simple designs to complex, multi-layered PCB layouts.
Let’s explore each of these tools in detail to understand their unique features and how they can benefit your PCB design process.
Altium Designer
Overview：Altium Designer is renowned for its unified design environment.
Features：
- Advanced routing
- 3D visualization
- Real-time BOM management
User Insights：Widely used in the industry for complex designs.
Pros and Cons：
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Extensive features | High cost |
| Excellent support | Steep learning curve |
Eagle
Overview：
Eagle is popular for its user-friendly interface and powerful features.
Features：
- Schematic capture
- PCB layout
- Auto-router
User Insights：Ideal for hobbyists and small-scale projects.
Pros and Cons：
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Affordable | Lacks advanced simulation tools |
| Easy to learn | Limited free version |
KiCad
Overview：KiCad is an open-source tool with a strong community backing.
Features：
- Multi-layer PCB support
- 3D viewer
- Schematic editor
User Insights：Great for those looking for a free yet powerful design tool.
Pros and Cons：
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Free to use | Steep learning curve |
| Robust features | Inconsistent UI |
OrCAD
Overview：OrCAD is known for its powerful simulation capabilities.
Features：
- Advanced simulation
- PCB layout
- Design rule checks
User Insights：Preferred by professionals for high-precision designs.
Pros and Cons：
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Excellent simulation tools | Expensive |
| Precision design | Complex setup |
DipTrace
Overview：DipTrace offers an intuitive interface with strong support.
Features：
- Schematic capture
- PCB layout
- 3D preview
User Insights：Suitable for both beginners and experienced designers.
Pros and Cons：
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Easy to use | Limited advanced features |
| Strong support | Costly for high-end versions |
EasyEDA
Overview：EasyEDA is a cloud-based tool that integrates with online ordering.
Features：
- Schematic capture
- PCB layout
- SPICE simulation
User Insights：Convenient for quick, collaborative projects.
Pros and Cons：
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Free version available | Cloud dependency |
| User-friendly | Limited offline capabilities |
ExpressPCB Plus
Overview：ExpressPCB Plus is known for its simplicity and quick turnaround.
Features：
- Schematic capture
- PCB layout
User Insights：Ideal for rapid prototyping and simple designs.
Pros and Cons：
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Very user-friendly | Limited advanced features |
| Ideal for rapid prototyping | Basic toolset |
Siemens EDA (Mentor Graphics PADS)
Overview：Siemens EDA offers a comprehensive suite for PCB design.
Features：
- High-speed design
- Simulation
- Analysis tools
User Insights：Used by large companies for complex PCB projects.
Pros and Cons：
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Highly powerful and versatile | Expensive |
| Robust design capabilities | Steep learning curve |
Siemens Xpedition
Overview：Siemens Xpedition is designed for enterprise-level PCB design.
Features：
- Advanced routing
- Verification
- Data management
User Insights：Preferred for large-scale, multi-layer designs.
Pros and Cons：
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Unparalleled capabilities | High cost |
| Best for large-scale designs | Complex interface |
Zuken CADSTAR
Overview：CADSTAR offers a balance of power and usability.
Features：
- Schematic capture
- PCB layout
- Library management
User Insights：Suitable for medium to large projects.
Pros and Cons：
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Moderate cost | Can be complex |
| Strong features | Limited community support |
Zuken CR-8000
Overview：CR-8000 is aimed at multi-board and system-level design.
Features：
- Integrated design environment
- Simulation
- Analysis
User Insights：Best for system-level design and large teams.
Pros and Cons：
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Comprehensive features | Expensive |
| Best for system-level design | Steep learning curve |
DesignSpark
Overview：DesignSpark provides a free, yet feature-rich environment.
Features：
- Schematic capture
- PCB layout
- 3D visualization
User Insights：Great for hobbyists and small businesses.
Pros and Cons：
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Free to use | Some advanced features are limited |
| Great for hobbyists | Smaller community |
CircuitMaker
Overview：CircuitMaker is aimed at the maker community and startups.
Features：
- Schematic capture
- PCB layout
- Community collaboration
User Insights:Ideal for collaborative, open-source projects.
Pros and Cons:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Free with community support | Lacks some advanced features |
| Ideal for collaborative projects | Dependence on community |
Summary
Choosing the right PCB layout design tool can significantly impact your project’s success. Whether you’re looking for advanced features or a user-friendly interface, these 13 tools offer a range of options to fit various needs and budgets. Try them out to find the perfect fit for your next PCB design project.
Feature Comparison
| Tool | Advanced Routing | 3D Visualization | Simulation | Real-time BOM Management | Cloud-based |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Altium Designer | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Eagle | Yes | Yes | No | No | No |
| KiCad | Yes | Yes | No | No | No |
| OrCAD | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| DipTrace | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| EasyEDA | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
| ExpressPCB Plus | Yes | Yes | No | No | No |
| Siemens EDA | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Siemens Xpedition | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Zuken CADSTAR | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Zuken CR-8000 | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| DesignSpark | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| CircuitMaker | Yes | Yes | No | No | Yes |
Pros and Cons Summary：
| Tool | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Altium Designer | Extensive features, excellent support | High cost, steep learning curve |
| Eagle | Affordable, easy to learn | Lacks advanced simulation tools, limited free version |
| KiCad | Free to use, robust features | Steep learning curve, inconsistent UI |
| OrCAD | Excellent simulation tools | Expensive, complex setup |
| DipTrace | Easy to use, strong support | Limited advanced features, costly high-end versions |
| EasyEDA | Free version available, user-friendly | Cloud dependency, limited offline capabilities |
| ExpressPCB Plus | Very user-friendly, ideal for rapid prototyping | Limited advanced features, basic |
If you have any questions or need further information about PCB technologies, feel free to leave a comment below. Don’t forget to share this article if you found it useful, and stay connected for more insights into the fascinating world of electronics!
