The electronics design and manufacturing depends is founded on the printed circuit board (PCBs); the importance of PCBs cannot be understated as it is integral to the realization of a design concept to a finished product. PCB software is ever changing to meet the needs of electronics engineering; it is important to have the best and most effective design software available to electronics engineers.
However, most of the electronics design software is expensive for the small scale electronics designers. Consequently, free versions have been released with features that will create competent and professional grade electronics circuiting for those who cannot buy the more advanced versions.
The following are the 10 leading free PCB software for electronics designers:
1 Altium
Certainly, the market leader when it comes to PCB design; it easy to use and comes with a schematic guide for the design process. The only one made for a unified design environment; it allows a smooth movement from one level to the next as you design. The layout software guides you through advanced PCB technology routing and supports the latest rigid-flex board design.
2 Eagle
It has schematic capture and PCB layout design features with options of converting designed schematic o PCB boards easily. Gives users access to numerous online libraries and runs on all major platforms. Download free from the website.
3 TinyCAD
Use TinyCAD to draw circuit diagrams and transfer with ease as PCB netlist; with easy to use symbol libraries to guide the user to a quick start, this tool enables users to publish designs as images for records and documentation. Get free online.
4 ZenitPCB
This is one of the best free circuit designing and schematic capture software. A user can convert any schematic to a PCB layout on the click of a button; the user-friendly design interface and part libraries give it an edge as one of the best software for circuit designing. Get it free from ZenitPCB.
5 Express PCB
This circuiting design software is ideal for beginners as it is easy to use. It comes with a user-friendly designing interface, built with drag and drop features for faster and easier productivity and performance.
6 gEDA
gEDA is compatible to operate across several platforms making it a good choice for most people, be it on Unix, Linux, Windows or Mac. It comes with schematic capture, prototyping, production and bill of materials feature, thus suitable for manufacturing and production purposes as well.
7 DesignSpark PCB
This is design focused software for helping users convert electronics designs into PCB a lot faster. It has unique designing options as well as access to online libraries of parts and its instant billing feature makes one of free PCB designing options.
8 Fritzing
This is probably the best for beginners since it lays emphasis on the fundamentals of building own design and developing one’s own electronic project. With a user-friendly interface and automatic documentation of projects, it is a good choice for a free tool.
9 KiCAD
This is EDA software made for compatibility with Windows, Linux and Apple operating systems; it is best for designing and creating professional schematics and PCBs of up to 32 copper layers.
10 Osmond PCB
Osmond PCB electronics design software runs on the MAC operating system with many features such as the option for designing circuits for unlimited board sizes; up to 700 pins – ideal for beginners and is capable of designing multiple board layers.
There are the 10 leading free PCB design tools in the market for the budding electronics designer and for anyone else who wants a free tool for competent and professional results. Download one today and go on to realize your design concept.
