What are the commonly used PCB layout design tools?

What are the commonly used PCB layout design tools?

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When it comes to PCB (Печатная плата) layout design, choosing the right tool can make or break your project efficiency, точность, and scalability. Whether you’re a hobbyist crafting simple circuits, an engineer designing complex high-speed boards, or a enterprise-level team managing mass production, there’s a PCB layout tool tailored to your needs. In this guide, we’ll break down the most popular PCB layout design tools, their core functions, unique features, and ideal use cases—helping you find the perfect fit for your workflow.

What to Look for in a PCB Layout Design Tool?

Before diving into the tools, let’s clarify the key criteria that define a great PCB layout solution. These factors will help you evaluate each option:
  • Design Complexity Support: Can it handle simple 2-layer boards or advanced 30+ layer high-speed designs?
  • Библиотека компонентов: Does it offer a vast built-in library, or support custom component creation/imports?
  • Simulation & Валидация: Does it integrate with circuit simulation (SPICE) или DFM (Design for Manufacturability) checks?
  • Collaboration Features: Is it cloud-based for team collaboration, or limited to local workspaces?
  • Manufacturability: Does it generate industry-standard output files (Gerber, Категория, Pick-and-Place)?
  • Ценообразование: Is it free, subscription-based, or a one-time license?

1. Altium Designer (Best for Professional Engineers & Complex Designs)

Overview

Altium Designer is the gold standard for professional PCB layout design, trusted by engineers in aerospace, Автомобиль, and consumer electronics. Owned by Altium Limited, it’s a fully integrated ECAD (Electronic Computer-Aided Design) tool that unifies schematic capture, Макет печатной платы, and design validation in one platform.

Core Functions

  • Unified Schematic-to-Layout Workflow: Seamlessly transfer schematic designs to PCB layout with real-time synchronization (no manual updates needed).
  • High-Speed Design Tools: Includes length matching, контроль импеданса, and crosstalk analysis for DDR, PCIE, and Ethernet designs.
  • 3D Visualization & Collaboration: Render PCBs in 3D to check mechanical fit with enclosures; share designs via Altium 365 cloud workspace.
  • DFM & Manufacturing Integration: Built-in DFM checks (clearance, Ширина следа) and direct exports to Gerber X2, ODB++, and BOM files.

Key Features

  • ActiveBOM: Dynamic bill of materials that auto-updates with component changes and links to suppliers (Digi-Key, Mouser).
  • Nexar Integration: Access millions of ready-to-use, verified components with real-time pricing and stock data.
  • Multi-Board Design: Create and connect multiple PCBs (НАПРИМЕР., main board + peripheral modules) in a single project.

Ideal For

Professional engineers working on complex, high-speed PCBs (Автомобиль, аэрокосмическая, IoT) and teams needing end-to-end design-to-manufacturing workflows.

2. KiCad (Best Free & Open-Source Tool)

Overview

KiCad is a free, open-source Дизайн печатной платы suite developed by the KiCad Developers Team (backed by CERN and other organizations). It’s gained massive popularity among hobbyists, startups, and educators for its no-cost access and professional-grade capabilities.

Core Functions

  • Schematic Capture (Eeschema): Intuitive interface for creating schematics with support for hierarchical design (for large projects).
  • PCB Layout (Pcbnew): Design 2-layer to 32-layer PCBs with auto-routing, netlist verification, and custom design rules.
  • 3D Viewer: Visualize PCBs in 3D using STEP models to ensure compatibility with mechanical parts.
  • Simulation (ngspice Integration): Run SPICE simulations directly within the tool to validate circuit behavior.

Key Features

  • Open-Source Flexibility: Customize the tool via plugins (НАПРИМЕР., for advanced routing, component libraries) and modify the source code.
  • Extensive Component Libraries: Includes 100,000+ open-source components; import libraries from GitHub or create your own.
  • Cross-Platform Support: Works on Windows, macOS, and Linux—no OS restrictions.

Ideal For

Hobbyists, студенты, startups, and small teams with budget constraints who still need professional design tools.

3. Eagle PCB (Best for Hobbyists & Small Projects)

Overview

Eagle (Easily Applicable Graphical Layout Editor) is a user-friendly PCB design tool owned by Autodesk. It’s long been a favorite among hobbyists and makers for its simplicity, though it also offers features for small professional projects.

Core Functions

  • Schematic & Layout Sync: Auto-syncs schematics and PCB layouts to avoid errors from manual updates.
  • Auto-Routing: Quick auto-routing for simple 2-layer boards (with manual fine-tuning options).
  • Component Library Management: Access a built-in library of 1,000+ components or import from Autodesk’s online library.
  • Manufacturing Exports: Generate Gerber, Категория, and Pick-and-Place files compatible with most PCB fabricators.

Key Features

  • Ease of Use: Minimal learning curve—ideal for beginners new to PCB design.
  • Fusion 360 Integration: Sync PCB designs with Autodesk Fusion 360 for mechanical CAD (MCAD) co-design.
  • Free Tier: A limited free version for small projects (2-layer boards, 80cm² max size).

Ideal For

Hobbyists, производители, and beginners working on simple 2-layer PCBs (НАПРИМЕР., Arduino shields, IoT sensors).

4. OrCAD (Best for Enterprise-Grade & Multi-Discipline Teams)

Overview

OrCAD is a legacy ECAD tool owned by Cadence Design Systems, a leader in electronic design software. It’s widely used in enterprise environments (telecom, защита, медицинский) for its robust support for large, multi-discipline projects.

Core Functions

  • Schematic Design (OrCAD Capture): Hierarchical and flat schematic design with advanced netlist management.
  • PCB Layout (OrCAD PCB Editor): Design high-density, multi-layer PCBs with automated routing and constraint management.
  • Simulation (PSpice): Industry-leading SPICE simulation for analog, digital, and mixed-signal circuits.
  • DFx Analysis: Integrated DFM, DFA (Design for Assembly), and DFT (Design for Test) checks to reduce manufacturing errors.

Key Features

  • Constraint-Driven Design: Define design rules (impedance, length) upfront and enforce them throughout the layout process.
  • Team Collaboration: Support for concurrent design (multiple engineers working on the same project) and version control.
  • Cadence Allegro Integration: Seamlessly upgrade to Cadence Allegro (for ultra-complex designs) without rework.

Ideal For

Enterprise teams, defense/aerospace engineers, and multi-discipline projects requiring strict compliance and scalability.

5. DipTrace (Best for Balancing Affordability & Functionality)

Overview

DipTrace is a mid-range PCB design tool developed by Novarm Limited. It strikes a perfect balance between ease of use, professional features, and affordability—making it popular among small businesses and independent engineers.

Core Functions

  • Schematic Capture: Drag-and-drop interface with hierarchical design and netlist validation.
  • PCB Layout: Auto-routing (for simple to complex boards) and manual routing tools with real-time design rule checks (DRC).
  • 3D Modeling: Import 3D models of components and enclosures to test mechanical fit.
  • Library Editor: Create custom components (schematic symbols, PCB footprints) in minutes with the built-in editor.

Key Features

  • Smart Routing: Auto-routing algorithm that minimizes trace length and avoids conflicts; supports differential pairs.
  • Bill of Materials Generator: Auto-generate BOMs with supplier links (Mouser, Newark) and cost estimation.
  • Cross-Platform Support: Works on Windows and macOS.

Ideal For

Small businesses, independent engineers, and startups needing professional tools without enterprise-level pricing.

6. Proteus PCB Design (Best for Simulation-Centric Projects)

Overview

Proteus, developed by Labcenter Electronics, is unique for its tight integration of PCB layout and circuit simulation. It’s a top choice for engineers who prioritize validating circuit behavior before layout.

Core Functions

  • Schematic Capture: Intuitive design with a large built-in component library (including microcontrollers like Arduino).
  • SPICE Simulation: Simulate analog, digital, and mixed-signal circuits with real-time waveform analysis.
  • PCB Layout: Auto-routing and manual routing tools with DRC and netlist verification.
  • Microcontroller Simulation: Emulate microcontrollers (PIC, AVR, РУКА) to test code alongside hardware design.

Key Features

  • Co-Simulation: Sync PCB layout with circuit simulation—changes to the schematic update the simulation instantly.
  • Interactive Simulation: Adjust component values in real time during simulation to test different scenarios.
  • 3D Visualization: Check mechanical fit with 3D renders of PCBs and enclosures.

Ideal For

Engineers working on microcontroller-based projects (IoT, embedded systems) and those who need to validate circuits before manufacturing.

7. Altium CircuitMaker (Best Free Tool for Hobbyists & Students)

Overview

Altium CircuitMaker is a free, cloud-based PCB design tool from Altium—designed as a “lightweight” version of Altium Designer for hobbyists, студенты, and makers.

Core Functions

  • Schematic & Layout Design: Create 2-layer to 4-layer PCBs with basic routing and DRC.
  • Cloud Collaboration: Share designs via the CircuitMaker community and collaborate with other makers.
  • Библиотека компонентов: Access a community-driven library of 10,000+ verified components.
  • Manufacturing Exports: Generate Gerber files compatible with low-cost PCB fabricators (НАПРИМЕР., JLCPCB, PCBWay).

Key Features

  • Free for Non-Commercial Use: No cost for hobby projects, student work, or open-source designs.
  • Altium 365 Integration: Sync designs to Altium 365 for backup and sharing.
  • Easy to Learn: Simplified interface that’s perfect for beginners transitioning from KiCad or Eagle.

Ideal For

Hobbyists, студенты, and open-source makers working on non-commercial 2–4 layer PCBs.

8. Каденс Аллегро (Best for Ultra-Complex High-Speed Designs)

Overview

Cadence Allegro is the flagship PCB layout tool from Cadence Design Systems, built for the most demanding designs (НАПРИМЕР., 5G infrastructure, AI chips, automotive ADAS systems). It’s the tool of choice for engineers working on ultra-high-density, multi-layer boards.

Core Functions

  • High-Speed Routing: Advanced tools for DDR5, PCIE 5.0, and 5G designs—including topology optimization and signal integrity analysis.
  • Thermal Analysis: Simulate heat distribution to prevent component overheating.
  • Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) Дизайн: Tools to minimize EMI (Electromagnetic Interference) and meet regulatory standards.
  • Massive Design Support: Handle boards with 100,000+ components and 50+ слои.

Key Features

  • Constraint Manager: Comprehensive rule-based design that enforces electrical, mechanical, and manufacturing constraints.
  • Team Design Environment: Support for concurrent engineering and integration with PLM (Product Lifecycle Management) systems.
  • Cadence EDA Ecosystem: Integrates with Cadence’s full suite of tools (OrCAD, Sigrity, Allegro Package Designer) for end-to-end design.

Ideal For

Engineers in 5G, AI, automotive ADAS, and aerospace working on ultra-complex, высокоскоростной, multi-layer PCBs.

9. EasyEDA (Best Cloud-Based Tool for Beginners)

Overview

EasyEDA is a free, cloud-based PCB design tool developed by LCSC Electronics (a PCB fabricator). It’s designed for absolute beginners, with a browser-based interface that requires no software installation.

Core Functions

  • Browser-Based Design: Create schematics and PCBs directly in Chrome, Firefox, or Edge—no downloads needed.
  • One-Click Manufacturing: Order PCBs directly from LCSC Electronics with auto-generated Gerber files.
  • Библиотека компонентов: 500,000+ components with real-time stock/pricing from LCSC.
  • Simulation: Basic SPICE simulation for simple circuits.

Key Features

  • Zero Setup: Start designing in minutes—no software installation or complex configuration.
  • Community Sharing: Browse and copy open-source designs from the EasyEDA community.
  • Free for Most Projects: No cost for boards up to 10cm x 10cm (2-слой).

Ideal For

Absolute beginners, hobbyists, and makers who want a hassle-free, browser-based design experience.

10. Прокладки (Best for Mid-Size Teams & Telecom Designs)

Overview

Прокладки (Powerful Advanced Design System) is a PCB layout tool owned by Siemens EDA. It’s popular among mid-size teams and telecom engineers for its balance of advanced features and ease of use.

Core Functions

  • Schematic Design (PADS Logic): Hierarchical design with netlist management and component library tools.
  • PCB Layout (PADS Layout): Auto-routing and manual routing for 2–32 layer boards.
  • Целостность сигнала (И) Analysis: Tools for checking signal quality, crosstalk, and impedance.
  • Manufacturing Outputs: Generate Gerber, ODB++, and BOM files with DFM checks.

Key Features

  • Siemens Xcelerator Integration: Sync with Siemens’ PLM and MCAD tools (NX) for end-to-end product design.
  • Team Collaboration: Support for version control and concurrent design.
  • Telecom Optimization: Pre-built templates for telecom standards (НАПРИМЕР., 4G/LTE) to speed up design.

Ideal For

Mid-size teams, telecom engineers, and industrial electronics designers.

How to Choose the Right PCB Layout Tool?

Use this quick checklist to narrow down your options:
  1. Budget: Free (KiCad, CircuitMaker, EasyEDA) vs. mid-range (DipTrace, Eagle) vs. enterprise (Altium, Cadence).
  2. Project Complexity: Simple 2-layer (Eagle, EasyEDA) vs. high-speed multi-layer (Altium, Каденс Аллегро).
  3. Team Size: Solo/hobbyist (KiCad, EasyEDA) vs. small team (DipTrace, Eagle) vs. enterprise (Altium, OrCAD).
  4. Simulation Needs: Simulation-first (Proteus, OrCAD) vs. basic simulation (KiCad) vs. no simulation (EasyEDA).
  5. Platform Preference: Desktop (Altium, KiCad) vs. cloud (EasyEDA, CircuitMaker).

Final Thoughts

The best PCB layout design tool depends on your unique needs—there’s no “one-size-fits-all” solution. Hobbyists and students will thrive with free tools like KiCad or EasyEDA, while professional engineers working on high-speed designs will need Altium Designer or Cadence Allegro. For startups and small teams, DipTrace offers the perfect balance of features and affordability.
No matter which tool you choose, prioritize learning its core workflows (schematic capture, макет, DRC, manufacturing exports)—this will streamline your design process and reduce errors. Most tools offer free trials, so test 2–3 options before committing!