Open Source / Free Circuit Board Design Tool

[StudentSA]

Hi All

Can anyone recommend any Open Source or reasonably priced programs that can be used to design PCB Layouts?

For simple student use.

Kind Regards,
StudentSA

 

[ericgibbs]

Hi All

Can anyone recommend any Open Source or reasonably priced programs that can be used to design PCB Layouts?

For simple student use.

Kind Regards,
StudentSA

hi,
One option is the ExpressPCB freedownload of a schematic and pcb layout program.

 

[StudentSA]

Thank you Eric

I see the company will manufacture the board for you once designed.
Will I be able to use this program to print circuit board layouts that I can transfer and etch myself?

Regards,
StudentSA

 

[3lectrokid]

another option is . you design the schematic from a vast libary of components and then you press turn to pcb. you then drag all the components onto the board and press autotrace and all the traces are joined. its quite simple. there is a free version which i have found is enough for me as i only do small boards

 

[StudentSA]

Thank you 3lectrokid, I will definatly try eagle as well.

 

[ericgibbs]

Thank you Eric

I see the company will manufacture the board for you once designed.
Will I be able to use this program to print circuit board layouts that I can transfer and etch myself?

Regards,
StudentSA

hi,
There are lots of threads that cover the topic of pcb layout to printing tracks.
I dont use expresspcb for my artworks.
eg:
https://www.electro-tech-online.com/threads/best-way-to-start-making-pcbs.103004/