PCB is a miniature circuit with comprehensive functionality. It does all the magic in smartphones and electronic devices. You must understand the PCB circuits at the atomic level to gain an edge. A few PCB Layout Software help keep an eye on the prototypes.
Do you want to know about the top-class PCB manufacturing software? Our experts have tested several circuit board design programs and picked the best. Let’s discuss them!
Features to look for in the best PCB Design Software
When selecting the best PCB design software, consider a few necessary features. Here is the list.
Project complexity
How complex is your project? Tools like Altium are suitable for high-end and professional-grade use. If you want a single-layer PCB circuit with some necessary features, you should track only the basic tools with fundamental features.
Learning curve
If you are an expert, the learning curve is straight for you. However, it can be challenging for beginners to learn the A to Z features and get a grip on them. Test various tools before selecting one, and choose the one that is user-friendly and easy to understand.
Budget
How much budget do you have? A PCB circuit involved a comprehensive production facility. Moreover, PCB tools also have a monthly or sometimes one-time fee. First, determine your budget and project complexity before selecting a tool. This is because a simple tool is affordable but offers basic features that may not be suitable for your projects. You should choose a tool that is enough for your circuit but has an affordable fee structure.
Simulation needs
Simulation shows how your circuits will look and perform all the tasks in real time. A simulation is necessary to understand whether you have done the right thing. Some tools, like Altium, have a professional built-in simulation. However, you can go for a third-party simulation tool as well.
Manufacturing integration
Circuit board design programs have fundamental integration with the manufacturing systems. It means engineers prepare the designs while manufacturers dress them up in reality. You should learn about the manufacturing integration of a tool to make your selection straightforward and of high quality.
Top 5 Best PCB Layout Software to select
Our experts have evaluated the best five PCB layout software. Select based on your ease and crucial features.
| Software | Platform | Simulation Support | 3D Modeling | Integration |
| Altium Designer | Windows | Built-in | High-quality | Native manufacturing and supply chain tools |
| Autodesk Eagle | Windows, macOS, Linux | External tools required | With Fusion 360 | Fusion 360 for MCAD integration |
| KiCad EDA | Windows, Linux, macOS | SPICE | Built-in | Compatible with external fab services |
| OrCAD PCB | Windows | Advanced simulation | With MCAD export options | Integrated with Cadence design suite |
| DipTrace | Windows, macOS | Basic simulation | STEP/3D export | Supports import/export across formats |
Altium Designer
Altium Designer is one of the most famous and quality tools with professional-grade PCB circuit designs. With effective simulation and efficiency, it stands out from other tools.
Key Features include:
- Unified design environment (schematic + PCB)
- Powerful 3D visualization
- High-speed design capabilities
- Advanced routing tools and simulation support
Pros
- Intuitive UI with powerful customization
- Rich component libraries
- Great for high-speed and multilayer design
- Active community and strong documentation
Cons
- Very expensive for individual users
- Steep learning curve for beginners
Autodesk Eagle
Autodesk EAGLE should be on your list if you want a user-friendly design, professional support, and all the features. This PCB layout software has a 360-degree integration and a comprehensive components library.
Let’s check out the following features of Autodesk EAGLE.
- Schematic editor and PCB layout
- Autodesk Fusion 360 integration
- Component library and modular design blocks
- Autorouter and real-time DRC checks
Pros
- Ideal for makers and hobbyists
- Fusion 360 integration benefits for mechanical-electrical co-design
- Affordable or free for students/makers
Cons
- Limited functionality in the free version
- Not well-suited for highly complex, multilayer designs
KiCad EDA
KiCad EDA is proud of its advanced simulator and cross-platform support. Whether you run it on Windows or MacOS, it works perfectly. The free version is open source and comes with tons of features for PCB circuits.
The main features of the KiCAD EDA include:
- Open-source PCB and schematic editor
- No layer or size limitations
- Built-in 3D viewer and simulator support
- Cross-platform (Windows/Linux/macOS)
Pros
- Completely free and open-source
- No license constraints, ideal for academic and freelance use
- Continuous improvements from community contributions
Cons
- Lacks some automation and collaboration tools found in commercial software
- Library management and UI could be more user-friendly
OrCAD PCB Designer
Due to industry-grade production, OrCAD PCB designer has earned its name among professional PCB designers. From the first step to the last, it helps design all the components and takes a comprehensive and functional approach to PCB circuits. One thing users don’t like is the expensive price.
Top features to explore in this PCB layout software include:
- Schematic capture and PCB layout integration
- Signal integrity and simulation tools
- Constraint-driven design environment
- Industry-grade DFM (Design for Manufacturing) tools
Pros
- Reliable and widely used in large industries
- Robust simulation and verification tools
- Deep integration with Cadence’s suite of tools
Cons
- Expensive licensing
- It may be overkill for entry-level or straightforward designs.
DipTrace
Do you want an affordable tool with the primary options? DipTrace comes with a user-friendly interface and a few advanced features.
A few features of DipTrace are here:
- Intuitive user interface
- Schematic and PCB design on one platform
- 3D modeling and STEP export for MCAD tools
- Import/export capabilities
Pros
- Beginner-friendly UI and learning resources
- Good balance of power and usability
- Supports component creation and editing easily
Cons
- Some advanced features lag behind top-tier tools
- Commercial license required for full functionality
Conclusion
The selection of a PCB layout software depends on your ease. If you want a professional experience with all the features, Allegro or Altium Designer is the best tool. For user-friendly and straightforward functionality, you can go for the Autodesk EAGLE.
Do you want a more straightforward task? Contact UET PCB circuit designs and get expert services to grab feasible but qualitative designs. Go ahead with our experts right away!