Is PCB Artist Layout Software a Viable Alternative to Eagle for PCB Design?

  • Thread starter Thread starter Averagesupernova
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Pcb Software
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

PCB Artist is a viable alternative to Eagle for PCB design, especially for users seeking a free solution. Users have noted that while PCB Artist offers a simple interface and a variety of features, it presents challenges in library navigation and schematic management. The design check functionality effectively identifies issues such as dangling tracks and clearance violations. However, users have experienced inconsistencies in font sizes within the schematic editor and limitations in automating ground net assignments.

PREREQUISITES
  • Familiarity with PCB design software, specifically Eagle and PCB Artist.
  • Understanding of schematic design principles and net management.
  • Basic knowledge of PCB layout techniques and design checks.
  • Experience with library management in PCB design tools.
NEXT STEPS
  • Explore PCB Artist's library management features and best practices.
  • Learn about effective schematic design techniques in PCB Artist.
  • Investigate the design check functionalities and how to optimize them.
  • Research user experiences with the autorouter feature in PCB Artist.
USEFUL FOR

Electronics hobbyists, PCB designers, and engineers looking for cost-effective alternatives to Eagle for PCB layout and design.

Averagesupernova
Science Advisor
Gold Member
Messages
4,872
Reaction score
1,537
Anyone here used it?
http://www.4pcb.com/free-pcb-layout-software/
I have liked Eagle in the past but I see the company I have ordered boards with offers PCB Artist for free. I downloaded it and it looks pretty simple compared to Eagle which is fine with me. It's not like I am laying out a motherboard or something.
 
Engineering news on Phys.org
From their website it does seem to have a lot of features. Let us know what you think of it! :smile:
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: Averagesupernova
I will give an update. It seems a bit awkward to find parts in their libraries but with a bit of experience most things can be found. Of course there is always the option of building up your own which I have done a fair amount of. The design check is good in finding dangling tracks, lower than spec clearances and things of this nature. I thought the schematic portion was a little off. Some parts have huge font sizes and some have very small. I was unable to find a way to slap a ground symbol down and have it automatically be the ground net. You have to specifically rename each net you want to be ground and attach the symbol. All ok for free I suppose. I didn't try the autorouter as I wanted the layout to be very similar to a previous revision. Eagle was fine but since autodesk got ahold of them I doubt I will have anything to do with it.
 
Last edited:

Similar threads

Any experience with ethernet layout on a PCB?
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
14K
Circuit Design Help: Solve Audio Driver Issue on PCB
  • · Replies 16 ·
Replies
16
Views
5K
Can Freeware CAD Tools Simulate and Design PCBs for a Beginner?
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
5K
My impressions of learning electronics
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
Rigid body simulation of complex mechanical systems
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
4K
Requesting suggestions for languages, libraries, and architectures for parallel (and sometimes non parallel) numerical and scientific computations
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
4K
Could a Mac be useful for a physics student?
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Engineering What Career Paths Exist in Controls Engineering Beyond Automation?
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
5K
Courses Teaching quality of Coursera math courses after platform re-design?
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Countdown to Doom Release: Revisit the Original and Celebrate with Easter Eggs
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
5K