Software packages for drawing schematics

[serbring]

Hi all,

for presentations/lectures and so on, I need to making drawings which make easier the comprehesion of the process I adopt for my research. Occasionaly, I draw flowcharts o something similar, which embed arrows, geometrical figures, plots (sometimes, I simplified a complex plots like https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Luisa_Di_Paola/publication/283320694/figure/fig7/AS:291711071866885@1446560747553/Clustering-partition-of-PA-CMG2-complex-A-clustering-color-map-the-length-of-the.png) other times, the drawings are fairly more complicated with some graphical elements. Sometimes, I also need to draw mechanical elements, like springs, dampers and so on. For publishing purposes, the final results is a vectorial graphic formats (i.e. PDF) and to this goal, I am using inkscape, that it is not the best element for this type of draws, even if it provides a lot of freedom. Do you have any tool you would recommend for this kind of drawings?

Thanks

 

[berkeman]

I use OrCAD Capture for my work schematics (which you have to pay for), and I've used Visio for simple presentations in the past. A consultant friend of mine works with Eagle for schematics and PCB layout (I think there are free versions for simple schematics).

Here is an old PF thread about a free schematic design package at the distributor Digikey: https://www.physicsforums.com/threads/new-free-schematic-drawing-tool-at-digikey.771458/

 

[jrmichler]

Draftsight is a free CAD package that exports to PDF. It's a general purpose 2D CAD package designed for mechanical work, but can be used to make schematics. I don't know if there exists a source for predrawn components. If not, learn to use blocks and save them in a reference drawing. Draftsight is compatible with AutoCad.

 

[anorlunda]

and I've used Visio for simple presentations in the past.

There are many ex-Visio users who lament its demise. Much like the Firefly TV show.

 

[serbring]

Thanks to all for the answers. I have tried some of the suggested free tools and I design is not that much free. There are many constraints. I think the best is to use a specific tool for each kind of scheme (like orcad general purposes, visio for flowcharts and so on) and then import the PDF to AI for the creative touch.

 

[serbring]

I have also found AIBASE CS, that really seems something in between illustrator and a CAD. It can even import vector images.

 

[eq1]

There are some free cloud services that also allow one to do schematic capture and layout all from a browser.
https://upverter.com/features/
Drawing circuits via cloud is not for me but some people I know like it.

To answer your questions: On OSX OmniGraffle is very good for general (non-CAD) drawing of systems, electrical, mechanical or control, etc.
https://www.omnigroup.com/omnigraffle/

 

[Tom.G]

A free one is LTspice (by Analog Devices), which is also a simulator when you need one. Reasonably easy to use, while some others are clumsy.
https://www.analog.com/en/design-center/design-tools-and-calculators/ltspice-simulator.html