Software packages for drawing schematics

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Discussion Overview

The discussion focuses on recommendations for software packages suitable for drawing schematics, flowcharts, and mechanical elements for research presentations and publications. Participants explore various tools, their functionalities, and suitability for different types of drawings, including vector graphics for publishing.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant mentions needing tools for flowcharts and complex plots, currently using Inkscape but seeking alternatives.
  • Another participant recommends OrCAD Capture for schematics, Visio for presentations, and Eagle for PCB layout, noting some tools have free versions.
  • A suggestion is made for Draftsight as a free CAD package that can export to PDF, although there is uncertainty about the availability of predrawn components.
  • A participant expresses dissatisfaction with the constraints of free tools and suggests using specific tools for different types of schemes, followed by importing PDFs into Adobe Illustrator for enhancements.
  • AIBASE CS is mentioned as a hybrid tool between illustration and CAD, capable of importing vector images.
  • Cloud-based services for schematic capture and layout are noted, with Upverter mentioned as an option, although one participant expresses a preference against cloud solutions.
  • LTspice is highlighted as a free simulator that is user-friendly for schematic drawing.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express a variety of opinions on the best tools, with no consensus on a single preferred software package. Different tools are suggested for different purposes, indicating a range of preferences and experiences.

Contextual Notes

Some participants note limitations in free tools, such as constraints on functionality and the need for specific tools for different types of drawings. There is also mention of varying user experiences with different software packages.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be useful for researchers, educators, and professionals in STEM fields looking for software recommendations for creating schematics and illustrations for presentations and publications.

serbring
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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
 
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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/

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

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