KiCad

Description

KiCad is an open source software suite for electronic design automation (EDA). It can edit schematics, design printed circuit board (PCB) layouts, and inspect designs in an interactive canvas.

KiCad offers a variety EDA tools, including Bitmap2Component and GerbView. Eeschema, a schematic capture editor, features custom symbol creation, hierarchical schema sheets, and an electric rules check to verify all connections. The PcbNew tool allows you to quickly lay out your board pushing forward traces in the way as you draw or rerouting your track around obstacles.

The Bitmap2Component enables you to convert images to footprints for PCB artwork and GerbView allows you to view designs in the Gerber format. KiCad's 3DViewer allows you to instantly inspect your design when you lay out your PCB. You can rotate and pan around your design to inspect details.

KiCad can be used to design, edit and inspect PCBs. There are many tools available that can be used to edit schematics, design PCBs and view 3D designs. The software compares favorably with CadSoft's EAGLE application, however, KiCad does come with a steep learning curve so be willing to invest some time.

▶ Other extension used by KiCad 4