[sdiy] What's the best freeware schematic capture and PCB layout software

[Sean Ellis]

It's been mentioned here that Kicad schematics can look ugly (I dont agree), there are several full sets of symbols that allow it to appear like other software if you'd like. They have full font support for everything unlike most, comic sans for the brave!

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From: Synth-diy <synth-diy-bounces at synth-diy.org> on behalf of Ashlyn Black <ashlyn at ashlynblack.com>
Sent: Monday, 13 May 2024 6:21 AM
To: synth-diy at synth-diy.org <synth-diy at synth-diy.org>
Subject: Re: [sdiy] What's the best freeware schematic capture and PCB layout software


Hi Dana, welcome to Synth DIY!

I highly recommend KiCAD, it's what I started with and luckily I seem to have picked a winning horse in it, so-to-speak. CERN recently entered into a commercial support contract with KiCAD Services to continue funding its development. As far as I know It's the most popular open-source ECAD with many electronics distributors and hobbyists providing free symbols and footprints for download.

There's a great starter tutorial series available on Youtube called "Getting to Blinky 5.0"
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLy2022BX6EspFAKBCgRuEuzapuz_4aJCn

KiCAD is up to version 7 at the moment but most of the content should still apply.


I'd also be happy to help with schematic capture if sent photos/scans.

- Ashlyn

On 13/5/24 06:39, tamedogs at wildcats.com<mailto:tamedogs at wildcats.com> wrote:

Hi,

I have a number of 45 year old blue line schematics that I want to capture on the computer before they disintegrate or fade away entirely from age.

Using search engine, I see a number of freeware schematic and PCB layout packages available.

Is the any consensus here as to what is the best software to use?



I downloaded the first package I came across (KiCad). I wonder if something else might be better.

Any thoughts?



Dana



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