Fortunately, there are good options for free PCB design software you can start using. At Advanced Circuits, we provide what we believe to be one of the very best options, and it will not cost you a thing. Let’s take a closer look at the importance of using the right software.

PCB Artist Design Software – Free and Fully Functional

Today, creating and designing printed circuit boards is easier than it has been at any time in the past. One of the big game changers in this area was the creation of design software geared toward printed circuit boards. Quality software can make the process faster because it is possible to look for and find potential mistakes before making a prototype or going into production. It can save time and money.

However, if the software being used is not high quality, it could end up causing problems. Poor software is one of the reasons that some PCB designers still struggle at the design stage. Some of the free PCB design software options that are available are woefully lacking in terms of features and capabilities. Other types of software are very expensive, and not everyone is capable of paying for a pricey piece of software that they might not use very often.

It does not have to be that way. We have an option called PCB Artist. This free PCB design software is a fully-featured option that is sure to please even the most critical designer. The design software has features that are not found even in expensive options on the market today. It is considered professional-grade software and offers free, live technical support. The software includes many features that help to make the design of the PCBs faster and simpler.

Some of the Features of the Free PCB Design Software

The robust library is one of the draws of the software. The library for PCB Artist has more than half a million parts. In addition, you can create up to 28 layers. The software features Gerber format files, and there is a design rule check and report. You can spot errors and correct them before you try to make a prototype of your PCB, which means you will not be wasting your time and money with designs that are not going to work.

The software has a controlled autorouter, component autoplace, individual colored nets options, ratsnest connections optimization, multipage schematics, and a host of other features that help to make it a standout option among the software choices that are available today. When you take the time to compare this software with both free and paid CAD software options on the market, you will see that PCB Artist is head and shoulders above the competition.

One of the best things about this free PCB design software is the fact that it is intuitive and easy to use. While those who have experience in designing printed circuit boards and using other software will not have any trouble, neither will someone who is still learning. It has an easy-to-understand interface. You should be up and running with the system quickly.

In addition, there is a user’s guide that is available for download, tips and tools, and video tutorials. These help to answer questions that people might have about the software and get everyone up to speed. The live tech support is available by email or phone.

You will not need to have a powerful PC to run the software. As long as you have a Pentium processor that is faster than 1.8Ghz and 512MB of RAM, you should be fine. Keep in mind that you will need to have at least 1.26GB of space on your hard drive for the install, but this should not be an issue with most. However, you will want to keep in mind that Linux and MAC OS are not supported at this time.

Creating the PCBs After Designing Them

After you have gone through the process of designing the PCBs and running them through virtual tests to ensure they work, you will want to create a prototype or a production run. Getting a prototype is often a good idea, as it will allow you to see how the PCB works in practice, and you can make any needed changes before going into production.

Once you are certain it is ready, it is time to place your order. Advanced Circuits has decades of experience in this field and is one of the largest manufacturers of PCBs in the United States. The materials used in the construction of the PCBs are always of the highest quality, and you can expect the same quality in the construction of the boards. All of the files for PCBs we make will receive a free engineering file review. This provides you with an additional check to ensure that your circuit boards are ready.

Save Time and Money with Free PCB Design Software

When you choose the software from Advanced Circuits, you will find that you are saving not only on the cost of the software but also saving on wasted time. For those who are using low-quality pieces of software or who do not have software that allows for comprehensive testing, it means mistakes are likely. Those mistakes will cost time and money that most people do not have today. Instead, start using our free PCB design software to get your printed circuit boards ready, so you can have them manufactured.

While jumping into PCB design was once daunting and inaccessible to beginners, PCB design software opens up a new world of possibility. Check out this guide to get the basics of PCB design and how to get started with PCB design software today.

Who Will Enjoy PCB Design

PCBs are the foundation for all modern-day electronics. Although they’re incredibly complex and challenging to design, at-home hackers and tinkerers have been re-configuring and designing their own PCBs since the 80’s – even on cardboard plates! Anyone interested in electronics will enjoy learning about the mechanics of a PCB and creating their own. PCB design is also a great way to bond with older kids and teens over an engaging project that’s still educational!

Ditch At-Home DIY 

While there are tons of blogs dedicated to at-home DIY PCB fabrication, this is the fastest way to burn out, become frustrated, and it is potentially dangerous. Some aspects of a well-designed PCB, such as drilling holes, creating two-sided boards, plating, and soldering, are extremely challenging with the tools you have at home. Some DIY PCB creators also use toxic etching chemicals to create traces on their boards.

Rather than going this route, we recommend using a PCB design software program. You can find these for free on the internet, and they will allow you to rapidly create prototype PCBs without the hazards and hassle. PCB design software will connect you to a community of minds that you’ll never get by tinkering in your garage.

What is PCB Design Software?

PCB design software is like a window into the minds of other PCB designers. PCB design software is a library of PCB designs from other users to simplify collaboration and testing out new models for an entire community of hobbyists and professionals. Using PCB design software, you can create your schematic and then convert it to a PCB with every precise detail in place. Many PCB manufacturers offer their software for free so that users can complete the entire process without converting files or adding in more steps. No more frustration with drilling holes or etching by hand!

Getting Started

To get started, you’ll first need an idea of what you’d like to prototype. Here is where you can get creative. You can either improve an electrical product you already own or even build your own. For folks looking to customize their remote work set-up, perhaps you’ll design a PCB to improve your keyboard or computer. Or, if you’re looking to entertain the kids, maybe you’ll create a fun LED board, light-up ornaments for the holidays, or a toy. If you’re a big kid yourself, try going out on a limb and building your very own drone. The possibilities are truly endless since PCBs are so customizable and are present in every electrical system. Once you have an idea in mind, you’ll find a community of tinkerers that can give you tips and tricks based on trial and error.

Next, look at finding the right PCB design software for your purposes. There is an overabundance of PCB design software tools on the market, and many of them are free. Make sure to choose one that’s connected to a PCB manufacturer. This is important because the free PCB software will allow you to create your schematic and convert it to a PCB, with all the resources within that library, but also give you the relief of knowing that the file the software creates is compatible with your PCB manufacturer. It would be such a bummer to design your PCB, but then be unable to build it because the manufacturer of your choice doesn’t accept your file type.

As you get started, you’ll probably first want to design a PCB prototype. Using PCB design software is a low-risk and cheap way to tinker. It gives you the freedom to make and learn from your mistakes. Some software also allows you to test your prototype virtually to make sure that all of the components are in place or help you spot where there might be issues with your design.

Once you’re fully satisfied with your prototype, you’ll be ready to hit print. If you’re taking advantage of a free PCB design software that is connected to a PCB manufacturer, this process is incredibly easy and quick. You’ll have your custom made PCB in no time to power up your newest creation.

PCB Design Made Easy

For PCB design beginners, hobbyists, and tinkerers, Advanced Circuits is the best choice. Advanced Circuits is a full-service PCB manufacturer that can bring your innovations to life. Their free PCB design software, PCB Artist, includes a components library with over 500,000 parts. Their software is incredibly intuitive for fast and free PCB layouts. Create as many virtual prototypes as you’d like until you get it just right. Once you’re satisfied with your prototype’s design, you can run your Gerber file through their free file checker to ensure you have all the necessary data, which also eliminates errors during the manufacturing process.

Keep On Creating

The best part of the tinkering community is their curiosity and creativity. If you’re starting to dabble in PCB design, don’t be discouraged or intimidated. Everyone started as a novice who slowly worked their way up to more and more complicated designs. With so many blogs and forums, you’ll be able to find advice from more experienced tinkerers to get you past any hurdle. And free PCB design software like PCB Artist will give you the extra confidence you need to keep on innovating.

Outsourcing overseas and the advent of the internet have made those face to face meetings and shop tours a thing of the past. Yet, there are still some premium manufacturers that can far better facilitate the entire printed circuit board design process than others. Even more appealing is that some of the best can ensure a flawless process and outcome with a turnaround time as short as a single day.

Printed Circuit Board Design Resources to Ensure Optimal Outcomes

Advanced Circuits is one such company. As one of the top and most well-known companies in the PCB and Prototype Assembly industries, we are able to tackle both PCB manufacturing (fabrication) and assembly. Our customers gain additional value from our printed circuit board design capabilities.

A full-service provider with more than two decades in the field, we also offer clients exclusive services that support, facilitate and improve any project. The resources available for the printed circuit board design process include:

Free PCB Layout Software – PCB Artist – Customers ranging from highly skilled and experienced, to novice or first-time designers, will benefit from free access to our innovative PCB design software. Unrestricted for a client, it is capable of up to 28 layers and includes more than 500k parts, a controlled auto-router function, multi-page schematics, and more. It is noted throughout the industry as the very best printed circuit board design tool. Clients of Advanced Circuits who use the program can save money and time while avoiding unnecessary flaws or mistakes.

Free PCB File Check – For those who don’t take advantage of the free use of PCB Artist, the FreeDFM program enables clients to run a free and fast design assessment. The software works easily and simply by asking for the printed circuit board design files to be uploaded, and then the program ensures files feature all essential data, automatically corrects some issues, and provides an easy to read and use report. Clients using it also enjoy a discount when they run the designs in advance of submitting them to the team.

Naturally, there are many already using the industry preferred options, like Gerber format files, and the free file checking program available from Advanced Circuits requires exporting the files from the program, uploading via the free online tool, and submitting the email where results should be sent. It takes only minutes, and a quote, discount code and link to the PDF of the results will appear.

PCB Artist Software Can Help Reduce Printed Circuit Board Design Struggles

Advanced Circuits’ customers can avoid a more difficult and even costly process for PCB design by using PCB Artist. Of course, some may worry that it could be a struggle to obtain the same outcomes or learn how to generate the results desired. The good news is that PCB Artist software made available by the Advanced Circuits site comes with printable and video tutorial options that walk even a beginner through the complex process of PCB design and manufacturing.

Worries about learning curves and other similar struggles can be set aside, and instead, a faster and more efficient process for design can be used, and PCBs can even be ordered directly through the software.

Additionally, every single order receives a free engineering file review before the fabrication process is initiated. This guarantees that customers never experience the kind of buyer’s remorse they might have previously experienced when working with “no-touch” services that send them unusable work because of correctable design flaws left unchecked in the design and fabrication processes.

More Reasons to Do PCB Design with Advanced Circuits

And, while the free PCB design resources made available on our site are enough to demonstrate why we are a preferred provider, there are many other reasons to buy PCBs from Advanced Circuits, including:

• Not a broker – our company never subs out our work but instead relies on our top of the line, 62k square foot facility that guarantees the kinds of quality and speed most want but cannot always receive
• No tooling charges – When an order features Standard Specifications, we are glad to waive tooling charges and always cancel out such fees on reorders of Standard Spec as Custom Spec items
• 24-hour support – Customer service around the clock is great, but we also feature a live tech support team that allows design teams to speak directly with a CAM engineer at any hour of the day or night
• No minimum orders – There are no minimum lot requirements, meaning that clients are not forced to invest in huge orders with more PCBs than they might need or use
• Best shipping record – Advanced Circuits has the BEST ON-TIME SHIPPING RECORD in the industry – we are now shipping 50% of orders early

With so many reasons to choose Advanced Circuits, and with all of our free PCB design tools and resources available, it makes good sense to get in touch with us today. Our instant quotes and easy order tracking mean that a manufacturing or electronics firm of any size can obtain top quality PCBs designed flawlessly and to their precise specifications. And the order will arrive on time or is free!

There’s one more reason to order printed circuit boards through Advanced Circuits. We offer new customers a discount of up to $500! Customers can also watch for Monthly Specials and take advantage of Bare Bones, Weekend Wonders and Same Day Turns. All of these and more Advanced Circuits special offers and services make us the preferred choice for PCB manufacturing and assembly.