PCB software?

[Pbassred]

Can anyone recomend a cheap/free PCB design program?

I only want to do simple single sided boards. I find its easier working with surface mount devices than PTH plus there is a size advantage. When I say simple I mean SO8s and 1206 passives.

[johnmik]

here's a link to some free schematic/layout software and online ordering etc. I use it to make prototypes at work. They've served my needs for quite awhile.

http://www.expresspcb.com/

John

[jcx]

How about that Search Button?


pcb software search returns too many hits? - then apply some Search Skill

try checking the "titles only" box

try "pcb software" in the exact phrase box

try not abusing the goodwill of a knowledgeable community with a History that you should mine before repeating too obvious questions in new threads

[Pbassred]

Hey JCX wind yer neck back in!

I DID search already. There is a "have you searched already?" box to remind anyone who posts here. There is also Google.
However:
"PCB SOFTWARE" pulls up only 2 results. Neither is relavent.
PCB + Software produces loads of results.
PCB + design also produced lost of results.

Aparrently Lots of people on the internet based DIY audio forum use PCBs and have software. They just don't talk about Software for designing PCB much. It might be concidered incidental. I don't know. It just doesn't get talked about in a way that an outsider could recognise as actual PCB design to a gerber output software.

So before you start flaming people on the forum READ THE QUESTION FIRST. TRY YOU OWN SMART *** SOLUTION FIRST. IF YOU CAN'T BE HELPFUL OR TACTFUL SHUT THE F**K UP AND LET THE GROWNUPS TALK.


Cheers John. I heard of this on my SEARCHES but read that it only gives an output usable by one company. Nevertheless, on your recomendation, I'll give it a try.

[kmj]

Try Eagle at Cadsoft USA

Combine that with a pdf-printer (for example cute pdf printer) and you can easilly print the pcbs on transparent film for example.

[pinkmouse]

Pbassred, watch your language.

I can recall at least two threads in the past month or so on PCB design software,

Here's one: Eagle PCB VS Express PCB

and here's another: PCB Design Software

[Pbassred]

where music comes to die????

Some fine Rock bands in Sweden.

[Pbassred]

Pink, that's not true.
One of those is 2 years old. The later replies don't mention the keywords.

The second is just like I said. It descusses the NAMES of the programs. Apart from that it is one of hundereds of posts across the entire forum that share those words but never connect them. It ended 2 months ago.

[rtarbell]

I would HIGHLY recommend EagleLite from Cadsoft (www.cadsoft.de is their native website).

It is the free version, so there are limitations, but EagleLite can produce Gerber files, which are accepted by almost ANY pcb manufacturing house. I used to use ExpressPCB's free program, but the problem is that it is their own proprietary software (so no other company will accept board layouts done with their software).

So my vote is for EagleLite:

1) Very easy to learn
2) Just about universally accepted by any PCB manufacturing house.

[dangus]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Printed...esign_programs

searching on "pcb layout software" brings up useful stuff.
This looks good - free, GPL software: http://www.freepcb.com/

Another list of programs: http://www.pcbpool.com/html_uk/uk_service_1.htm