PCB Footprint Libraries ?

[Tenson]

Hi

I recently started learning how to design PCBs and using Google found the programs 'TinyCAD' and 'FreePCB'. It seem though that FreePCB comes with a very limited set of packages in the footprint libraries. For example there bare no transformers, or bridge rec's etc..

Where can a get a competent set of footprints to start designing with?

 

[stoc005]

I use ExpressPCB. It is footprint challenged as well but a new footprint is easy to create. I make sure I'm on a .010 grid and snap is on. .010 works for english or metric (.040~=1mm) components, in most cases.
Both of those should have something that you can start with in the download package. Any bizarre parts.....make your own footprint.

 

[jcx]

if you can deal with the demo/evaluation limitations Eagle has very extensive part libraries

http://www.cadsoftusa.com/freeware.htm

so extensive that KiCad (unlimited, open source) users developed a import function

FAQ - KiCad

 

[marce]

Have a look at the PCBMATRIX site and IPC-7351 standards for footprints.
I would also consider going metric as PCB design is changing from imperial (thousands of an inch) to hard metric.