Schematics & PCB Layout SW/Program for Linux - Suggestions?

[maiko]

Hi,

I am looking into gradually moving at least some of my computer activities into a Linux operating system environment, as such I would be keen on finding a suitable schematics and PCB layout SW (SoftWare, aka. "computer program").
Having searched around here on diyA. the search result for Linux was somewhat meager, so I am stretching out to you guys if anyone could suggest on some easy and sensible to work with SW for Linux, something that can do 2 layer PCB derived from a schematic drawing, and free for DIY projects.

 

[knutn]

I've been using KiCad successfully for a while now and think it might suit your needs:
KiCad EDA

 

[lauda]

Another vote for KiCad.

 

[davidsrsb]

I prefer KiCad on Linux to the Windows build.
The nightly build 3d Povray renderings are beautiful

 

[maiko]

We will try KiCad

I've been using KiCad successfully for a while now and think it might suit your needs:
KiCad EDA

Another vote for KiCad.

I prefer KiCad on Linux to the Windows build.
The nightly build 3d Povray renderings are beautiful

Thanks everyone!

I had a little look around for the past few days and indeed KiCad seems pretty nice, they did also just release a new version 4.0.3 for a few days ago.

The choice of KiCad is a no brainer with an acticve community and support even from CERN, and works on win/linux/osx.

For anyones information, I found also good info here
General PCB/EDA/CAD Discussions - Page 1
Human Verification - Electrical Engineering Stack Exchange
TOP

 

[kevinkr]

I use it both in windows and linux, and can report that there seem to be no problems with interoperability.

 

[nigelwright7557]

You can buy a program for Linux that allows the use of any Windows program.
I saw it recently but cant remember its name.

 

[mbrennwa]

For beautiful schematics I like Xcircuit. No PCBs though.

 

[abraxalito]

You could try http://www.easyeda.com - it runs totally in the browser so is OS agnostic.

 

[easp]

You can buy a program for Linux that allows the use of any Windows program.
I saw it recently but cant remember its name.

Are you thinking of Crossover? It's based on WINE. It doesn't support everything, but often more than WINE, or sooner than WINE.

 

[Paul Uszak]

You can buy a program for Linux that allows the use of any Windows program.

There is WINE that works very well and is free. LTSpice and Soundcard Scope both work perfectly under it.

 

[geraldfryjr]

Hello There,

I use Diptrace, Ltspice, Circuitmaker 2000 and Eagle under WINE in Linux with no issues.
There is a version of Eagle just for Linux as well for use without WINE.

I haven't really gotten my head wrapped around Kicad lately since they released the new improved versions a few years ago, but it looks pretty decent from what I have seen.
Diptrace works the easiest for me as does the old Circuitmaker 2000.

There are a few others that you will find in the repositories but IMHO they are way outdated and quite frankly JUNK.

DEX is another one that has quite a following as well, it is quirpy but it does work and has some pretty cool features.

FWIW.

Cheers !!!

jer 🙂

 

[hifly]

LTSpice under WINE

There is WINE that works very well and is free. LTSpice and Soundcard Scope both work perfectly under it.

Ihave tried LTSpice IV and XVII under WINE on different computers and they seem to work well until I push the Alt key to simulate power.
The thermometer symbol appears but there's no trace on the plot pane.
I was using Mint in both cases.

I wish there was a cure for this because otherwise LTSpice works just as it does
on Windows.

 

[Aswin2]

Hello!

Personally I'm very happy with http://www.easyEDA.com

Works on all my computers

🙂