The Ultimate PCB Design Software Comparison Guide Comparing the Top 6 PCB CAD Programs PCB design: you need a CAD program for your project, but which is best? There are already tons of articles like this available - and they’ll all bore you to death with the same mundane details (with the exception of a select few). Our ultimate PCB design software comparison guide will crush all those articles.
Some components here are missed from DipTrace standard libraries (or at least were missed prior to DipTrace 3.0), some are awkwardly named in those libraries. Also, basic SMD footprints (resistors, capacitors, inductors) were optimized for reflow soldering — which means smaller pads and occupied PCB space — they are in SMD library.
Here’s why: We’re going to run through a step-by-step tutorial of the same design to show how each critical feature grades out in the top PCB programs available. Our unique guide begins by diving into a comprehensive comparison of the top 6 PCB design tools. And our tutorial will compare the best 3 (in our humble opinions).
Jump to a section. Introduction to PCB Design Software There are several programs available that range from simple and intuitive to highly sophisticated. They range from free or inexpensive to high-end/premium. They come feature-less or feature-heavy. All of the tools are different and unique in their own way. Ultimately, your needs and preferences should drive what CAD program you use.