"Eagle":http://www.cadsoftusa.com/shop/pricing/?language=en - $69 for two layer support "PCB123":http://www.sunstone.com/PCB123-CAD-Software.aspx - Free but must order boards through Sunstone
Try Eagle CAD [http://www.cadsoftusa.com/downloads/freeware/]. It's free with the following imitations:
The following limitations apply to the EAGLE Light Edition in general:
* The useable board area is limited to 100 x 80 mm (4 x 3.2 inches). * Only two signal layers can be used (Top and Bottom). * The schematic editor can only create one sheet.
Then use the excellent SparkFun tutorial [http://www.sparkfun.com/tutorials/108] to learn how to use it.
* Advanced Circuits [http://www.4pcb.com/instant_quote/] (they have an excellent feature where you can upload your PCB files and they will test them and give you a quote via email) -- this is the one I use. * PCB-Pool [http://www.pcb-pool.com/ppus/index.html] never used them, but supposedly you can watch your PCB being made! * AP Circuits [http://www.apcircuits.com/] they specialize in Prototype quantities and have an online price estimator [http://www.apcircuits.com/ap/calculator].
I'd highly recommend DipTrace. They have a free non-commercial version with less limitations restrictive than Eagle and it's more user friendly. Just like most other decent software in this realm there's also really good tutorials as well along with a decent library of parts.
hi you can use ORCAD for just design purpose if you wanna simulate a ckt use PROTEUS 7.8 its better than others with lots more ics and all parts and see your circuit running before you made it.... CADSTAR is also popular pcb designing and layout software .... all these are available free on the internet ,,,, just do goooooogling........
I AM STIL WORKING ON MAKEING MY P C B I AM USING DIP TRACE FROM A NEW CAD USER ITS A NICE SOFTWARE BUT TRYING TOO MAKE A KEY BOARD TO JOG AROUND STEPPER MOTORS. I HAVE NOT FORGOT THE HELP THAT I GOT HERE. YOU LIKE TO ADD INPUT TO ME PLEASE DO
I've been using Dip Trace for several months now. It's very easy to learn and use and there's a free version with generous boundaries (i.e. it's fully functional with 300 pin limit for non-profit use).
I find Dip Trace far easier to use than Eagle (though, Eagle may have more features, but I haven't missed any of them).
The down side of using in-house [proprietary] software like PCB123, is if you ever want to switch to an industry wide package like DipTrace or Eagle, you'll have to do everything over again, because there's typically no "Export" or translation to a different software format. Some of them (and perhaps all of them) will export Gerber files, but that doesn't contain the information needed to port a schematic or PCB layout to anther product. [Personal experience :p ]
Beginners seeking simple PCB CAD software for designing small CNC power supply boards have several recommended options. Eagle CAD is popular, offering a free Light Edition with limitations on board size (100 x 80 mm), two signal layers, and single-sheet schematics; it is supported by tutorials such as those from SparkFun. DipTrace is highly recommended for its user-friendly interface, fewer restrictions in its free non-commercial version, and a comprehensive parts library. KiCad is an open-source, unrestricted, and powerful alternative suitable for beginners. PCB123 is free but requires ordering boards through Sunstone, with limited export capabilities. Other software mentioned includes ORCAD (design only), PROTEUS 7.8 (circuit simulation and design), CADSTAR, PROTEL 99SE, Altium, DesignSpark (free with no service purchase required), PCB-Artist, and Sprint Layout 5.0 for very basic needs. For PCB fabrication, budget-friendly services like BatchPCB, PCBExpress, Advanced Circuits, PCB-Pool, and AP Circuits offer prototype and low-quantity runs with online quoting and batch processing to reduce costs. Users note that proprietary software like PCB123 may lack interoperability with industry-standard tools, requiring redesign if switching software. Overall, Eagle, DipTrace, and KiCad stand out as accessible and effective tools for beginners designing small CNC power supply PCBs. Summary generated by the language model.
