It looks like EAGLE's newest competitor is Altium's CircuitStudio (CS) which now sells for $995 (it used to sell for $3500 before AutoDesk bought EAGLE). This is just a little more than EAGLE's mid-range package ($820) and cheaper than EAGLE's full-range package ($1640). One of the features I liked in the demo was the push-and-shove manual router. Let the PCB Wars begin! Altium Circuit Studio vs Autodesk Eagle Element 14 got bought by Daetwyler which lead to them selling Eagle to Autodesk, which then l. CircuitStudio – This is by far the cheapest low cost PCB tool, at $995 for a perpetual license. It also has one of the most comprehensive sets of features. CircuitStudio’s component library features over 350,000 parts, as well as live, integrated supply chain management, to help you keep track of what parts you need and which parts are.
Circuit Studio Vs Eagles
EAGLE™ no longer sells perpetual licenses. They make you pay again and again for the same tool. The last thing you need is another deadline standing between you and your designs. Don’t pay for your time, pay for your tools. Switch today and get CircuitStudio for only $495 Learn More Buy Now. Article Technical Rating: 7 out of 10 There are numerous software packages available for designing printed circuit boards (PCBs), too many in fact. That being said, there are three PCB design packages that tend to be the most popular and considered the best: Altium Designer, Eagle, and OrCad. However, for hardware entrepreneurs, startups and makers I prefer a less well-known PCB design.
EDA or Electronic Design Automation is steadily growing in importance, as the world moves towards an unprecedented level of technological dependence and automation.
Designing PCBs and circuits are becoming more challenging as designers and engineers try to meet the rapid advancements in technology. In such a scenario, picking the right PCB design software is vital for any design engineer.
Hence, today we are looking at two free PCB design solutions, from two reputed developers. In this article, we have done a comparison between Altium CircuitMaker Vs KiCad EDA. To help you pick the one which is right for you, read on.
[9] Major Differences Between KiCad Vs CircuitMaker
KiCad and CircuitMaker have seen many changes over the years, and they have now developed into powerful PCB design solutions that can compete even with some paid programs.
To help you decide which one to pick, we have compared them on the basis of major technical differences, user experience, simplicity of use, and platform compatibility.
Below we have described the 9 main differences between KiCad vs CircuitMaker in detail.
[1] Software Type
Before selecting any software program, you should first check what type of package you are getting. Some are available as local clients that you can download and use on a computer, or they can be SaaS, which refers to software as a service.
KiCad is available for you to download, install and use on your computer. It is a cross-platform application that you can run on Windows, Mac OS and Linux systems. The installer is available on the KiCad website, and can be downloaded and used for free. KiCad is also open-source, and the developers have made the source code available to everyone through platforms such as Github.
The CircuitMaker program is a web-based service. There is a small setup process involved. You can need an active internet connection to use the platform for all your PCB design tasks. Altium develops CircuitMaker and has made it free to use for everyone. CircuitMaker is also open-source.
CircuitMaker lets you work on projects with up to 16 signal and 16 plane layers, with no limitations on the dimensions of the PCB. The free version doesn’t have a non-commercial clause, so you can even monetize your designs. However, CircuitMaker only works on Windows 32-bit and 64-bit OS devices.
[2] Schematic Editing
Schematics are the essence of designing a PCB, and will one of the very first steps in your project. The schematic tools in the program should be suitably located, functional and the software should ideally support multi-sheet schematics, otherwise your projects will be limited to basic designs.
CircuitMaker provides you with a well designed and tested schematic editor; in fact, it’s the characteristic Altium design. It’s intuitive, easy to use, and has a modern and elegant look. You also get features like multi-sheet schematic editing and hierarchical design blocks with conversion that simplifies complex schematics.
A wide range of export formats is also supported, in addition to the SmartPDF functionality.
In KiCad, you get a module called Eeschema for handling all your schematic capture and editing tasks. The design of the UI is clean and simplistic, and the tools can actually be arranged as you require. The toolkits can be un-docked and placed where you need them for easier access.
KiCad also provides features to work with hierarchical schematics, to simplify complex designs with multiple sheets by displaying them as single sheets in an arranged manner. You can also export your files in a variety of formats such as PDF, Postscript, HPGL, SVG and more.
[3] Layout and Routing
The routing and layout module in KiCad is called PCBNew. It has been designed for an efficient and productive routing experience with integrated rule checks for improved accuracy.
It supports both manual and automatic routing. For manual routing, you get interactive features such as push and shove routing and obstacle avoidance routing. Using this, the system can obtain alternative routes around obstacles.
This system works in accordance with the design and electrical rules. You can also perform differential pair routing, tune trace lengths interactively and create layouts with up to 32 Copper layers.
With CircuitMaker as well, there are some great routing features available. Altium has provided a set of interactive routing features that include: obstacle avoidance and obstacle ignore, hug, hug and push, and push and shove.
Additionally, you also get differential pair routing; and to work with nets that require extra length for signal delays, you can use the ‘add accordion’ option.
For better autorouting, CircuitMaker also provides a topological autorouter.
The Situs topological autorouter works in accordance with the DRC to improve your routing speed and efficiency. Some of the advanced features included are: BGA and SMT (surface mount) fanout routing, via optimisation, hug, and parallel memory. It can also be used for routing multi or single nets.
[4] Library Content
Libraries contain parts and components that you can use for your design, either directly or after some modifications. This saves you the effort of having to create parts from scratch. It’s even better if the software contains catalogs or part information.
KiCad offers two methods that you can use for parts. The first is through the libraries. They contain thousands of components that are ready to use. And if for some reason, the library doesn’t have the part you need, you can import them from external sources and other applications as well.
CircuitMaker has an active online community, with a vast library. You can find components, part details, and even complete projects made by other users, which you can download for studying or editing etc. CircuitMaker is open-source and its users get all the benefits of this.
The library is supported by the Octopart database. This also makes it really easy to place components in your designs as all you need to do is search for the part from within the workspace. You also get the option to add mechanical components or custom parts created by you in the program.
[5] 3D Viewing
CircuitMaker uses the Native 3D technology which is available in all Altium products. This is a smooth and efficient system to generate complete 3D models for the PCB layout with just the touch of a button.
This system also checks the model for any clearance violations and shows you the overlap dimensions and distances. This helps you make the model more accurate for ensuring a precise fit with the enclosure.
With KiCad, you get a 3D viewer which can be used to generate quick 3D models from your 2D drawings. It allows you to check your design through an interactive canvas where you can pan, rotate, zoom and orient the model in different views.
This helps in inspecting certain details about the model that are difficult in a 2D view. There are additional settings for rendering the model to change its appearance, and settings for which features to hide and which to show.
[6] Import and Export
A lot of free programs in the market limit or restrict your import/export options or require you to pay a small fee for certain formats. This is not the case with CircuitMaker and KiCad. They both offer a range of formats, although they have some differences here too.
With CircuitMaker, you get industry standard outputs which are DRC and DFM (design for manufacturing) validated. You can set for the project to be exported as a Gerber file, NC Drill file, ODB++ file or in multiple formats.
CircuitMaker will also compile and generate PCB documentation and reports such as the IPC test point reports and more. The file is also finally checked for design and electrical rules, as well as DFM and DFA rules to ensure a smooth production process.
Circuit Studio Vs Eagle Rock
CircuitMaker allows you to import both PCB and schematic documents, with a range of importers, which include OrCAD, PCAD, PADS, EAGLE, Protel and more.
In KiCad, as mentioned earlier, you can import files from external applications and save them in the libraries. Additionally, users get a GerbView tool. This allows you to load Gerber X2 files and job files. It also supports canvases such as Cairo and OpenGL. Abbyy eformfiller 2.5 for mac high sierra.
[7] User Interface
The UI is the main workspace that you will be using the most, and so it is important that the UI be designed well and in such a way so as to enhance productivity.
The CircuitMaker platform is largely based on the standard Altium user interface, which is a design they have tested and improved over many years. It looks modern and neat, with options to customize the icon sizing, text size and other such options.
In KiCad, the UI is well designed, and the tools have been placed such that they are easily accessible. You can even personalize the workspace by re-arranging the toolkits and editing the appearance settings.
[8] Additional Features
Ufc undisputed 3 pc release date release. This section describes some innovative and useful features available in CircuitMaker and KiCad to help users work better. Although you may not need them in daily designing, these can come in handy for special tasks; or even to help you with regular design work.
Team Collaboration in CircuitMaker
With CircuitMaker, an added advantage that can be used to work on large projects is the team collaboration feature. You can share your project with other CircuitMaker users and all designers who are part of the team can work simultaneously to get the project done faster.
Single Tap Manufacturing
After completing the design, when you are looking to manufacture your PCB, there is no need to look everywhere. Altium has partnered with a number of PCB manufacturers.
You can simply click a button to send the board to any of these partners and receive quotes and details for a board prototype or even a complete fabrication and assembly.
Alternatively, you can also publish a Gerber file and upload it manually to your preferred manufacturer, or share your designs with the community.
KiCad offers an innovative feature known as Bitmap2Component, which helps you easily convert an image to a PCB footprint. You can import any image file in all major formats, define some parameters and import settings, and a footprint will be created from the image.
[9]Performing a Simulation
This is an important method for validation of your design. A simulation is used to test the PCB under different conditions and it gives you an idea of the behaviour and performance of the circuit.
So if you are looking to get the board manufactured, a simulation is a good idea before sending the design for fabrication.
KiCad offers a SPICE based simulation engine. This allows you to perform analog, digital as well as mixed-signal circuit simulations of various kinds. SPICE is an acronym which stands for Simulation Program with Integrated Circuit Emphasis.
With KiCad, simulations are done in the ngspice program. You can import the design into the ngspice workspace, define some settings and analysis parameters, and run the simulation.
Altium CircuitMaker does not yet have a simulation module, and hence you cannot use it for circuit analysis. But since it is open-source, there are a lot of requests on the online forums to add simulation features to the program.
Which Software Is Best For PCB Designing, KiCad Vs CircuitMaker
There is no easy answer to the question of deciding which one is better, as they are both quite capable software programs. And they are both free as well. In terms of design tools and features, CircuitMaker is the better option. You get a better range of features and possibilities with CircuitMaker, without the restrictions.
KiCad on the other hand, has a simple UI, and is one of the best PCB design software apps for beginners. It can be used for a quick and precise design, and you can even validate the circuit performance through its SPICE simulation module.
Another great thing about KiCad is that all main tasks are handled by three different modules. This makes it easier to keep track of different design sections with better clarity, although it limits the amount of integration and increases your navigation time slightly.
Altium CircuitMaker Vs KiCad EDA: Who’s the Winner?
This answer would depend on a couple of individual factors. While CircuitMaker only runs on Windows, KiCad can be used on Windows, Mac OS and Linux devices as well. Another factor is your requirements. Altium CircuitMaker has features for team design and one-click manufacturing.
If production is your main aim, then we suggest CircuitMaker as a better option. For other users, who are starting out in PCB designing, or those who don’t have much experience can go for KiCad. It is pretty easy to use and also offers some advanced design features to help you work on complex designs.
So to pick a winner between CircuitMaker vs KiCad is a tricky one, since both are suited to different users.
So, Which One Should You Pick?
Both KiCad and CircuitMaker are few of the best free PCB design software in the market. Both are open-source and have an active online community with regular bug-fixes and updates. They are easy to setup and the installers are less than or around 1GB, depending on the platform you are installing it on.
The comparison between KiCad vs CircuitMaker is mainly a matter of preference and specific requirements that you may have from the program, as mentioned above. Overall, KiCad is powerful and also really simple to use, and even beginners can learn it quickly; so KiCad has a slight edge over CircuitMaker.
Hopefully, you have found this KiCad v CircuitMaker comparison guide worthwhile and it has helped you to make an informed choice about these two PCB Design Software.
Circuit Studio Vs Eagle Mountain
Additionally, you can also check out our comparison of Circuitstudio vs Altium Designer and KiCad vs OrCAD, if you are still not quite settled on a solution.
When it comes to PCB design tools, you have a lot of different options to choose from. First, there are the high-end, professional software suites. They put everything you need right at your fingertips and make design easy. Unfortunately, they’re a little out of your price range. Then there are the lower cost PCB tools, that provide a lot of the same basic functionality as the high-end models, but in a simpler form, without the bells and whistles, so they won’t break the bank. Finally, there are the free, downloadable tools that you find online. Some of these tools can be quite useful and provide a fair amount of functionality. Unfortunately, you may also find that you get what you pay for. Some of them don’t work very well, or provide you with the features and capabilities that you really need to do quality PCB design.So which option is best for you? Let’s take a look at some of the most prominent free and low cost PCB tools on the market and examine their pros and cons.Free and Open Source PCB ToolsKiCad – KiCad is an open source software, which means it’s maintained by its community of users. This gives it a large and diverse library of components, designs, and other resources, contributed by others—all at your fingertips, for free. Unfortunately, many find that the user interface leaves something to be desired. Although the software can be little buggy sometimes, it is backed by a strong community of hobbyists and professionals and is quickly gaining popularity, especially in the open source hardware community.DesignSpark – DesignSpark is a much better received software suite, which some argue is as good as many of the paid software options. Many free software options are limited in their functionality, but as long as you register with the site, DesignSpark gives you the full range of capabilities, from part wizards and schematic libraries to 3D modeling to tutorials and learning materials. The software does come with ads, though, which must be actively acknowledged before you’re able to proceed with your work.CADSTAR and CADSTAR Express – The first thing you see on the CADSTAR website is a banner saying, “Free PCB Design Software.” If you look closer, though, you’ll see links prompting you to talk to a sales representative, along with special offers and other paid services. What’s free is CADSTAR Express, along with a few other basic tools, including a design viewer. For free, you get a truncated version of the full, paid CADSTAR program. You’re limited to 300 pins and 50 components. You can also view a limited version of the extensive CADSTAR Online Library, and download another small portion. Basically, the free version is just a taste, to get the user to pay for the full version of CADSTAR.EasyEDA – Rather than a download, EasyEDA is a web and cloud-based tool, which provides not only free PCB design, but also circuit design and simulation. Its cloud-based format allows you to access your work from any device, and it works on Mac, Linux, Windows, and Android, so you don’t have to worry about compatibility issues. Designed for beginners, its main appeal is its easy interface and design tools that are simple to use. More experienced designers may want something a little more complex, that provides greater design flexibility.123D Circuits – While EasyEDA is designed for beginners, 123D Circuits is designed to accommodate all different experience levels. It has basic electronics and programming tutorials, which build up to full-fledged PCB design. It even allows you to import designs from Eagle, one of the most prominent low cost PCB tools on the market (which we’ll discuss later). Then when you’ve finished your design, you can order the completed, physical board and have it sent to you. It’s great for prototyping and testing electronics, and even has a gallery on their site of cool designs made by some of their other users. Cloud-based programs do have their drawbacks, however. While they can be accessed from anywhere, how well they work depends on the quality of your Internet connection. A slower connection, particularly with such a complex and intricate program, can cause problems and take up a lot of extra time.Fritzing – Another open source program, Fritzing is constantly working to improve itself, both in terms of what it offers and how it works. It has an extensive parts library, and it’s easy to integrate parts directly from the library into your project. It goes a step beyond EasyEDA in terms of experience level and flexibility, but it’s still not quite up to the level of professional designers and engineers. It’s an excellent program for hobbyists, though, and makes it easy to share your designs with the Fritzing community.gEDA – gEDA’s software package includes a set of design applications for a variety of functions, from design automation to integrated circuit design. Released under GNU General Public License, users have the freedom to run, share, or modify the software in any way they wish. It’s generally easy to use, with easy-to-access resources that are continually maintained and updated by a team of programmers. It’s designed mainly for Linux, but will also work with Unix and, to some degree, Macs. Windows compatibility isn’t provided by gEDA itself, but there are hooks available from other sources that will allow some of the applications to be compatible with Windows in a pinch.Low Cost PCB ToolsUpverter – Upverter’s PCB tools have several different price levels, beginning with a free Starter package. At that level, you get a number of basic features, such as custom parts creation and a personal library. However, it also only allows you two private projects. For unlimited projects, you need the Professional version, which also includes a wider selection of parts, as well as 3D previews and API/Scripting. All-in-all, Upverter’s Professional version is a comprehensive and worthwhile option. On the other hand, when it comes to low cost PCB tools, it’s also one of the more expensive ones, at $125 per month. You can reduce the cost to $100 per month if you pay the entire year up front.Eagle – The biggest pro of Eagle’s PCB tools is that they can run on Windows, Mac, or Linux, so you can use the software no matter what your preferred OS is. Another pro is that Eagle’s tools are priced annually, rather than monthly, leading to some relatively low cost options at the lower end. Packages begin at $69 for the basic, “Business Lite” version. From there, it moves up to Standard and Professional versions, whose prices vary depending on how many users you have and which types of editors you want to include. For one user to use just the Layout or Schematic editor, it’s $315 per license for the Standard version or $625 for the Professional version. However, if you want the Schematic, Layout, and Autorouter editors, those prices go up to $820 and $1,640, respectively. Different editors have different features, so if you want a lower price, you need to pick and choose which capabilities are most important to you, and which ones are worth sacrificing. Additionally, there’s no unlimited version. The Standard version limits you to 99 schematic sheets and 6 signal layers, while the Professional version limits you to 999 schematic sheets and 16 signal layers.DipTrace – DipTrace is the low cost PCB tool on our list that offers a perpetual license, rather than monthly or annual payments. These prices range from $75 for the Starter package, to $1,195 for the Full package. It should be noted, though, that if you want unlimited pins, or unlimited signal layers, you need to shell out the full $1,195. All other versions give you a limited number. Also, periodic software upgrades cost money – 25% of the package cost, if you want the latest version.Quadcept – At $99 per month, Quadcept is one of the more reasonably priced PCB tools—especially considering that support, maintenance, and upgrades are all included in that price. You can also pay an annual fee of $1,089 instead of the monthly fee, which essentially nets you one free month per year. They also provide a free component library of over 250,000 parts, and a variety of other features, from angled trace to automatic test pad generation and more.CircuitStudio – This is by far the cheapest low cost PCB tool, at $995 for a perpetual license. It also has one of the most comprehensive sets of features. CircuitStudio’s component library features over 350,000 parts, as well as live, integrated supply chain management, to help you keep track of what parts you need and which parts are available. It’s easy to use and gives you what you need to design quality PCBs quickly.To see for yourself just what CircuitStudio has to offer, click here for a free trial.| Company Name | Cost | Interoperability | Unlimited Layers? | Unlimited Components? |
| KiCad | Free | Windows, OS X, Linux | Yes | Yes |
| DesignSpark | Free | Windows | Yes | Yes |
| CADSTAR Express | Free | Windows | No | No |
| EasyEDA | Free | Web Based, Windows, OS X, Linux | Yes | Yes |
| 123D Circuits | Free | Web Based | No | Yes |
| Fritzing | Free | Windows, OS X, Linux | No | Yes |
| gEDA | Free | Windows compatibility if you use a hook, OS X, Linux, Unix | Yes | Yes |
| Upverter | Free - $125 per month ($1200 per year) | Windows, OS X, Linux | Yes | Yes |
| Eagle | One time license fee: Business Lite (up to 2 layers): $69; Business Standard (up to 6 layers): $315 - $820;Business Professional (up to 16 layers): $625 - $1640 | Windows, OS X, Linux | No | Yes |
| DipTrace | One time license fee: $75 - $1195 | Windows | Only the highest price | Only the highest price |
| Quadcept | $99 per month ($1089 per year) | Web based, Windows | Yes | Yes |
| CircuitStudio | One time license fee: $995 | Windows | Yes | Yes |
There are plenty of free and low cost PCB tool options out there, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. In the end, it all comes down to which tool can do what you need it to, at a price you can afford. Do your homework and see exactly what each of these PCB tools offers, and which one best suits your needs.