What Software To Use?
As for which software to use, that is up to you. Here are some recommendations for non-profits and hobbyists looking to make small, two layer boards.
A few companies also provide their own free software, but the drawback is that you may be forced to manufacture your board through them as well. This option helps eliminate any problems that might occur during the physical manufacturing of the design because the software is tightly integrated into their DRC.
There are also a multitude of PCB tools that you can pay for that tend to be better (not always) and have more functionality.
- Eagle - Limitations: 80x100 mm 2 layer boards
- DesignSpark (no Mac version)- Limitations: None
- DipTrace - Limitations: 300 pins, 2 layers
- Upverter (in browser)- Limitations: Projects are publicly shared
- Kicad (open source) - Limitations: None
A few companies also provide their own free software, but the drawback is that you may be forced to manufacture your board through them as well. This option helps eliminate any problems that might occur during the physical manufacturing of the design because the software is tightly integrated into their DRC.
- ExpressPCB
- PCB123 (Sunstone Circuits)
There are also a multitude of PCB tools that you can pay for that tend to be better (not always) and have more functionality.
