THE BEST PCB DESIGN SOFTWARE???

Thread Starter

dogar sahab

Joined Mar 15, 2008
116
I want to ask about the best PCB DESIGN SOFTWARE..I have used ARES but didnt found it helpful as many packages were missing...Similarly PCB WIZARD isnt very good either..
Would u all plz share the best PCB DESIGN softwares..They can be difficult to learn but the softwares must be very very good....As the tutorials of these softwares are available on net!!!!
 

Wendy

Joined Mar 24, 2008
23,415
I'm not the man to know, but from what little I've seen EagleSoft looks like a good bet. I believe it meets all your stated requirments.

If you get proficient on the freeware package they have a professional one that can do a lot more.
 

garry.owens

Joined Dec 17, 2008
17
i use geda in linux which i find extremly esy and reliable it doese take some getting used to but it is very fast and free i do not know if there is a windows based equivalent but if you are into electrical as a hoby then due to the amount of free software out there for linux then i would if i were you at least give it a try remember linux itself is free so give ubuntu a try you will not go back
 

hgmjr

Joined Jan 28, 2005
9,027
I agree with Bill on this one. The limited evaluation edition of EAGLEPCB is probably the most cost effective package I know about.

hgmjr
 

Thread Starter

dogar sahab

Joined Mar 15, 2008
116
hmm...Actually when I worked on ARES then the package for push buttons etcetra were not present and I had to labour much..
I should try those u mentioned..
But more suggestions are welcome!!!!
 

jpanhalt

Joined Jan 18, 2008
11,087
This site has a long standing policy about not facilitating the theft of software.

Your candor in expressing that intent here is amazing. Is there anything you feel you are not entitled to for free?

John
 

Thread Starter

dogar sahab

Joined Mar 15, 2008
116
okay..sorry for that..Usually all forums have this policy otherwise they are blocked..whatsoever..
But I have downloaded the free version(lite version) andit seemed to be good enough!!!
 

Wendy

Joined Mar 24, 2008
23,415
The main point (and the reason they offer a freeware version) is to learn it. Once you are comfortable with it you will be willing to shell out the big bucks for the full package (so the theory goes). Actually, from what I've seen the freeware version is still pretty powerful for the home hobbiest. They have nuanced the difference between a home project and a professional project very nicely.
 

jpanhalt

Joined Jan 18, 2008
11,087
There is an alternative:

CadSoft offers special conditions for EAGLE users who need more power than provided by the Freeware Edition, but don't want to spend the full price of the Standard Edition. Since these users are typically hobbyists, this special license is granted on a non-profit base, which means that it must not be used in any commercial context. Or, in plain English: you must not earn any money by using this special non-profit EAGLE license.
It's $125 (used to be much less), offers a little more functionality, and is no more restrictive than the free version. Obviously, that may be over budget for some. I think of it as an incentive for a company that was willing to take the risk of offering good freeware to continue doing so. It is no more than than tickets to any professional event (opera, symphony, basketball, or football), and I enjoy it a lot more.

John
 

Thread Starter

dogar sahab

Joined Mar 15, 2008
116
I think that these softwares must be available for no fee..However it leads into altogether a new discussion...
Has anyone used PROTEUS and its built-in PCB DESIGNER(ARIES)??..I dont personally like it at all...However I am quite dextrous in usng that...
 

Thread Starter

dogar sahab

Joined Mar 15, 2008
116
The main point (and the reason they offer a freeware version) is to learn it. Once you are comfortable with it you will be willing to shell out the big bucks for the full package (so the theory goes). Actually, from what I've seen the freeware version is still pretty powerful for the home hobbiest. They have nuanced the difference between a home project and a professional project very nicely.
But I need the software for my engineering work..
Isnt it a professional work afterall....:)
 

Wendy

Joined Mar 24, 2008
23,415
But I need the software for my engineering work..
Isnt it a professional work afterall....:)
If it is for school and education, no. This is not considered professional use.

If it is for a company or something you sell, you really should buy the professional package. After all, you would not like it if someone stole your work for profit.
 

Thread Starter

dogar sahab

Joined Mar 15, 2008
116
But the price is reasonably high!!!!..
However first I get grip on the freeware,then I ll think over it again..
I guess for engineering purposes,it seems fine!!!
What u say???
 
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