I want to make a pcb file to send to a board house and the layout is very simple. Can I just draw the pads and not place the components at all?

I say this because the components aren't in the library and I would have to make a custom part.

Can I just place the pads manually and route it myself. Or do I have to make the custom part to place in the footprint.

I'm using pcb artist.

 

All PCB tools have an option to create and add custom footprints. And creating such is part of the usual trot for every PCB designer. What PCB tool do you use? and can you post some info about the footprint. Even if I do not use your design tool. I might be able to come up with some tips

 

yes you can place the pads and traces manually without creating a component in the library.. The board will be EXACTLY the same as if you created the library part. Well assuming you place the pads correct manually

 

yes you can place the pads and traces manually without creating a component in the library.. The board will be EXACTLY the same as if you created the library part. Well assuming you place the pads correct manually

But then, if you ever plan to use that part again it will be better to create the part in library.

 

But then, if you ever plan to use that part again it will be better to create the part in library.

obviously..

 

I have a rule that the only place any PCB part may be added. Is in the schematic. Even for the hobbyist this make the design more easy to audit

 

I have a rule that the only place any PCB part may be added. Is in the schematic. Even for the hobbyist this make the design more easy to audit

yep.. I agree
but again there is no difference in what you will actually get on the fabricated PCB so what he wants to do is totally fine.. Just the lazy way

 

thanks for the responses.
I have one more quick pcb related question.

If I am doing a through hole. What layer do I put the pads and routing
top copper, top solder mask, or bottom copper, bottom solder mask.

 

thanks for the responses.
I have one more quick pcb related question.

If I am doing a through hole. What layer do I put the pads and routing
top copper, top solder mask, or bottom copper, bottom solder mask.

You put pads and tracks on the top copper and/or bottom copper.

 

your program "should" be smart enough to automatically do the mask layers based on the pads.

 

It looks like yo are quite new to this. Feel free to post your schematic and PCB for comments. We will not bite your head off in any way. But it could save you some time and money

 

Its much better to do a schematic then convert that to a pcb ratsnest.
This is becasue a schematic is much easier to read.
Also if you make any changes you can forward annotate from the schematic any changes and then you will know the shcematic and pcb match.

 

Its much better to do a schematic then convert that to a pcb ratsnest.
This is becasue a schematic is much easier to read.
Also if you make any changes you can forward annotate from the schematic any changes and then you will know the shcematic and pcb match.

Ah that brings me back to to days of DOS ,IBM PC, and the Smartwork software from Wintek

 

A schematic is also much less prone to errors than drawing the pcb straight away.