From PCB123:
PCB123 provides the complete circuit-board solution, design through order for your PCB prototyping needs. Download the circuit board design software that converts schematic to layout. There is an easy order process that quotes your board as you design. Boards are delivered in days. The program features a new board wizard; the ability to import net lists from multiple CAD vendors; more than 145,000 parts in the library; two-, four-, and six-layer support with soldermask and silkscreen; and fast, accurate DRC/DFM (Design Rule Check/Design for Manufacturing.
Version 2.1.0.7 is a major upgrade that includes a bunch of new features and bug fixes.
Quick Specs
Version: 2.1.0.7
File size: 6.65MB
Date added: February 05, 2006
Price: Free
Operating system: Windows 2000/XP
Product ranking: #48 in 3D Modeling SoftwareAdditional Requirements Windows 2000/XP/2003 Server
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User Reviews:
(1)"Best free PCB desing software on the market."
August 19, 2009 | By islanderscafe
Version: PCB123 2.1.0.7
Pros
Live BOM and instant online pricing for both assembly, parts and fab as I design
Cons
Great functionality- much more capabilities than other free software.
(2)"Works well (better than i thought)"
March 18, 2009 | By SFX Group
Version: PCB123 2.1.0.7
Pros
Able to design a board (both sides) and silkscreen parts, will do connections as well and able to move them. Also has a design are so you can import that to the 3D design layout.
Cons
The only thing is, its design to ORDER from them only, so really isnt any good for anything else, you can take pics though and print so might be ok for Microsoft writers to save the file.
Summary
Works well, however you cant export your designs for your own use, that said it does work well to learn how to design boards and circuits...
(3)"Good program, not bad"
December 23, 2007 | By gep59
Version: PCB123 2.1.0.7
Pros
Well put together, a few bugs.
Cons
Takes a while to learn.
(4)"Very useful, but some concerns..."
May 12, 2007 | By Jeffin90620
Version: PCB123 2.1.0.7
Pros
I have (cheaply) made short runs of PCBs for test jigs and production units (so cheap, it justified the use of PCBs over perf board and wirewrap). (Fairly) easy to create new parts for the library and it has a good search ability for existing parts. I can quickly position parts by entering the Device Label (it places the part under the cursor). Copper fill automatically provides clearances for components & traces and thermals for connected pins. Toll-free (& competent) tech support during business hours. Easily and quickly zoom out then in on the cursor location to move around the board. 3rd party netlists are supported (not a lot, but every package I have seen outputs at least one of the supported formats).
Cons
Auto-routing is very limited (one trace width only) and I have seen better implementations. Steep learning curve for people who haven't laid out PCBs before, mediocre documentation and haphazard User's Forum at their website, but I produced a good PCB after a day's effort.
