Free PCB CAD Software
The ExpressPCB CAD software is very easy to learn and use. For the first time, designing circuit boards is simple for the beginner and efficient for the professional. Best of all, its FREE.
Our electronics design software includes two applications, one for drawing schematics, the other for PCB layout.
ExpressSCH
ExpressPCB
Both programs are completely free, fully functional and easily installed with a single InstallShield setup program. They run under Microsoft
Windows NT, 2000, XP, Vista and Windows 7.
Learning to use our software is fast because of its standardized Windows user interface. After spending the few minutes to learn one, the other
takes almost no time because it works the same way.
(Should you choose not to keep our software on your system, simply uninstall it using Add or Remove Programs found in your computer's Control
Panel.)
ExpressSCH
Schematic Design Software
The ExpressSCH schematic design program is just as easy to use as our PCB layout software, both having the same user interface. After spending a few minutes to learn one, mastering the other takes no time at all. Here's how simple it is to draw a schematic with ExpressSCH:
Step:1
Select the Components
Begin your schematic by placing the components. Select the parts from the Component Manager dialog box. ExpressSCH includes a large library with hundreds of component symbols (ICs, resistors, capacitors...) that you can use to draw your electronic circuits.
Step:2
Position the Components
Drag each component to the desired location on the page. The Snap to grid feature makes it easy to neatly align the symbols.
If all of the components do not fit on a single page, add additional sheets. All the sheets of a schematic are linked together and saved in one file.
Step:3
Add the Wires
Now draw the wires to connect the parts together. Add each wire by clicking on a component's pin, then dragging the wire to the pin it connects to.
Step:4
Edit the Schematic
Making changes to a schematic is simple using standard commands such as Copy, Cut and Paste. Rearranging the components is easy by dragging them with the mouse. Wires always stay connected to their pins, even when you move things around.
Step:5
Link the Schematic and PCB
After you complete your schematic, it can be linked to your circuit board layout file.
This image of the ExpressPCB layout program shows how it guides you in designing your board by highlighting in blue the pins that should be wired together.
ExpressPCB
Our ExpressPCB circuit board layout program is a snap to learn and use. Laying out PCBs is easy, even for the first time user. Here are the steps:
Step:1
Select the Components
Begin your layout by adding the components. Select the parts from the Component Manager dialog box. Many components (such as connectors) include Digi-key part numbers to make ordering easy.
Step:2
Position the Components
Drag each component to the desired location on your board. The Snap to grid feature makes it easy to neatly align the parts.
Step:3
Add the Traces
Now add each trace by clicking on the pin of a component and dragging the trace to another pin.
If you link your schematic file to the PCB, then the ExpressPCB program highlights the pins that should be wired together in blue.
See Tips for making PC boards for more help on board layout.
Step:4
Edit the Layout
Making changes is simple using standard commands such as Copy, Cut and Paste. Rearrange the parts by dragging them with the mouse. Traces always stay connected to their pins, even when you move things around.
You can set the properties of items in your layout by double-clicking on them. For example, double-click on a trace to change its layer or width.
Step:5
Order the PC Boards
After you complete your layout, the ExpressPCB program tells you exactly how much it costs to have the boards made. Then order them online using the Order boards via the Internet command.
Learn how simple it is to order in: How It All Works
Download ExpressPCB
The ExpressPCB schematic and PCB design software is very quick to learn and completely free! Download a fully functional version here.
1. Download the setup program.
The ExpressPCBSetup program includes both ExpressSCH for drawing schematics and ExpressPCB for circuit board layout. Download the setup program below.
2. Easy to install.
After downloading, run the ExpressPCBSetup program. Our installation program is very straightforward, but if for any reason you have trouble, please send us a note.
3. Quick start guides get you going fast.
Our software is very simple to use! Even so, we suggest that you quickly read our two short Quick Start Guides. Look in the Help menu of the ExpressSCH program for the Quick Start Guide on drawing schematics. For circuit board design, read the Quick Start Guide found with the ExpressPCB program.
4. Tips for the first time designer.
If you are a beginner to PC board layout, we also suggest that you look over our Tips for Making PC Boards web page.
Can click on the download ExpressPCB
