Best CAD Software?

[mangosareforever]

Hi guys!

I've had some experience with using Xilinx in my college classes but never really approached using it with DIY stomp boxes. I have my first IC OD completed on my circuit board, but I want to switch my

Breadboard circuitry to a PCB

I went on https://www.smallbearelec.com/HowTos/BeginnerArticle/BeginnerDos.htm
and it provided me with DIY Layout creator, https://code.google.com/p/diy-layout-creator/downloads/list

but I was wondering if you guys knew a better CAD software for students like me, that will be helpful to my ee studies when I go back to school.

Thanks alot!
Best,
Mangos

[pappasmurfsharem]

Eagle CAD

Without question.

[mth5044]

I love EAGLE. Some say it's too hard, but it isn't bad.

Use the search function, I believe there was a thread on this just last week.

[J0K3RX]

Diptrace, Sprint, KiCad... all good, just depends on how much time you want to spend learning and what circuits you plan on making. Eagle is great also but bigger learning curve in my opinion.

[Digital Larry]

I hated using Eagle.  Uses all sorts of non standard user interface approaches. 

I settled on DipTrace.  On the other hand, if you use Eagle you will have lots of company.  I just think you should try doing a simple schematic/layout with each one and draw your own conclusion.  Also be sure to create some new library parts from scratch and by modification of existing parts.  Go through the whole workflow on a small design.

[armdnrdy]

Some years back...I downloaded a few CAD programs to see which one I could make the most progress with without reading instructions/tutorials.

I couldn't place a few components and connect them together with "wires" in any of the programs except for Eagle.

All of the programs are going to have a learning curve....but as Digital Larry stated, "you will have lots of company".

Remember the first time you used a PC? It didn't exactly come naturally did it? 

There are numerous tutorials both written and video to help you along. Another thing...there are probably more  component libraries available for Eagle than the rest of the programs combined!

[J0K3RX]

A person wanting to learn fresh is probably better off with Eagle if they have not used any other circuit design software previously. They won't have any expectations from using previous design software so they won't be used to things working a certain way...

One thing I need to do is warn others about AutoTRAX Design Express 2020 (DEX)!!! I saw it in late November 2012 and purchased it (BIG MISTAKE!) registered it and it worked for about 6 months until I launched it one day and this woman's voice came blasting over my speakers and said "OH NO!!!" and a message that said "Demo Period Has Expired" wanting me to purchase again. So, I tried to sign in with the "Sign On ID and Password" that they sent to me... Guess what, yup, no longer valid.. shocker huh..   So then I emailed them and sent them messages online and got no response, at all! I don't know about other people but I work hard for my money so, I don't like it when somebody or some company bends me over and gives it to me up the pooper!!! I have trolled other forums and have seen a lot of complaints about this software.. It looks impressive with all the features.. And guess what, not all that easy to use as they claim! I am just glad that I could contribute to this company's success with my FREE donation of $49.00

For $49 this is the claim:
This is the FULL version and includes free upgrades for 12 months and never expires.
Unlimited pin count, sheets, layers, parts, PCB size - in other words : everything unlimited! Yeah!? Bullsh!t..

Check it out, but be warned!
http://www.kov.com/

[MrStab]

+1 for Diptrace - the interface is intuitive to a CAD n00b like me, but it has a lot of functionality if you need to dig deeper. easy to use, no stark limitations, and no monopolising nonsense (a' la ExpressPCB) when it comes to exporting Gerber files.

Fritzing is another which isn't talked about as much - it seems quite intuitive, but i found it quite cluttered and confusing.
i get the feeling the most experienced guys use Eagle, for good reasons (eg. larger library, as mentioned)

[waltk]

Diptrace - does everything, easier to learn

[GGBB]

+1 for Diptrace - the interface is intuitive to a CAD n00b like me, but it has a lot of functionality if you need to dig deeper. easy to use, no stark limitations, and no monopolising nonsense (a' la ExpressPCB) when it comes to exporting Gerber files.

Fritzing is another which isn't talked about as much - it seems quite intuitive, but i found it quite cluttered and confusing.
i get the feeling the most experienced guys use Eagle, for good reasons (eg. larger library, as mentioned)

Took the words right out of my mouth.

[Digital Larry]

i get the feeling the most experienced guys use Eagle, for good reasons (eg. larger library, as mentioned)

That said, I have always needed to create my own library parts for pots, switches, jacks, etc.  For designing pedals it is not really much help to have an exhaustive set of 74ALSxxx parts, or Intel CPUs, or photomultiplier tubes.  That's why I put so much stock in finding something where creating your own parts is fairly simple.  Regardless of the CAD tool's supplied library, you will only use a small fraction of it and you will need to create a new part sooner rather than later.

[duck_arse]

^ what digital says. the idea with eagle is to simplify, cut everyting you don't use, put what you do into your own lib. there seems almost nothing in their libraries that is just what I want, but copy/redraw/edit etc is not that painfull. admittedly, I only use the schematic at the moment, but I've done pcb's way back last century with it.

and it seems there is still quirks to learn everytime I start the thing.

[armdnrdy]

I'll see your "use a small fraction of it" and raise you a....I rarely make components from scratch. I generally find something that is close and modify it.

That is where having an extensive library selection is useful. There are so many Eagle users worldwide, that make so many different types of electronic devices, that some of the libraries have components that I can honestly say I will never use but....
I would rather have too many than not enough! 

[Digital Larry]

I'll see your "use a small fraction of it" and raise you a....I rarely make components from scratch. I generally find something that is close and modify it.

Totally agree, no need to reinvent pads and packages.  Just move things around and/or resize them and/or choose a different pad, etc.

[MrStab]

Took the words right out of my mouth.

please don't let the next line be from a Meat Loaf song. lol

Just move things around and/or resize them and/or choose a different pad, etc.

same, pretty much. i haven't come across the need to make any custom components yet (not been at it that long), but i don't doubt i will. i don't board mount or use anything super-specialist, so i've made do by measuring pitch & comparing with what Diptrace has available (if the silkscreen shape isn't too off). a few people seem to have trouble finding seemingly basic things like 16mm pots, though, so obvious weaknesses with the stock library do come up.