Best PCB design software for pedal builders (i.e. simple/easy to use)

[joel_ostrom]

I've been checking out a lot of PCB/Schematic design software (EagleCAD, ExpressPCB, Diptrace etc.) and lots of them seem overly complicated for designing simple stompbox schematics and PCBs.

What would you guys say is the best one for designing a PCB that could be printed off and be used to etch your own board.
What do you use?

[craigmillard]

I Use Eagle, works very well and you can get the gaussmarkov library for it! Cant go wrong just route the PCB yourself not with the autoroute

[joethugs]

DIYLC

by BANCIKA hope i got that right
here's a link
https://code.google.com/p/diy-layout-creator/

and the thread for this
http://www.diystompboxes.com/smfforum/index.php?topic=44838.0

[smallbearelec]

lots of them seem overly complicated for designing simple stompbox schematics and PCBs.

True. These industrial-strength packages necessarily contain a ton of features that hobbyists don't require. So, for us, part of their learning curve consists of teasing out the relatively few features we need from the menus.

If you Never expect to want a commercial fab to make a board for you, DIYLC is the way to go. I have the business need to be able to create Gerber output, so long-ago went through learning to use EAGLE.

[defaced]

For your goals, I'd really consider looking at Fitzing.  http://fritzing.org/
In addition to doing hobbyist level stuff, this program can also output Gerber files for professional PCB production.  It's on my "to try" list after I spend some quality time with learning KiCAD (I'm already very proficient with Eagle, but I'm working on trying to transition to as much open source software as possible). 

[davent]

If you're only going to self produce boards, ExpressPCB is simple, intuitive, easy to learn, links the schematic to the pcb layout so common nodes are highlighted and is free. Loads of free libraries of custom components to be had.

If you need gerbers (files), as others have pointed out, Eagle would appear to be the program of choice.

dave

[moosapotamus]

I'll echo everyone's recommendation of ExpressPCB, but only if you do not need gerber files for manufacturing.

If you do need gerber files, I recommend Sprint Layout. The learning curve was about the same as ExpressPCB. It's not free but, for ease of use plus gerber output, it's well worth the small price. Eagle and DipTrace might be free, but they are both way too tedious.

~ Charlie

[joel_ostrom]

For your goals, I'd really consider looking at Fitzing.  http://fritzing.org/
In addition to doing hobbyist level stuff, this program can also output Gerber files for professional PCB production.  It's on my "to try" list after I spend some quality time with learning KiCAD (I'm already very proficient with Eagle, but I'm working on trying to transition to as much open source software as possible). 

I'd never heard of Fritzing, so I checked out the youtube video that gives a brief introduction on it. This program looks amazing! Exactly what I was looking for. Thanks so much for the suggestion!!

[KMG]

I'm using KiCad for several years.
Benefits - free of charge, multiplatform, a lot of tutorials on youtube.
Export of gerber & drill files for production.
3D viewer, Gerber viewer utility for for production files checking.

[drolo]

For your goals, I'd really consider looking at Fitzing.  http://fritzing.org/

OMG !!!!!! just downloaded this software and it looks amazing (-ly easy) !!!
I have been working with a bunch of different tools (tinycad for schematics, DIYLC for perf, Sprint layout for PCB's)
But none of them were as convenient as this one seems to be.

just did a little try (am at work ... :-/) and it keeps the same connections between breadboard, Schematic, and PCB. I know this existed already for some products, like eagle to some extent but this really looks promising.

Big thank you for probably making my life a lot easier :-)

[seedlings]

Eagle

DIYLC

DIYLC is the way to go. I have the business need to be able to create Gerber output, so long-ago went through learning to use EAGLE.

Fitzing

ExpressPCB

ExpressPCB

KiCad

Headache.
I need start using some software too.  I'm terrible at putting all the components in the box.

Defaced, if you don't mind, would you update this post after you've successfully created a PCB layout or two?

-CHAD

[Valoosj]

Diptrace does it for me. I created my own library (which was easy) and have been using it for a year now. Very easy to use, no learning curves and all the features you could need for DIY-pedals.

[defaced]

Eagle

DIYLC

DIYLC is the way to go. I have the business need to be able to create Gerber output, so long-ago went through learning to use EAGLE.

Fitzing

ExpressPCB

ExpressPCB

KiCad

Headache.
I need start using some software too.  I'm terrible at putting all the components in the box.

Defaced, if you don't mind, would you update this post after you've successfully created a PCB layout or two?

-CHAD

Engineering software is like guitars.  They might do the same thing, but they all have their quirks that one might prefer more than another.  Try them all and see which ones make sense to you.  In other words, they all suck to learn, but eventually get good at one of them, then it'll be really annoying to have to learn a different one.  

I'm going to guess you really wanted to talk to Drolo, but in case you're not, I've made probably 30+ layouts with Eagle since I started using it in 2009.  I'm currently evaluating KiCAD to see if I can use it to replace Eagle without too much headache, and I'll probably learn Fitzing so I can have schematic/perf board integration.  So, when would you like me to update, and if so, with what info?

[seedlings]

Eagle

DIYLC

DIYLC is the way to go. I have the business need to be able to create Gerber output, so long-ago went through learning to use EAGLE.

Fitzing

ExpressPCB

ExpressPCB

KiCad

Headache.
I need start using some software too.  I'm terrible at putting all the components in the box.

Defaced, if you don't mind, would you update this post after you've successfully created a PCB layout or two?

-CHAD

Engineering software is like guitars.  They might do the same thing, but they all have their quirks that one might prefer more than another.  Try them all and see which ones make sense to you.  In other words, they all suck to learn, but eventually get good at one of them, then it'll be really annoying to have to learn a different one.  

I'm going to guess you really wanted to talk to Drolo, but in case you're not, I've made probably 30+ layouts with Eagle since I started using it in 2009.  I'm currently evaluating KiCAD to see if I can use it to replace Eagle without too much headache, and I'll probably learn Fitzing so I can have schematic/perf board integration.  So, when would you like me to update, and if so, with what info?

I misread.  I thought the OP was the one who looked at Fitzing and liked it, so I hoped a newB would look over a software, figure it out, print out a couple of PCB circuits and respond back.  I downloaded DIYLC earlier, and it's intuitive enough for me to draw circuits.  I need to watch/read some how-to instructions to find out how to spit the cute picture out to make a PCB. 

Much respect for all of you who found the way, trod the grass down to a dirt path, then hired a contractor to pave it so that people like me might follow.

CHAD

[joel_ostrom]

I misread.  I thought the OP was the one who looked at Fritzing and liked it...

I was 

[DDD]

Best PCB soft is SPRiNT LAYOUT 6.0
Easy +++++
Interface +++++
Other features +++++
*** Free (officially free!)

[seedlings]

I misread.  I thought the OP was the one who looked at Fritzing and liked it...

I was 

...And somehow I still got your names mixed up... 

What do you think?  The Fritzing site has been down whenever I try to go there.

CHAD

[J0K3RX]

Best PCB soft is SPRiNT LAYOUT 6.0
Easy +++++
Interface +++++
Other features +++++
*** Free (officially free!)

Agreed! it is the best and easiest to learn, can learn in minutes... But Free? Where did you get yours?

[posmaster]

I misread.  I thought the OP was the one who looked at Fritzing and liked it...

I was 

...And somehow I still got your names mixed up... 

What do you think?  The Fritzing site has been down whenever I try to go there.

CHAD

Try here
http://sourceforge.net/projects/fritzing.mirror/files/

[KMG]

Best PCB soft is SPRiNT LAYOUT 6.0
Easy +++++
Interface +++++
Other features +++++

Agreed! it is the best and easiest to learn, can learn in minutes... But Free? Where did you get yours?

After routing, you have to spent time for checking layout against schematic manually. Any normal CAD does it automatically according to netlist imported from schematic.

*** Free (officially free!)

Official price http://www.abacom-online.de/uk/html/sprint-layout.html
39,90 €