DIY Layout Creator - software for easy drawing PCB, vero and perfboard layouts

[earthtonesaudio]

Hey guys, sorry if this has been asked before but I can't figure out how to render a PNP image. I'm using 2.0.1 beta on a MacBook Pro. On the old windows version there was a render PNP option but now I can only export the image with components and text on. I'm I missing something obvious?

Thanks,
Ian

Here's what I do:

Draw the layout complete with copper traces and components. 
Use the "lock layers" function to lock either the pads/traces or components. 
Drag the components off, or the pads out from under, or copy-paste the pads/traces and move them to another location.  Basically you just want to get the copper traces separate from the rest of the layout or schematic.
Then, with the "blank board" tool, make a box around the pads and traces. 
The box is green by default, so change its color to white. 
Then you can export the image, crop so that just the box with the copper traces image is visible, resize (if necessary) and print.

[svstee]

This is a great program!
Is it possible to have multiple boards in the same layout? I couldn't find anything on that.

[bassmasta17]

Hi,
I'm thinking about making piece of software for speeding up drawing perfboard and vero layouts. It would have library with components and user would drag&drop them over board. Also, it would have it's own format and ability to save to gif/jpg.
And of course, it would be freeware
Would this be useful, should I waste my time on this?
Thanks,
Branislav

where would we be with out that???

[DavidRavenMoon]

I just downloaded this program... seems very cool.  I downloaded the java version as I'm on a Mac.  However I can't open any of the layouts I downloaded.  The Mac adds a .txt ending to the files, so I remove that and leave them with the .diy ending, but the software tells me they are an unrecognized file format.  I notice when opening them in a test editor that they are formatted differently from the ones I create.

The answer might be in this very long thread somewhere, but I haven't read much of it.

[~arph]

The Java version is not compatile with the old .diy file format.

[bancika]

there is a converter though, but I'm not sure where it is...

[DavidRavenMoon]

Ok, I figured it was something like that.  I'll have to look for the converter.

Thanks!

[lazerphea]

Thanks a lot for this great software, Bancika! It is very useful and user-friendly!

[~arph]

Yes,

I've coded that converter... Have to look for it though. has been a long time. I'm just  too busy lately

[rnfr]

if you find the converter, can you post a link?

[cloudscapes]

I've started using this a little this week for the first time in over a year, and last time I was only doing stripboards, not PCBs.

one feature I think would be nice is the ability to load a background image to the grid as a guide. especially useful if you're using many PCB-mounted pots that sort of follow a design. or LEDs or anything else that's PCB mount that has to do with the look.

I've also found a bug. undoing will revert the page dimensiosn to the default.

[irnmadn88]

I just downloaded the program and only fiddled with it briefly...

My hope is to take the DOD FX 90 REV A schematic that is available here: http://www.schematicheaven.com/effects/dodfx90_delay.pdf and take my REV H pedal and make a comparison schematic as part of the learning curve...

First question, please forgive the NOOB nature...

When drawing the circuit on the PCB, is there a way to flip the image? I ask because the strip side is obviously opposite the component side, and my first thought is that I would render the strip side in the program then place the components on the board... but I forsee having to do it in mirror form?

I have already listed what components are present on the REV A schematic on a separate paper, and will try and do the same for the REV H...

[Barcode80]

I just downloaded the program and only fiddled with it briefly...

My hope is to take the DOD FX 90 REV A schematic that is available here: http://www.schematicheaven.com/effects/dodfx90_delay.pdf and take my REV H pedal and make a comparison schematic as part of the learning curve...

First question, please forgive the NOOB nature...

When drawing the circuit on the PCB, is there a way to flip the image? I ask because the strip side is obviously opposite the component side, and my first thought is that I would render the strip side in the program then place the components on the board... but I forsee having to do it in mirror form?

I have already listed what components are present on the REV A schematic on a separate paper, and will try and do the same for the REV H...

you wouldn't render in mirror. since you are viewing the pcb from the top in the program, you are actually looking at the reverse image already.

[irnmadn88]

Thanks... it make sense now that I have started rendering with the program.

Trying to get the strip side "graphed" is very time consuming...

[scratch]

anybody find that converter yet? to allow the V1 layouts to be opened in the beta version ...

[Captainobvious99]

73 pages 

Can we get a link to the program DL on the first page or OP ?

[scratch]

on any of Bancika's replies click on the "DIY Fever" banner at the bottom the reply to take you to his site ... You'll find the software and layouts there

[mth5044]

I don't think I can stomach going through 73 pages to find this answer, so I thought I'd venture out and ask 

Is there a way to make 'ground planes'? I found out how to enlarge the traces, but that would make it big on both sides, not doing what I want 

heh thanks 

[Barcode80]

I don't think I can stomach going through 73 pages to find this answer, so I thought I'd venture out and ask 

Is there a way to make 'ground planes'? I found out how to enlarge the traces, but that would make it big on both sides, not doing what I want 

heh thanks 

To do this, i usually outline the ground plane with normal small traces, then once i have rendered the image i open it in photoshop and fill in the plane.

[mth5044]

Good thinking! Thanks man