The best PCB design software takes you from schematic to a board you can manufacture, with good parts libraries, design rule checks and clean export files. Choose by your experience, your computer and whether you're building hobby projects or commercial products. Ten tools follow in no particular order, plus what happens after the board is designed.
Designing your own circuit board used to need specialist software and a lot of training. Today you can go from idea to a board in your hands with free tools and an online manufacturer, which has opened electronics up to hobbyists, students and small businesses.
The ten tools below are listed alphabetically and in no particular order, from free open source suites and browser-based editors to professional design packages. Each description comes from the maker's own website, re-checked this week. For more practical tool guides, browse my research and free tools or my blog.
PCB design software compared
In the free plan column, Yes means the maker's own site describes free use or a free start, Trial only means a time-limited trial and No means neither is stated on the pages we read.
| Tool | Type | Good for | Free plan |
|---|---|---|---|
| Altium Designer | Professional suite | Professional engineering teams | No |
| CircuitMaker | Free community tool | Hobby boards on pro tech | Yes |
| DipTrace | Desktop suite | Fast routing and libraries | No |
| EasyEDA | Browser-based EDA | Designing in a browser | Yes |
| Flux | AI-assisted design | AI help with designs | Yes |
| Fritzing | Beginner tool | Breadboard-style beginners | No |
| Horizon EDA | Open source EDA | A modern open source option | Yes |
| KiCad | Open source suite | Serious free designs | Yes |
| LibrePCB | Open source EDA | An easy learning curve | Yes |
| OrCAD X | Professional suite | Enterprise workflows | Trial only |
Ten PCB design tools
Altium Designer
Best for: Engineering teams who need professional PCB tools, libraries and collaboration features for commercial products.
CircuitMaker
Best for: Hobbyists and makers who want a free design tool built on professional design technology from a big name.
DipTrace
Best for: Small firms who want a desktop suite with large component libraries and ready-to-go templates.
EasyEDA
Best for: Makers who want to design in a browser and send boards straight to manufacture.
Flux
Best for: Engineers curious about AI suggestions while laying out boards in a browser, free to start.
Fritzing
Best for: Beginners and teachers who want an approachable open source hardware tool that makes electronics accessible.
Horizon EDA
Best for: Linux and Windows users who want a modern, free and open source design package built on a fresh codebase.
KiCad
Best for: Anyone who wants a full-featured, free design suite used for everything from hobby to professional boards.
LibrePCB
Best for: Students and first-timers who want a free tool designed to be easy to pick up.
OrCAD X
Best for: Companies already working with Cadence tools who need professional PCB design software for their teams.
The step after the design
If you plan to sell a device, the board is only part of the work. The FCC says it has two different approval procedures for equipment authorization, Certification and Supplier's Declaration of Conformity, and the required procedure depends on the type of equipment.
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What that means for you: allow time for authorization before launching a product in the US. Good layout helps a design pass, but no design software can certify your device; that's a separate step with its own rules.
Free suite, browser tool or professional package?
Free open source suites are powerful enough for serious projects and run on your own computer. Browser-based tools let you design anywhere and often connect straight to parts suppliers and manufacturers. Beginner tools show circuits visually and suit teaching. Professional packages add collaboration, advanced simulation and support for complex commercial boards.
Most hobbyists and many small businesses never need more than a free suite. Libraries matter as much as features. A tool with a big, well-checked parts library saves hours of drawing footprints by hand, and it reduces the chance of a board arriving with a part that doesn't fit. Before you commit, check that the parts you use most are already in the library or easy to import from a supplier. It's also worth seeing how active each tool's community is, because forums and shared libraries are where you'll find answers when you're stuck.
From schematic to manufactured board
- Draw the schematic and assign parts with real footprints.
- Run electrical rule checks on the schematic.
- Place components on the board, thinking about signal paths.
- Route traces and add a ground plane where it helps.
- Run design rule checks against your manufacturer's limits.
- Export Gerber files and check them in a viewer before ordering.
Mistakes that lead to a board revision
- Wrong footprints. Check every part against its datasheet.
- Ignoring manufacturer limits. Use their trace and spacing rules.
- No test points. You'll want them when debugging.
- Skipping the Gerber check. Always view the files before ordering.
Working with a manufacturer
Most hobby boards are made by online manufacturers that accept Gerber files and ship within days. Download their design rules into your software before you start routing, check which board thicknesses and finishes they offer and order a small batch first. Learning how your manufacturer works saves money and avoids boards that can't be made.
Do you make PCB design software? Tool makers can ask to be considered for a featured place on this list.
My plain advice on choosing PCB design software
Start with a free, well-supported suite and learn it well through one complete project, from schematic to a manufactured board. The skills transfer, and you'll know exactly what you need if you ever outgrow it.
If you design commercial products, think beyond the software: parts sourcing, manufacturer rules and authorization all take time. Choose a tool your team can share and support, and build those later steps into your plans from day one.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best PCB design software?
A free, well-supported suite suits most hobbyists and small teams; professional packages suit complex commercial work.
Is there free PCB design software?
Yes. Several tools here are free or open source, and some browser tools are free to start.
What is a Gerber file?
The standard file format manufacturers use to make a circuit board from your design.
Can I design a PCB in a browser?
Yes. Some tools run entirely in a web browser and connect to manufacturers.
Do I need FCC approval for my device?
The FCC has two authorization procedures, Certification and Supplier's Declaration of Conformity, depending on the equipment.
Which PCB software is easiest for beginners?
Tools designed to be easy to pick up, or ones that show circuits visually, are the gentlest start.
