DesignSpark PCB - Version 12.0 Release Notes and Changelog

This release of DesignSpark PCB introduces new features and enhancements which are discussed in the following notes. To learn how to use individual features, please refer to tutorials on the learning area of the DesignSpark website.

Note that certain features discussed below are exclusive to our paid subscription plans; compare our plans here: https://www.rs-online.com/designspark/subscriptions-pricing-page 

The changelog below lists key fixes and minor enhancements in subsequent releases.

Changelog

Version 12.0.2 (Released June 18, 2025)

• Plotting - MOP file now being generated/saved correctly.
• Enhancements to Help documentation.
• Stability improvements.

Version 12.0.1 (Released March 31, 2025)

• Colours - Component colours by group name now colours components correctly.
• Dockable bars - Layers bar is now filled correctly in a PCB Symbol editor.
• Help contents - Export IDF and DS Mechanical dialogs now navigate to the correct context help page.
• Library contents - Importing ELT now works correctly.
• Library Tools - Import settings for ELT files are now considered.
• Measure - Measure tool now reports measurements correctly.
• Net Names - Altering a net name now updates all schematic pages in all subscription levels.
• PDF Plot - Drill holes are no longer filled black when plotting to PDF with "All Colours Black" device option enabled.
• Reports - Broken net due to unplated hole is now reported.
• Save - Save Project Libraries now considers "Include Project Folder" being enabled.
• Styles - Merging text styles now considers the styles used for symbol values.
• Technology - Correction made for wrong Technology folder paths in some installations.
• Update Components - Update Components now refreshes the design view. Component Search bar now clears previews when researching.
• Updates to file open warning messages for more clarity.

Version 12.0.0 (Released November 1, 2024)

• Enhanced as per update notes above
• Stability improvements
• Correction to the arc function for arcs of radius equal to half the segment length.
• (Creator) Fixed the Plots folder name unable to be changed.
• Correction to track styles not being saved correctly to the Design Technology in some instances.
• Dockable bars becoming floating after DSPCB is launched in some instances.
• SnapMagic/SnapEDA logo size corrected.
• DRC reporting Component-Board errors if the board has not been defined.
• Fixed - rare instances of copper pours not occurring on inner layers.
• Fixed - occcasional duplicate component references after a component rename followed by a Back Annotation.
• Various Help file descriptions corrected plus an update for V12.
• Wording and layout of some forms updated for clarity.