DesignSpark PCB Design Software

Boost innovation, establish an effective printed circuit board (PCB) design flow, and explore additional options with our DesignSpark PCB software. At the core of this unique program is a powerful engine that allows you to capture schematics and design PCB boards and layouts.

What are the key features?

SnapEDA.com integration* :

Available in: Creator and Engineer plans.

Our partnership with SnapEDA.com gives you free access to millions of CAD models for electronic components. Easily search for schematic symbols and PCB footprints by keyword or manufacturers part numbers. Preview, download, and insert the model into your PCB projects.

*A SnapEDA.com account is required for this integration.

Blind and buried vias:

Available in: Engineer plan.

Blind and buried vias are used to connect PCB layers where space is limited (high density PCB design) and are applied from the layer spans setting in the Design Technology dialog

Differential Pairs:

Available in: Engineer plan.

Differential pairs carry two complimentary signals of the same magnitude but opposite polarity. The received signal is amplified and commonly used in high quality audio-video (A/V) applications.

In DSPCB, you can define a differential pair using Net Class settings and change their Gap and Skew length.

Design Rule Checks (DRC):

Available in: Explorer, Creator and Engineer plans.

Ensure your design rules are matched and mitigate any costly manufacturing errors using DRC.

Bill of Materials (BoM) composer:

Available in: Creator and Engineer plans.

The BoM Composer helps simplify the task of producing the Bill of Materials ("BoM") as part of your production documentation. You can customise the BoM template to meet your needs and see changes in real time.

Output to DesignSpark Mechanical software:

Available in: Explorer, Creator and Engineer plans.

Export your PCB as a 3D model in the IDF format, which also features the component height values. After importing the IDF to DSM, you can build an enclosure for your PCB with knowledge of the maximum height of your components.

Instant BoM quote with RS:

Available in: Explorer, Creator and Engineer plans.

The BOM Quote will display the bill of materials for your current design or project including local price and availability from the latest online information.

The BoM can be loaded into your RS product basket on your local RS website, which you can then review, make substitutions on any out of stock or discontinued products, and checkout.

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Compare Our Plans

EXPLORER

CREATOR

ENGINEER

Free 7-day trial

Free

No hidden feees

/ mo

billed yearly

/ mo

billed yearly

Subscribe to EXPLORER

Subscribe to CREATOR

Subscribe to ENGINEER

DesignSpark PCB

Unlimited schematic sheets and PCB layer count
Export to mechanical design software and Spice simulators
Manufacturing plots (Gerber, Excellon, drill, etc.) and reports (BoM, generic netlist, etc. )
Design rules checker and editor
Plotting - Pre plot checks New
Library - Component name ranges New
Bill of Materials composer
Save Copy As New
Library - Export/Import components New
Measure - Dual Units New
Units - Angular precision increased New
Integrated SnapEDA CAD library
Advanced DRC checks (undrilled pads, Via to SMD pad distance, etc.)
Blind and buried vias
Heirarchical schematic designs
Variant manager, TestLands and mechanical dimensions
Library Manager - Save Project Libraries New
Component Bin - Selection and ordering options New
Design Rules Checks - Additional checks New
Differential pairs and buses (define, edit, trunk routing, etc.)
Copper coverage report
IPC-2581 Output

DesignSpark Mechanical

Unlimited projects and design size
Pull, blend, fill and combine tools for complex shapes and geometry manipulation
Generate Bill of Materials and get quotes
Import PCBs in the IDF format
Measure and quality tools (check mass properties, draft angles, curvature, deviation, etc.)
Equation and constraint-based sketching tools
Reverse engineer solid model from 3D scanned mesh (eg. STL)
3D Mirror tool
Detailing options for drawing sheets (full GD&T and support for JIS, ISO, ANSI industry standards)
Cosmetic threads
Import/Export STEP, IGES, AutoCAD DWG and DXF formats
Edit 3D objects from Drawing sheet views

Design and Product Resources

PCB Footprints And Schematics
Reference Designs
3D Product Models
Product Datasheet
RoHS and Reach Compliance Status (Y/N)
3D Model and Footprint
Lifecycle Risk
Environmental Risk
RoHS and Reach Compliance Information
DRC Status
Technical Attributes
Predictive Lifecycle Data
Alternative Products
Export Compliance - HTC, ECCN, and Schedule B
Product Change and End of Life Notifications

DesignSpark Circuit Simulator

Simulator Time Limit	1 min	60 min	60 min
Design, modeling, Simulator, and analysis environment for electronic and mechatronic circuits and systems.
Analog, digital, mixed-signal and multi-domain systems including electro-mechanical and electro-thermal.
User access to Partner provided SPICE and VHDL-AMS models. Users can create and import Simulator models.
Unlimited public designs
Closed Groups for Collaboration
Private Groups for Collaboration (DesignSpark invite-only)

Training & support

Public discussion forum
Learning materials	tutorials, videos, and FAQs	+ advanced tips and tricks	+ advanced tips and tricks

Compare Our Plans

Free 7-day trial

Free

No hidden feees

/ mo

billed yearly

/ mo

billed yearly

Subscribe to EXPLORER

Subscribe to CREATOR

Subscribe to ENGINEER

DesignSpark PCB

	Unlimited schematic sheets and PCB layer count
	Export to mechanical design software and Spice simulators
	Manufacturing plots (Gerber, Excellon, drill, etc.) and reports (BoM, generic netlist, etc. )
	Design rules checker and editor
	Plotting - Pre plot checks New
	Library - Component name ranges New

	Unlimited schematic sheets and PCB layer count
	Export to mechanical design software and Spice simulators
	Manufacturing plots (Gerber, Excellon, drill, etc.) and reports (BoM, generic netlist, etc. )
	Design rules checker and editor
	Plotting - Pre plot checks New
	Library - Component name ranges New
	Bill of Materials composer
	Save Copy As New
	Library - Export/Import components New
	Measure - Dual Units New
	Units - Angular precision increased New
	Integrated SnapEDA CAD library
	Advanced DRC checks (undrilled pads, Via to SMD pad distance, etc.)

	Unlimited schematic sheets and PCB layer count
	Export to mechanical design software and Spice simulators
	Manufacturing plots (Gerber, Excellon, drill, etc.) and reports (BoM, generic netlist, etc. )
	Design rules checker and editor
	Plotting - Pre plot checks New
	Library - Component name ranges New
	Bill of Materials composer
	Save Copy As New
	Library - Export/Import components New
	Measure - Dual Units New
	Units - Angular precision increased New
	Integrated SnapEDA CAD library
	Advanced DRC checks (undrilled pads, Via to SMD pad distance, etc.)
	Blind and buried vias
	Heirarchical schematic designs
	Variant manager, TestLands and mechanical dimensions
	Library Manager - Save Project Libraries New
	Component Bin - Selection and ordering options New
	Design Rules Checks - Additional checks New
	Differential pairs and buses (define, edit, trunk routing, etc.)
	Copper coverage report
	IPC-2581 Output

DesignSpark Mechanical

	Unlimited projects and design size
	Pull, blend, fill and combine tools for complex shapes and geometry manipulation
	Generate Bill of Materials and get quotes
	Import PCBs in the IDF format
	Measure and quality tools (check mass properties, draft angles, curvature, deviation, etc.)
	Equation and constraint-based sketching tools

	Unlimited projects and design size
	Pull, blend, fill and combine tools for complex shapes and geometry manipulation
	Generate Bill of Materials and get quotes
	Import PCBs in the IDF format
	Measure and quality tools (check mass properties, draft angles, curvature, deviation, etc.)
	Equation and constraint-based sketching tools
	Reverse engineer solid model from 3D scanned mesh (eg. STL)
	3D Mirror tool
	Detailing options for drawing sheets (full GD&T and support for JIS, ISO, ANSI industry standards)
	Cosmetic threads
	Import/Export STEP, IGES, AutoCAD DWG and DXF formats
	Edit 3D objects from Drawing sheet views

	Unlimited projects and design size
	Pull, blend, fill and combine tools for complex shapes and geometry manipulation
	Generate Bill of Materials and get quotes
	Import PCBs in the IDF format
	Measure and quality tools (check mass properties, draft angles, curvature, deviation, etc.)
	Equation and constraint-based sketching tools
	Reverse engineer solid model from 3D scanned mesh (eg. STL)
	3D Mirror tool
	Detailing options for drawing sheets (full GD&T and support for JIS, ISO, ANSI industry standards)
	Cosmetic threads
	Import/Export STEP, IGES, AutoCAD DWG and DXF formats
	Edit 3D objects from Drawing sheet views

Design and Product Resources

	PCB Footprints And Schematics
	Reference Designs
	3D Product Models
	Product Datasheet
	RoHS and Reach Compliance Status (Y/N)
	3D Model and Footprint

	PCB Footprints And Schematics
	Reference Designs
	3D Product Models
	Product Datasheet
	RoHS and Reach Compliance Status (Y/N)
	3D Model and Footprint
	Lifecycle Risk
	Environmental Risk
	RoHS and Reach Compliance Information
	DRC Status

	PCB Footprints And Schematics
	Reference Designs
	3D Product Models
	Product Datasheet
	RoHS and Reach Compliance Status (Y/N)
	3D Model and Footprint
	Lifecycle Risk
	Environmental Risk
	RoHS and Reach Compliance Information
	DRC Status
	Technical Attributes
	Predictive Lifecycle Data
	Alternative Products
	Export Compliance - HTC, ECCN, and Schedule B
	Product Change and End of Life Notifications

DesignSpark Circuit Simulator

	Design, modeling, Simulator, and analysis environment for electronic and mechatronic circuits and systems.
	Analog, digital, mixed-signal and multi-domain systems including electro-mechanical and electro-thermal.
	User access to Partner provided SPICE and VHDL-AMS models. Users can create and import Simulator models.
	Unlimited public designs
	Closed Groups for Collaboration

	Design, modeling, Simulator, and analysis environment for electronic and mechatronic circuits and systems.
	Analog, digital, mixed-signal and multi-domain systems including electro-mechanical and electro-thermal.
	User access to Partner provided SPICE and VHDL-AMS models. Users can create and import Simulator models.
	Unlimited public designs
	Closed Groups for Collaboration

	Design, modeling, Simulator, and analysis environment for electronic and mechatronic circuits and systems.
	Analog, digital, mixed-signal and multi-domain systems including electro-mechanical and electro-thermal.
	User access to Partner provided SPICE and VHDL-AMS models. Users can create and import Simulator models.
	Unlimited public designs
	Closed Groups for Collaboration
	Private Groups for Collaboration (DesignSpark invite-only)

Training & support

	Public discussion forum
	Learning materials tutorials, videos, and FAQs

	Public discussion forum
	Learning materials + advanced tips and tricks

	Public discussion forum
	Learning materials + advanced tips and tricks

Frequently asked questions

What is PCB design software?

PCB design software allows you to create printed circuit boards (PCB) via a computer-aided design (CAD) package. Via a PCB designer, you can take control of every part of the PCB design process, from converting schematics to physical layouts through to efficiently routing the PCB.

With an online PCB design tool like DesignSpark PCB software, you'll get all the essential features you need to complete error-free PCB designs, as well access to a huge online database featuring millions of PCB symbols and footprints to help you get started. There's no limit to the schematic possibilities or the number of circuit board layers you can add. And you can also take advantage of commercially focused features like a bill of materials (BOM) composer to get an instant and complete inventory of your material requirements and costs for any given PCB project.

DesignSpark PCB Explorer is a free to use PCB maker built for both personal and commercial use. If you're looking for advanced features, you can upgrade to one of our paid plans DesignSpark PCB Creative or DesignSpark PCB Engineer.

Which industries use PCB design software?

PCB design software is a versatile tool utilised in various industries due to its wide range of applications, for example

How to design a PCB board

Our circuit board design software makes light work of the complexities of the PCB creation process. From schematic development to putting the final touches on your finished product, DesignSpark PCB is a design tool that can boost your innovation and optimise your PCB design flow every step of the way.

Looking to design a PCB for the first time? Here's the process DesignSpark PCB will walk you through.

Getting to grips with electrical parameters

Before starting on the design, you'll need an understanding of the electrical parameters of your system. DesignSpark PCB software can help you understand the electrical constraints of your design, including:

Current maximums
Voltages
Signal types
Capacitance limitations
Impedance characteristics
Shielding considerations
Circuit component and connector types and locations

Developing your schematic

The schematic of your PCB is the blueprint for the electrical design of your board which outlines how it will function. A PCB builder will show you how your schematic will operate and where your components can be fitted.

DesignSpark PCB's limitless schematic capture capabilities mean you can create anything from a simple, single sheet schematic through to a hierarchical system of hundreds of layers. You can create custom symbols and footprints for your PCB or take inspiration from our free to access library where you'll find millions of pre-made schematic design elements.

Creating your PCB layout

Once you have your schematic and PCB stack up in place, you can use your PCB builder to establish your physical PCB layout. With PCB design software, you can get a clear visualisation of your PCB prototype. This allows you to better understand where to fit components within the constraints of the board and your layout guidelines, where to insert drill holes, and complete the PCB routing process.

The result is a ready-to-manufacture PCB design. You can also use DesignSpark PCB to get a full BOM and fabrication write-up to get an understanding of your requirements and costs for production.

Verify and share your PCB design

DesignSpark PCB supports LTspice simulator to ensure your PCB prototype has gone through the relevant behavioural simulations and is error free and functional. Get a clear 3D view of your finished product, which you can share with a mechanical engineer to verify its physical fit in your chosen project.

Why choose DesignSpark PCB software?

Go from concept sketch to prototype, and further

Choose DesignSpark PCB for all your circuit board design needs and get access to the essential tools needed to create a full, error-free PCB design while saving time and money. DesignSpark PCB is built for personal or commercial use, helping to make the complexities of PCB building simple and streamlining your production process.

Start your prototyping journey with our free PCB design software, Login/ Register to download , and upgrade anytime to our Creator or Engineer paid subscription plans for advanced features.

Compare our subscriptions here

Top 5 reasons to use DesignSpark PCB

There are many reasons to try DesignSpark PCB, but here are our top 5:

Easy to use: DesignSpark PCB software is a CAD tool that features all the essentials you need to complete any PCB design. Even if you're not a PCB or CAD expert, you'll be able to get a grip on PCB development with our PCB maker.
Free to use: DesignSpark PCB Explorer will always be free to use whether you're working on a personal project or using it for commercial PCB development. Download our Explorer package today to get started with no hidden fees. Plus, you can always upgrade to paid advanced features from our Creator and Explorer plans if you need them.
Limitless design: there's no limit to the number of schematics you can create or layers you can add to your PCB design with the DesignSpark PCB It's built to provide everything you need on the simplest of PCB builds through to complicated hierarchical systems.
Instant BOM and PCB fabrication services: get a full understanding of our material, component, assembly, and tolerance requirements as well as a detailed breakdown of costs for PCB production with our BOM composer.
Take advantage of a massive library: DesignSpark PCB software comes with fast and free access to millions of free symbols and footprints online, in case you ever need help with building your perfect PCB blueprint.

Look at our video to find out more.

No limitation on your schematic size

Printed circuit board designs come in different shapes and sizes, serving a variety of purposes and technologies. Whatever the size of your board, DesignSpark PCB allows you to work freely when creating your schematic – there is no limitation on size or number of schematic sheets.

This flexibility allows you to use the DesignSpark PCB software for projects of any size – without the need to pay extra fees.

No limitation on your PCB design

Some PCB boards require the use of up to 50 layers, but not all PCB design software allows that. DesignSpark gives you the freedom to use as many layers as you need.

Not only that, but there are no limits on the maximum number of nodes or pads, and no restriction on the number of connections. The maximum PCB size is 1m X 1m. You can always start from a reference PCB design to save time.

Create your own libraries or use ours

Build your parts’ symbols and footprints to industry standards with the help of our ready-to-use embedded libraries. Alternatively, create your own custom part models to your own specifications in the library editor.

You can also take advantage of our easy-to-use online tools to obtain models of the parts you need free of charge – no matter what plan you go for.

Output the files you want

DesignSpark PCB enables you to prepare unrestricted fabrication files, whether Gerber, IPC, or ODB++, to order PCBs from your favourite manufacturer. Or, let our Mint Tek PCB Quote service help you to order prototype PCBs. This feature is also available from within our PCB design software.

Create BOMs in the format you want

Prepare a bill of materials (BOM) for your PCB design that includes all the parts, items, assemblies, and other resources you need in the format you prefer. Then order the parts whenever convenient.

You can do so using the built-in BOM Quote functionality available through our circuit design software. Simply upload your BOM to the RS Components website using the BOM Quote service and let us find the parts for you.

Export to SPICE simulation software

DesignSpark PCB's Schematic Capture environment supports LTspice simulator, making it easy to conduct circuit simulations and verify your PCB prototype's functionality. It allows you to export your work easily and quickly to SPICE Simulation, outputting different netlist formats, including LTspice, IsSpice, B2 Spice, and TINA.

Looking for advanced features?

Then look at our paid plans. Our top tier Engineer package brings in hierarchical schematic designs, differential pairs, and buses and other professional standard elements. Both plans are available via affordable monthly subscription.

Compare all our plans

How to get DesignSpark PCB for free

It's easy to get started for free with DesignSpark PCB design software. You can download our Explorer package right now at no charge, with no hidden fees round the corner.

Download DesignSpark PCB Explorer for free

Get started with DesignSpark PCB software today

Want to know more about what DesignSpark PCB has to offer? You can learn the basics of DesignSpark PCB here, or take a look at our support FAQs and PCB forum to get all the answers you need.

Can I pause my subscription?

We have made our subscriptions as flexible as possible, this includes offering the ability to pause your subscription at any time and select the length of time (1, 2 or 3 months) that you would like to pause for.

What if I want to upgrade in the future?

Upgrading is really simple, and can be done at any time via the My subscription tab in your account area.

Can I cancel my Free trial at anytime?

At any time within your free trial, you can cancel your subscription and revert to the Free Explorer membership tier

What else will I get with my subscription?

We have a complete list of the features across our software, community web platform and design resources are available here

Download PCB Software

DesignSpark PCB features vary depending on which subscription you are on. Register for a free DesignSpark account to explore our entry level software or upgrade to a Creator or Engineer to unlock more features and release your imagination

Download Software

DesignSpark PCB Design Software

Boost innovation, establish an effective printed circuit board (PCB) design flow, and explore additional options with our DesignSpark PCB software. At the core of this unique program is a powerful engine that allows you to capture schematics and design PCB boards and layouts.

What are the key features?

SnapEDA.com integration* :

Blind and buried vias:

Differential Pairs:

Design Rule Checks (DRC):

Bill of Materials (BoM) composer:

Output to DesignSpark Mechanical software:

Instant BoM quote with RS:

Discover team solutions! Request a quote for multiple users

Compare Our Plans

EXPLORER

CREATOR

ENGINEER

Compare Our Plans

Frequently asked questions

Getting to grips with electrical parameters

Creating your PCB layout

Verify and share your PCB design

Go from concept sketch to prototype, and further

Top 5 reasons to use DesignSpark PCB

No limitation on your schematic size

No limitation on your PCB design

Create your own libraries or use ours

Output the files you want

Create BOMs in the format you want

Export to SPICE simulation software

Looking for advanced features?

Download PCB Software

Subscriptions Pricing Page

Learn DesignSpark PCB

DesignSpark PCB Forum

DesignSpark PCB Software Support FAQs

DesignSpark PCB Software Articles