DesignSpark PCB 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.

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

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.

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.

Sign up for our Creator or Engineer paid subscription plan

Compare all our plans

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

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.

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.

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

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

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