Skip to main content
shopping_basket Basket 0 Log in

Compare Our Plans

Explorer

Free Always. No hidden fees
  • Download and use our DesignSpark software for your PCB and 3D Mechanical designs
  • View and contribute website content and forums
  • Download 3D Models, Schematics and Footprints from more than a million products
Subscribe to Explorer

Creator

Free 7-day trial
per month
per year
  • All the features from our Explorer tier
  • Advanced features in our 3D DesignSpark Mechanical software
  • PCB software with integrated product search
Subscribe to Creator

Engineer

Free 7-day trial
per month
per year
  • All the features from our Explorer and Creator tiers
  • Professional PCB design functionality in our DesignSpark PCB software
  • Product data including YTEOL, PCN, EOL and environmental docs for a billion products
Subscribe to Engineer

Explorer

Creator

Engineer
Free 7-day trial Free 7-day trial
Free
Always. No hidden fees

per month

per year

per month

per year
Subscribe to Explorer Subscribe to Creator Subscribe to Engineer
DesignSpark PCB
Unlimited schematic size and PCB layer count check_circle check_circle check_circle
Export to mechanical design software and Spice simulators check_circle check_circle check_circle
Manufacturing plots (Gerber, Excellon, drill, etc.) and reports (BoM, generic netlist, etc. ) check_circle check_circle check_circle
Design rules checker and editor check_circle check_circle check_circle
Bill of Materials composer check_circle check_circle
Integrated SnapEDA CAD library check_circle check_circle
Advanced DRC checks (undrilled pads, Via to SMD pad distance, etc.) check_circle check_circle
Blind and buried vias check_circle
Heirarchical schematic designs check_circle
Variant manager, TestLands and mechanical dimensions check_circle
Differential pairs and buses (define, edit, trunk routing, etc.) check_circle
Copper coverage report check_circle
IPC-2581 Output check_circle
DesignSpark Mechanical
Unlimited projects and design size check_circle check_circle check_circle
Pull, blend, fill and combine tools for complex shapes and geometry manipulation check_circle check_circle check_circle
Generate Bill of Materials and get quotes check_circle check_circle check_circle
Import PCBs in the IDF format check_circle check_circle check_circle
Measure and quality tools (check mass properties, draft angles, curvature, deviation, etc.) check_circle check_circle check_circle
Equation and constraint-based sketching tools check_circle check_circle check_circle
Reverse engineer solid model from 3D scanned mesh (eg. STL) check_circle check_circle
3D Mirror tool check_circle check_circle
Detailing options for drawing sheets (full GD&T and support for JIS, ISO, ANSI industry standards) check_circle check_circle
Cosmetic threads check_circle check_circle
Import/Export STEP, IGES, AutoCAD DWG and DXF formats check_circle check_circle
Edit 3D objects from Drawing sheet views check_circle check_circle
Design services
2D and 3D CAD part libraries check_circle check_circle check_circle
Product Design Centre - parts intelligence check_circle

basic lifecycle and compliance data

 check_circle

+ enhanced lifecycle data and parts risk assessment

 check_circle

+ complete information for sustainable parts selection
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. check_circle check_circle check_circle
Analog, digital, mixed-signal and multi-domain systems including electro-mechanical and electro-thermal. check_circle check_circle check_circle
User access to Partner provided SPICE and VHDL-AMS models. Users can create and import Simulator models. check_circle check_circle check_circle
Unlimited public designs check_circle check_circle check_circle
Closed Groups for Collaboration check_circle check_circle check_circle
Private Groups for Collaboration (DesignSpark invite-only) check_circle
Training & support
Public discussion forum check_circle check_circle check_circle
Learning materials check_circle

tutorials, videos, and FAQs

 check_circle

+ advanced tips and tricks

 check_circle

+ advanced tips and tricks

Compare Our Plans

Free 7-day trial Free 7-day trial
Free
Always. No hidden fees

per month

per year

per month

per year
Subscribe to Explorer Subscribe to Creator Subscribe to Engineer
DesignSpark PCB
check_circle Unlimited schematic size and PCB layer count
check_circle Export to mechanical design software and Spice simulators
check_circle Manufacturing plots (Gerber, Excellon, drill, etc.) and reports (BoM, generic netlist, etc. )
check_circle Design rules checker and editor
check_circle Unlimited schematic size and PCB layer count
check_circle Export to mechanical design software and Spice simulators
check_circle Manufacturing plots (Gerber, Excellon, drill, etc.) and reports (BoM, generic netlist, etc. )
check_circle Design rules checker and editor
check_circle Bill of Materials composer
check_circle Integrated SnapEDA CAD library
check_circle Advanced DRC checks (undrilled pads, Via to SMD pad distance, etc.)
check_circle Unlimited schematic size and PCB layer count
check_circle Export to mechanical design software and Spice simulators
check_circle Manufacturing plots (Gerber, Excellon, drill, etc.) and reports (BoM, generic netlist, etc. )
check_circle Design rules checker and editor
check_circle Bill of Materials composer
check_circle Integrated SnapEDA CAD library
check_circle Advanced DRC checks (undrilled pads, Via to SMD pad distance, etc.)
check_circle Blind and buried vias
check_circle Heirarchical schematic designs
check_circle Variant manager, TestLands and mechanical dimensions
check_circle Differential pairs and buses (define, edit, trunk routing, etc.)
check_circle Copper coverage report
check_circle IPC-2581 Output
DesignSpark Mechanical
check_circle Unlimited projects and design size
check_circle Pull, blend, fill and combine tools for complex shapes and geometry manipulation
check_circle Generate Bill of Materials and get quotes
check_circle Import PCBs in the IDF format
check_circle Measure and quality tools (check mass properties, draft angles, curvature, deviation, etc.)
check_circle Equation and constraint-based sketching tools
check_circle Unlimited projects and design size
check_circle Pull, blend, fill and combine tools for complex shapes and geometry manipulation
check_circle Generate Bill of Materials and get quotes
check_circle Import PCBs in the IDF format
check_circle Measure and quality tools (check mass properties, draft angles, curvature, deviation, etc.)
check_circle Equation and constraint-based sketching tools
check_circle Reverse engineer solid model from 3D scanned mesh (eg. STL)
check_circle 3D Mirror tool
check_circle Detailing options for drawing sheets (full GD&T and support for JIS, ISO, ANSI industry standards)
check_circle Cosmetic threads
check_circle Import/Export STEP, IGES, AutoCAD DWG and DXF formats
check_circle Edit 3D objects from Drawing sheet views
check_circle Unlimited projects and design size
check_circle Pull, blend, fill and combine tools for complex shapes and geometry manipulation
check_circle Generate Bill of Materials and get quotes
check_circle Import PCBs in the IDF format
check_circle Measure and quality tools (check mass properties, draft angles, curvature, deviation, etc.)
check_circle Equation and constraint-based sketching tools
check_circle Reverse engineer solid model from 3D scanned mesh (eg. STL)
check_circle 3D Mirror tool
check_circle Detailing options for drawing sheets (full GD&T and support for JIS, ISO, ANSI industry standards)
check_circle Cosmetic threads
check_circle Import/Export STEP, IGES, AutoCAD DWG and DXF formats
check_circle Edit 3D objects from Drawing sheet views
Design services
check_circle 2D and 3D CAD part libraries
check_circle Product Design Centre - parts intelligence
check_circle 2D and 3D CAD part libraries
check_circle Product Design Centre - parts intelligence
check_circle 2D and 3D CAD part libraries
check_circle Product Design Centre - parts intelligence
DesignSpark Circuit Simulator
check_circle Design, modeling, Simulator, and analysis environment for electronic and mechatronic circuits and systems.
check_circle Analog, digital, mixed-signal and multi-domain systems including electro-mechanical and electro-thermal.
check_circle User access to Partner provided SPICE and VHDL-AMS models. Users can create and import Simulator models.
check_circle Unlimited public designs
check_circle Closed Groups for Collaboration
check_circle Design, modeling, Simulator, and analysis environment for electronic and mechatronic circuits and systems.
check_circle Analog, digital, mixed-signal and multi-domain systems including electro-mechanical and electro-thermal.
check_circle User access to Partner provided SPICE and VHDL-AMS models. Users can create and import Simulator models.
check_circle Unlimited public designs
check_circle Closed Groups for Collaboration
check_circle Design, modeling, Simulator, and analysis environment for electronic and mechatronic circuits and systems.
check_circle Analog, digital, mixed-signal and multi-domain systems including electro-mechanical and electro-thermal.
check_circle User access to Partner provided SPICE and VHDL-AMS models. Users can create and import Simulator models.
check_circle Unlimited public designs
check_circle Closed Groups for Collaboration
check_circle Private Groups for Collaboration (DesignSpark invite-only)
Training & support
check_circle Public discussion forum
check_circle Learning materials
check_circle Public discussion forum
check_circle Learning materials
check_circle Public discussion forum
check_circle Learning materials

Testimonials from DesignSpark members

  • It's really exciting to experience the feature rich PCB and Mechanical tools, and the brilliant resources, videos, tips and tricks that have been compiled will make developing, testing and deliverying projects a great deal easier. Also it's very cool and very affordable.

    Mark - testimonial 1
    Mark
    MarkLehane1

  • Creator pricing is good for Hobbyists that use DesignSpark often. Engineer pricing is great for small enterprises. When compared to the other commercial software packages available, DesignSpark is an excellent bargain!

    Francois - testimonial 4
    Francois
    Francois65

  • The new website looks good, cleaner and simpler than before, and leads to a better user experience. The pricing models are clear and gives the user the option to pay for a more advanced product, based on their need.

    Russell - testimonial 2
    Russell
    russman2k

  • DesignSpark is an excellent resource. The Explorer version gave me access to some great design tools. My upgrade to the Creator version will enhance my insight and productivity of CAD.

    Martin - testimonial 3
    Martin
    e2k

  • I have used DesignSpark Mechanical for years now for not only rapid prototyping but product layout design. The software keeps getting better and adding features. Now with access to video tutorials the software has never been easier to learn.

    Tim - testimonial 5
    Tim
    tmcdowell

Frequently Asked Questions

Is commercial use allowed on the DesignSpark subscription plans and is my design IP protected?

Yes, commercial use is allowed on the DesignSpark subscription plans. You will have full ownership (including Intellectual Property - IP) of any project you create with our software.

Design files from our primary CAD software (DesignSpark Mechanical and PCB) are saved locally on the device you have installed the software to. Therefore, only you can access your own design files.

How many copies of each software can I install with 1 DesignSpark subscription licence? Is concurrent use allowed?

This varies by subscription plan:

  • Explorer: Maximum of 1 copy of each software installed on any computer.
  • Creator: Maximum of 2 copies of each software installed on any computer.
  • Engineer: Maximum of 3 copies of each software installed on any computer.

At present, we don't allow concurrent use of the same software on multiple computers (using one DesignSpark account).

Can I install each DesignSpark software on different computers?

Yes, for example you can have DesignSpark Mechanical installed on PC-1 and DesignSpark PCB on PC-2. You will also need to login to the software with your DesignSpark account and activate it for use.

Do I need to renew my DesignSpark subscription?

All our DesignSpark subscriptions auto-renew monthly, and you can choose to cancel (before the next billing date) via the manage subscription option in your account area. Once cancelled, you will have access to the subscription content until the next billing date.

Is there a DesignSpark network licence available for business or educational site use?

No, but this may change in the future. Please look out for announcements via the DesignSpark newsletter and on social media.

Where can I get help on using DesignSpark software?

You can access our software forums for answers or post a new question. The DesignSpark staff and the user community are ready to help you on the forum.

You can also view the tutorials posted on our website for step by step guidance and our built-in software documentation

Can I use DesignSpark software offline?

Yes. Please note that if it has been more than 2 hours since you last closed the software and are re-opening it, you will need to be online for a licence check. After this licence check, you can work offline in the same session.

Will I get patches or updates to my DesignSpark software?

Yes, these will be issued by our developers as and when required.

Is DesignSpark software local desktop or cloud-based software?

Our Mechanical and PCB software are desktop-only with a local installation. There may be some cloud-based tools added to our subscription plans in the future and they would not require any installation (accessed through web browser).

How do I download and use DesignSpark software and services?

A new download page becomes available as soon as you start your subscription. The download links for each software will also be in your account area after logging into DesignSpark.com.

What are the system requirements of DesignSpark software?

These are the supported system specifications for our primary CAD software:

DesignSpark Mechanical

  • Operating system – Windows 11 (64-bit), Windows 10 (64-bit), Windows Server 2016 (64-bit) and Windows Server 2019 (64-bit). *Microsoft has officially ended support for Windows 7, so the software may still work on Windows 7 but you will likely encounter errors which cannot be patched by the developer.
  • Graphics card – Discrete graphics card or Integrated graphics (AMD APU, Intel HD) with the latest drivers and compatible with the supported operating systems. For full functionality, use of a recent NVIDIA or AMD Professional or Workstation Graphics card with at least 1 GB of discrete video memory and supporting, at a minimum, OpenGL version 4.5, DirectX 11, Shader Model 5.0 and with Direct3D acceleration enabled. Display should have a minimum 1024x768 minimum resolution.
  • CPU - Pentium® 4 2.0 Ghz or faster 64-bit (x64) processor.
  • RAM - 4GB or higher
  • Disk Space – at least 3GB
  • Web browser – Google Chrome (v102 or higher), Mozilla Firefox (v101 or higher) and Microsoft Edge (v102 or higher).
  • Input devices – 2 button mouse with wheel
  • Optional inputs - 3D Mouse (eg. 3Dconnexion SpaceMouse), Touchscreen multi-touch support via native pen-and-touch interface.

DesignSpark PCB

  • Operating system – Windows 11 (64-bit) and Windows 10 (32-bit or 64-bit). *Microsoft has officially ended support for Windows 7, so the software may still work on Windows 7 but the developer will not be patching any issues specific to unsupported OS versions.
  • Graphics card – 1024x768 minimum display resolution. For 3D View of PCBs, hardware acceleration for OpenGL may enhance performance.
  • CPU - 1GHz or faster 32-bit (x86) or 64-bit (x64) or equivalent.
  • RAM - 4GB or higher
  • Disk Space – at least 1GB
  • Input devices – 2 button mouse with wheel