Schematic software - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / beginners

author: Flump
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 29, 2013, 11:11:26 pm
content: Hi AllI would like either an On line or downloadable schematic creation program,seeing as i only dabble in electronics now and then I don't at this stage wantto invest money in one so I am looking for a free one.I have found several which on the surface look free but when you registerquickly find out its's time restricted or you have to buy stuff from them etc.At the moment I just want to create Schematics of circuits in my head so notlooking for anything snazzy.can anyone suggest some Software please ?

author: c4757p
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 29, 2013, 11:13:56 pm
content: KiCad. LTspice is easier but schematic only.

author: lgbeno
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 29, 2013, 11:29:41 pm
content: Maybe upverter.com or circuits.io

author: Prime73
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: September 30, 2013, 12:08:33 am
content: What about free version of Cadsoft's Eagle?

author: TerminalJack505
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 30, 2013, 12:55:31 am
content: You might try Digi-key'sScheme-It.It doesn't seem too bad for an online schematic capture tool.There'sTina-TItoo. This is primarily a simulator but you can do schematic capture too, obviously.

author: sleemanj
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 30, 2013, 03:48:19 am
content: I'll throwFritzinginto the ring.

author: Flump
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 30, 2013, 09:35:58 am
content: Thanks for the sugestions so farI tried Digi-key's Scheme-It a while back and really liked it but you have to register to saveand when i tried it wanted either credit card or company details so i couldnt complete it.Going to try them all out but at the momentplaying with fritzing.

author: blewisjr
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 02, 2013, 03:53:29 pm
content: There is also DipTrace.They have a Free version that supports 300 pin limitation but you get the full product. I like how they go by pins instead of board size. Personally I purchased the standard version with the 300 pin limit because I liked the product a lot and if I ever wanted to do something commercial or whatever I can + it helps support the development of the product.It is super easy to learn to use. Everything I learned was just by using it unlike Eagle where you need to scour the internet for tutorials everything in DipTrace is intuitive even making your own parts for it.Dave has a video on his YouTube channel somewhere and he demonstrates the product without even knowing how to use it. PS turns out he loved the software because it was easy to just pick up and figure out.

author: Paul Price
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 02, 2013, 04:04:53 pm
content: Try Express Schematic. Free and easy to learn and use.ExpressPCB.com

author: Phaedrus
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 02, 2013, 04:14:26 pm
content: I started with ExpressPCB/ExpressSCH, but I'm moving over to DipTrace; it's a more full-featured product, and can output Gerber files if you ever want to produce the boards you design.

author: jorisbeurden
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: October 03, 2013, 08:47:30 am
content: +1 for diptrace, for a free program it is really good. I like that in schematic mode it highlights a whole net if you float above it, making it easy to see if you missed something.

author: blackdog
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 03, 2013, 09:39:58 am
content: Hi Flump,Try Splan, Yes its kost you some mony but its good!!!http://www.abacom-online.de/uk/html/splan.htmlThis is a schematic made in SplanKind regarts,Blackdog

author: kripton2035
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 03, 2013, 10:56:25 am
content: + 1 for diptraceyou can ask for the 500 pins free version, just ask for it on the websiteit's free for hobby purpose, you pay only for commercial use (i.e. you earn money with it)a 500 pins schematic is somewhat really complicated.

author: Flump
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 03, 2013, 12:23:41 pm
content: thanks guysstill trying some of these outbut diptrace seems one of the popular onesso going to try that next

author: cristoper
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: October 05, 2013, 04:49:26 am
content: There'sgschemfrom the gEDA project.If you mostly want to capture circuits for simulation, thenqucsis nice with a pretty usable UI.

author: azi
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: October 07, 2013, 12:50:39 am
content: I will suggest Eagle because if you are bothering to make a schematic, maybe it's a good idea to consider that you might want to design a circuit board and manufacture it at some point.In all honesty, I am not really happy with Eagle's rendition of schematics, but it did pretty well compared to the other free tools I tried a few years ago. If you are sure you want only a schematic figure, then maybe there is a better tool. At least try it and see what you think.

author: xrunner
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 07, 2013, 12:59:44 am
content: Quote from: Paul Price on October 02, 2013, 04:04:53 pmI just got this yesterday due to your post, and I really like it. It's very easy to learn. I wanted to document a circuit I was making to interface a radio control output to a relay circuit to disconnect an ant. from a SDR aux. receiver.