Best Free PCB Board Design Software in 2024

In the rapidly advancing field of electronics, printed circuit board (PCB) design is crucial for building modern devices. Whether you are a hobbyist, a professional engineer, or a startup, selecting the right PCB design software can significantly impact your work. Fortunately, there are free options available that offer robust tools to help you design complex circuits without breaking the bank.

1. KiCad

KiCad is a widely recognized open-source PCB design tool that caters to both beginners and professionals. It offers a suite of programs that allow you to create schematic diagrams and design PCB layouts. Key features include:

• Cross-platform compatibility: Works on Windows, macOS, and Linux.
• 3D Viewer: Offers a 3D view of your board, which is useful for visualizing how your PCB will look after manufacturing.
• No limitations: Unlike many free versions of other tools, KiCad doesn’t restrict the size or complexity of your designs.
• Large community: An active community contributes to libraries and tutorials, making it easier to get started.

Feature	KiCad
Platforms	Windows, macOS, Linux
3D Viewer	Yes
Design Complexity	Unlimited
Community Support	Large, active

2. Autodesk Eagle

Eagle by Autodesk is another powerful tool that offers a free version for hobbyists and students. Eagle is well-known for its professional features, and the free version includes:

• Schematic editor: Allows for easy creation and editing of circuit diagrams.
• Layout editor: Supports complex designs, with tools for precise PCB layout creation.
• Library content: Access to a vast library of components, which can save time in the design process.
• Community support: Eagle has a significant user base, with forums and resources available online.

However, the free version has some limitations:

• Board size: Limited to 80cm^2.
• Layers: Maximum of 2 signal layers.

Feature	Autodesk Eagle (Free Version)
Platforms	Windows, macOS, Linux
Schematic Editor	Yes
Layout Editor	Yes
Board Size Limit	80cm^2
Layer Limit	2

3. EasyEDA

EasyEDA is a web-based PCB design tool that is gaining popularity due to its accessibility and ease of use. It is particularly suitable for those who prefer not to install software on their computer. Key features include:

• Online platform: Design your PCB directly in the browser, making it accessible from anywhere.
• Integrated with JLCPCB: Directly order your PCB from JLCPCB, a popular PCB manufacturer.
• User-friendly interface: The interface is intuitive, even for beginners.
• Free to use: No significant limitations for free users, though advanced users might find the premium version more suitable.

Feature	EasyEDA
Platforms	Web-based
JLCPCB Integration	Yes
Accessibility	High (accessible from any browser)
Interface	User-friendly

4. Fritzing

Fritzing is another user-friendly PCB design tool, especially popular among beginners and educators. It is more than just a design tool; it also helps in learning electronics. Key features include:

• Breadboard view: Allows you to design circuits as they would appear on a physical breadboard.
• Schematic view: Automatically creates a schematic diagram from your breadboard layout.
• PCB layout: Converts your designs into PCB layouts, ready for fabrication.
• Educational focus: Great for teaching electronics and prototyping.

Feature	Fritzing
Platforms	Windows, macOS, Linux
Breadboard View	Yes
Schematic View	Yes
Educational Use	Excellent

5. DesignSpark PCB

DesignSpark PCB is another free tool that offers professional-grade features for PCB design. Key features include:

• Unlimited schematic sheets and PCB area: No restrictions on the size or complexity of your designs.
• Component libraries: Extensive libraries to speed up your design process.
• Integration with DesignSpark Mechanical: Seamless integration with their mechanical design software.

Feature	DesignSpark PCB
Platforms	Windows
Design Complexity	Unlimited
Component Libraries	Extensive
Integration	Yes (with DesignSpark Mechanical)

Conclusion

Choosing the right PCB design software depends on your specific needs and experience level. KiCad and Autodesk Eagle offer robust features for both beginners and professionals, while EasyEDA and Fritzing are more user-friendly options for beginners or those in the education sector. DesignSpark PCB provides a balance of advanced features without limitations, making it a strong contender for those seeking professional-grade tools for free.

Whether you are just starting out or looking for a free alternative to expensive PCB design tools, these options provide powerful features that can help you bring your ideas to life.