My high 7 finest PCB design software program suggestions for 2025

What I search for in PCB design software program

The record under incorporates real consumer opinions from our greatest PCB design software program class web page. To qualify for inclusion within the class, a product should:

• Modify PCB layouts and PCB circuitry
• Embrace a elements library so customers can simply implement high-quality PCB footprints
• Present schematic modifying instruments for modification {of electrical} properties and different attributes of elements, wires, nets, and pins.

This knowledge has been pulled from G2 in 2025. Some opinions have been edited for readability.

Altium Designer provides a unified platform that integrates totally different design instruments, together with schematic seize, structure routing, documentation, and simulation, into one atmosphere. What I respect most is the flexibility to seamlessly transfer between these phases. For instance, as soon as somebody creates the schematic diagram, they’ll simply transition to the layout-routing part, adjusting the design whereas visualizing the ultimate product. 

A function that basically impressed me is design for manufacturing (DFM). This ensures that designs are usually not solely practical but in addition simple to supply. The DFM instruments assist establish potential points early within the course of, decreasing errors and saving time through the manufacturing part. Groups I labored with talked about that it was reassuring for them to know that their design is optimized for manufacturing earlier than shifting on to precise fabrication.

With the 3D flex-rigid design, I noticed that groups might visualize how the totally different layers of a PCB interacted, together with each versatile and inflexible elements. This was particularly helpful when working with extra advanced, multi-layered designs. I can see how seeing how every part interacts in 3D can provide producers higher perception and assist them make extra knowledgeable choices whereas routing the structure.

Its intensive part library provides an unlimited choice of elements, elements, and templates, permitting groups to shortly discover what they want. This function reduces the necessity to manually design elements from scratch, and groups can use pre-validated elements that assist reduce errors. I noticed how the good selection makes the method sooner and extra dependable, which is at all times a plus. In keeping with G2 Knowledge, 83% customers love its part libraries. 

The largest side I observed pertains to system necessities. Altium Designer performs exceptionally effectively on high-end machines, nevertheless it does require substantial reminiscence and processing energy. From what I gathered in G2 opinions, on much less highly effective computer systems, there will be some slowdowns with bigger, extra advanced initiatives. Even so, the software program stays very succesful for detailed PCB design.

One other space to notice is including footprints to units. Whereas Altium provides an intensive library, discovering the precise footprint can contain navigating a number of libraries. Linking the footprint to the schematic image isn’t at all times instantly intuitive, and verifying accuracy can take a number of further steps. Regardless of these minor inconveniences, the system nonetheless permits exact and dependable part placement as soon as conversant in the workflow.

I additionally gathered from G2 opinions that the training curve will be steep for newcomers. Altium Designer is filled with options, which is a large benefit for skilled customers, although it might take a while to get snug with all of the instruments. When you’re acquainted, the platform’s depth and suppleness actually shine, making it a strong selection for skilled PCB design.

What I dislike about Altium Designer:

• I observed that Altium Designer calls for substantial reminiscence and processing energy. From what I noticed in G2 opinions, much less highly effective computer systems can expertise slowdowns with bigger initiatives, although on high-end machines, efficiency stays easy.
• Including footprints to units could be a bit cumbersome. I discovered that navigating a number of libraries and linking footprints to schematic symbols isn’t at all times intuitive — some extent a number of G2 reviewers additionally highlighted, however when you get the dangle of it, part placement turns into exact and dependable.

What G2 customers dislike about Altium Designer:

“One space for enchancment is including extra options to the “Producer Half Search.” Moreover, navigating the software program and not using a mouse will be difficult, particularly when utilizing a laptop computer. Proper-clicking and dragging on a trackpad will be irritating, although that’s partly as a result of laptop computer design. One other suggestion pertains to defining board dimension; as an example, once I wanted a board that was precisely 50mm x 50mm, it was laborious to attract exact traces. I ended up setting the grid dimension to 1mm and estimating the size. It could be useful to have a function that shows the size of line drawings or the size of the shapes being created.”

– Altium Designer Overview, Trevor M.

One of Altium 365‘s standout options is its real-time collaboration capabilities. From many G2 opinions, I observe that it has helped many circuit groups work on the identical designs concurrently. Whether or not reviewing schematics or making PCB structure changes, it ensured everybody was on the identical web page. The platform’s model management system ensures that each change is tracked, which permits groups to view revision histories or roll again to earlier variations with ease.

It has extremely environment friendly undertaking administration instruments which have made dealing with advanced designs a lot simpler, particularly when engaged on intricate designs. I discovered the method of making and modifying elements to be each intuitive and highly effective, permitting for detailed work with out feeling overwhelming. I can see how this flexibility can be an enormous asset for groups, enabling them to handle large-scale initiatives with ease.

I’ve additionally gathered from G2 opinions how newcomers loved working with the PCB structure editor. It’s extremely customizable, which permits groups to make changes to designs shortly and seamlessly. I actually appreciated the flexibility to effortlessly transition between schematic and PCB. It might save groups plenty of time, as they’ll shortly modify and export designs. For groups that have to combine these adjustments into their bigger platform-based initiatives,  I imagine that this function would make all the course of far more environment friendly.

The 3D visualization function was one other space the place Altium 365 impressed me. I might visualize how elements match on the board with ease, particularly in tight areas. The software program’s assist for .step 3D our bodies made it simple to see how all the things would match collectively. What stood out was the 3D rendering pace – even when working with advanced elements, they rendered shortly with none noticeable lag. I discovered the “snap factors” function significantly helpful, because it helped PCB groups place even probably the most awkward 3D our bodies with nice precision.

Lastly, the draftsman software has been an absolute spotlight. Producing high-quality meeting drawings was a breeze with just some clicks. This software allowed G2 customers to create detailed and visually interesting drawings, which I might think about can be very helpful for manufacturing groups that want clear documentation for meeting.

Nevertheless, regardless of these optimistic experiences, I observed a number of areas the place PCB routing guidelines could possibly be improved. Setting them up generally required a little bit of programming information, which is perhaps difficult for newcomers. A extra user-friendly interface for configuring these guidelines would make the method smoother; nonetheless, as soon as conversant in the foundations system, it supplies exact management over design constraints.

One other side is the design rule system. Some customized queries, like organising guidelines to disregard interfering elements, didn’t at all times behave constantly. As an illustration, a “part clearance” rule may not at all times ignore collisions. Whereas this has been reported by a number of G2 customers, the system nonetheless permits advanced guidelines to be utilized successfully as soon as correctly configured.

I additionally noticed that monitor size calculation might sometimes be inconsistent. Sure small segments on particular layers had been generally ignored, which might have an effect on impedance-controlled designs. Even so, the platform typically permits correct monitor administration for most traditional layouts.

Lastly, the Invoice of Supplies (BOM) function can take a bit longer to generate and requires updating after schematic adjustments. Whereas this provides some further steps, it ensures that the BOM stays correct and displays all design modifications, which is essential for exact manufacturing and meeting.

What I dislike about Altium 365:

• I observed that organising PCB routing guidelines can generally require programming information, which isn’t beginner-friendly. A number of G2 reviewers talked about the identical, although when you’re acquainted, the system nonetheless provides exact management over design constraints.
• The design rule system isn’t at all times constant, guidelines like “part clearance” don’t behave completely each time. I noticed this mirrored in a number of G2 opinions, however as soon as configured accurately, it nonetheless permits advanced guidelines to be utilized successfully.

What G2 customers dislike about Altium 365:

“The software program will be gradual to start out and entry information, particularly over a community. Some default settings, just like the connection matrix, generate pointless warnings that make it tougher to establish actual points. The Invoice of Supplies function takes time to generate and requires updates when adjustments are made to the schematic. Moreover, the software program slows down with bigger designs, and whereas it integrates effectively with third-party elements, occasional points with mismatched footprints or image requirements can come up.”

– Altium 365 Overview, Hemant A.

What I dislike about PADS Skilled:

• I observed that the preliminary setup can really feel a bit overwhelming. A number of G2 reviewers talked about this as effectively, although as soon as configured, the platform works successfully and supplies robust management over design constraints.
• Creating and reusing constraint supervisor templates isn’t at all times intuitive. I noticed the identical level highlighted in a number of G2 opinions, however regardless of the additional steps, the system nonetheless permits exact template administration when you get the dangle of it.

What G2 customers dislike about PADS Skilled:

“One draw back of utilizing PADS Skilled is that it takes a big period of time to course of and compute analyses, even for one thing so simple as the dashboard, which will be fairly irritating.”

– PADS Skilled Overview, Souvik G.

I just lately explored Allegro X PCB Designer, and I discovered it distinctive for creating CPU motherboards and dealing with high-density interconnect (HDI) PCB designs.

Its capacity to develop compact, space-efficient electronics whereas sustaining superior performance is spectacular. From G2 consumer opinions, I noticed that the software makes it potential to pack intricate elements into smaller areas, a function that basically stood out to me and felt like a big benefit for contemporary electronics design.

Certainly one of my favourite options is the error correction system for schematic design. With its three-step course of, it made guaranteeing schematic accuracy really feel intuitive and easy for professionals. I observed throughout a number of opinions that it flagged errors early, corrected them logically, and validated the outcomes systematically, streamlining the design course of and minimizing potential errors.

I additionally appreciated the pre-analysis and post-analysis capabilities, which allowed customers to catch and resolve points each earlier than and after the design part, making all the workflow extra environment friendly and dependable.

I used to be additionally impressed by Allegro’s versatile workspace, This adaptability was an enormous plus for PCB administration groups, because it made staying organized and productive a lot simpler. Aligning the software’s setup with design habits felt like an effective way to enhance effectivity and luxury.

The versatile design constraint system allowed customers to simply outline particular design guidelines, including precision to designs and guaranteeing compliance with manufacturing necessities. I did discover, nonetheless, that G2 customers talked about this function could possibly be much more highly effective if paired with improved usability for template creation, although it nonetheless supplies robust management over design constraints.

I additionally discovered that the preliminary setup might really feel a bit overwhelming. The software provides many options, and getting it up and operating isn’t so simple as some customers would possibly hope. A extra streamlined setup course of might assist, however as soon as configured, the platform features successfully.

Many customers famous that whereas the GUI works, the interface feels considerably outdated in comparison with fashionable PCB design instruments. After analyzing a number of G2 opinions, I noticed that whereas the software is absolutely practical, a extra intuitive and visually partaking interface might improve navigation, although the core performance stays strong.

One other level is dashboard efficiency. For some designs, computing and processing evaluation can take longer than anticipated. Even for easy initiatives, this wait can really feel noticeable, although it doesn’t have an effect on the accuracy or general usefulness of the evaluation.

I additionally found, from G2 opinions, that constraint supervisor template creation and reuse could possibly be extra intuitive. Whereas the system is versatile, creating and reusing templates can really feel cumbersome. Bettering this workflow would improve consumer expertise, however the present system nonetheless permits exact constraint administration.

Lastly, assist for importing legacy designs could possibly be extra strong. Importing older designs might take further time, which could possibly be a minor ache level for customers transitioning from different instruments. Even so, the platform supplies ample performance to deal with legacy initiatives successfully as soon as imported.

What I dislike about Allegro X PCB Designer:

• I discovered the preliminary setup a bit overwhelming as a result of sheer variety of options. A number of G2 reviewers talked about the identical, although as soon as configured, the platform features successfully and supplies robust management over design constraints.
• Creating and reusing constraint supervisor templates isn’t at all times intuitive. I observed related suggestions in a number of G2 opinions, however regardless of the additional steps, the system nonetheless permits exact template administration when you get used to it.

What G2 customers dislike about Allegro X PCB Designer:

“The software program must be backward suitable with older revisions. It requires switching between totally different toolsets, and all the workflow is not simply built-in. STEP export information do not work effectively with SolidWorks, and managing libraries and variants will be tough.”

– Allegro X PCB Designer Overview, Vijay P.

Throughout my analysis of Autodesk Fusion, one side that stood out to me was the 3D design and modeling instruments. These instruments are extremely highly effective and permit for the creation of straightforward elements and sophisticated constructions.

Customers usually commend manufacturing integration. Fusion permits designs to be taken straight from idea to manufacturing, streamlining the method. As an alternative of switching between a number of platforms for design and manufacturing, all the things is consolidated in a single place. The truth is, in response to G2 Knowledge, 86% customers respect its catalog integration capability.  For manufacturing groups, this function is invaluable because it reduces the possibilities of errors and ensures all elements of the method are streamlined.

One of the vital modern options I evaluated was generative design. This software allowed G2 customers to enter design objectives and constraints, and Fusion then generated a number of design choices that met these standards. For manufacturing groups, this may be extremely helpful for exploring new design potentialities and optimizing effectivity, because the software program suggests design options which may not have been thought-about in any other case.

Nevertheless, I discovered that assemblies in Fusion will be difficult to handle, significantly for bigger designs. Organizing and navigating by way of totally different elements can really feel cumbersome, and finding particular elements shortly might take further effort. Even so, as soon as conversant in the meeting workflow, the platform permits exact management over advanced designs.

One other space I observed is 2D drawing instruments. Fusion supplies fundamental performance for creating 2D drawings from 3D fashions, however many G2 customers point out that choices for intricate 2D designs are restricted. For superior drawings, exporting to AutoCAD is usually crucial. Regardless of this, the prevailing 2D instruments deal with normal designs successfully and assist manufacturing wants for many initiatives.

Lastly, I noticed some concerns with file conversion. Whereas Fusion helps a variety of codecs, sure intricate particulars and geometries might not at all times switch completely when importing into different software program. Even so, the platform maintains excessive constancy for many designs, and these minor conversion points can often be managed with cautious checks.

What I dislike about Autodesk Fusion:

• I discovered that managing assemblies in Fusion will be difficult for bigger designs. A number of G2 reviewers highlighted the identical, although when you get conversant in the workflow, the platform permits exact management over advanced assemblies.
• The 2D drawing instruments are considerably restricted for intricate designs. I noticed related suggestions in G2 opinions, however the present instruments nonetheless deal with normal drawings successfully and assist most manufacturing wants.

What G2 customers dislike about Autodesk Fusion:

“Two points of Autodesk Fusion 360 that I discover much less favorable are its reliance on an web connection and its CAD file compatibility. Whereas being cloud-based provides important advantages, options like real-time collaboration and computerized saving will be difficult in areas with restricted connectivity. Moreover, though Fusion 360 helps many file codecs, the conversion course of throughout export is usually restricted, resulting in the lack of particulars or geometries when importing information into different software program.”

– Autodesk Fusion Overview, Juan M.

After evaluating Altium CircuitMaker, I can confidently say that this software has loads to supply, significantly for these engaged on circuit design. 

One of many options I appreciated probably the most was the cloud integration. This allowed groups to retailer all designs securely within the cloud, making them accessible from wherever. It was extremely handy, as they did not have to fret about shedding their work or managing space for storing on my native machine.

Moreover, the flexibility to collaborate simply with others I believe is a large plus. Whether or not you are working remotely or on a team-based undertaking, this cloud function makes it seamless to share and work on designs collectively. 

I additionally observed that many customers point out the Fusion 360 plugin made a big distinction. This plugin allowed groups to effortlessly bridge the hole between digital and mechanical designs. They’ll work on circuit design in CircuitMaker after which seamlessly transition to Fusion 360 to refine the mechanical elements, or vice versa. This fluid integration between the 2 platforms saved them hours of transforming and resolving alignment points, guaranteeing that their digital and mechanical designs aligned completely.

I additionally gathered that the 3D expertise for visualizing schematics was a game-changer. Seeing designs in 3D helped them perceive how the circuits would work together as soon as they had been bodily constructed. It offered a a lot clearer image than the standard 2D view.

I additionally actually appreciated the flexibility to simply assign properties to elements. Including feedback or particular attributes to elements helped groups keep organized and maintain monitor of adjustments all through the design course of. It was significantly helpful for leaving reminders about particular design choices or explicit elements, guaranteeing that nothing was ignored.

Nevertheless, I observed a number of concerns with simulator accuracy. Whereas the simulator works effectively for fundamental circuits, some G2 reviewers famous that it might not at all times precisely mirror real-world habits for extra advanced designs. Even so, the platform supplies dependable simulation for most traditional initiatives, and these occasional inaccuracies are typically restricted to extremely intricate circuits.

Whereas cloud integration works easily and permits simple collaboration, I noticed that initiatives can’t be saved offline. This implies an web connection is required, which could possibly be inconvenient in areas with poor connectivity. Regardless of this, the cloud-based workflow provides seamless entry and model management for groups.

I additionally discovered that group sharing is closely relied upon. Whereas many customers benefit from the collaborative side, some want extra management over their very own initiatives. Even so, the shared assets could be a priceless start line and inspiration for a lot of designs.

Lastly, I observed that Linux and macOS assist is proscribed. CircuitMaker is primarily designed for Home windows, so non-Home windows customers want a digital machine to run the software program. Whereas this provides an additional step, the platform features effectively throughout the digital atmosphere, permitting customers exterior Home windows to nonetheless entry its core options.

What I dislike about Altium CircuitMaker:

• I observed that the simulator doesn’t at all times mirror real-world habits for advanced circuits. A number of G2 reviewers talked about the identical, although it nonetheless supplies a dependable simulation for most traditional initiatives.
• Tasks can’t be saved offline, requiring an web connection. I noticed this famous in a number of G2 opinions as effectively, however the cloud-based workflow nonetheless permits seamless entry and model management for groups.

What G2 customers dislike about Altium CircuitMaker:

“CircuitMaker enforces cloud saving and permits solely two personal initiatives, which will be limiting. The group part library is unmoderated, containing many unusable footprints (although it is really helpful to create your individual, because the part wizard makes it simple). The software program will be considerably unstable, so saving incessantly is vital. Moreover, the keyboard shortcuts differ from these in Altium Designer, which can take a while to regulate to.”

– Altium CircuitMaker Overview, Alberto V.

One function of Autodesk EAGLE that stood out to me virtually instantly was the built-in consumer language applications (ULP). Many customers point out the way it helps them save time by automating repetitive processes, which is useful when engaged on a number of designs or making frequent changes. 

The autoroute perform is one other software that simplifies the design course of. In a producing context, the place time is crucial, the flexibility to shortly route paths with minimal guide effort was invaluable. I noticed that it allowed customers to generate fast prototypes, focusing extra on refining the core design reasonably than coping with routing points.

After studying quite a few opinions, I gathered that the software reportedly works easily for schematic seize, which is essential in manufacturing for guaranteeing accuracy. It helped spot potential points early in PCB workflows, decreasing the chance of errors throughout manufacturing.

On the library administration aspect, Autodesk EAGLE impressed me with its intensive choice of pre-loaded CAD packages. This meant much less time spent looking for elements, permitting for sooner meeting and prototyping in manufacturing.

One space I observed with the 3D visualizer is that, whereas practical, it doesn’t at all times present the extent of accuracy some customers count on when visualizing a PCB’s closing look. In manufacturing, precision is essential to make sure a correct match, however even with this limitation, the visualizer nonetheless supplies a superb general illustration of the board structure.

I additionally noticed some studies relating to the web itemizing function. For advanced energy PCBs, it doesn’t at all times behave as anticipated, which might result in minor delays in design verification. Regardless of this, the function typically helps keep correct electrical connections throughout most traditional initiatives.

One other consideration is the layer restriction within the downloaded model of EAGLE, which limits designs to 2 layers. This may be difficult for multi-layer boards, however the limitation is principally related for high-density designs. Groups engaged on less complicated boards will nonetheless discover the platform very efficient.

Lastly, I observed suggestions about routing intelligence. At the moment, EAGLE makes use of normal routing paths, and a few customers counsel that AI-based routing might enhance effectivity. Even so, the prevailing routing instruments enable customers to create dependable, exact designs, and enhancements like AI integration can be a welcome enchancment.

What I dislike about Autodesk EAGLE:

• I observed that EAGLE’s 3D visualizer doesn’t at all times present the extent of accuracy some customers count on. A number of G2 reviewers talked about this too, although it nonetheless provides a superb general illustration of the board structure.
• The web itemizing function can behave inconsistently for advanced energy PCBs. I noticed related suggestions in G2 opinions, however regardless of this, it typically helps keep correct electrical connections for most traditional initiatives.

What G2 customers dislike about Autodesk EAGLE:

“The system’s session timeout is sort of restrictive, because the platform prompts session expiration after a brief interval. It could be useful if there have been an choice to increase the session period, giving customers extra flexibility to finish duties with out the priority of shedding their progress.” 

– Autodesk EAGLE Overview, Aryan Okay.

Most high-quality PCB design software program instruments are paid, however many provide free trials that will help you get began. Altium Designer, for instance, is broadly considered top-of-the-line instruments within the {industry}, providing highly effective options for advanced designs. Its free trial could be a good start line. Discover extra free PCB design software program that provides fundamental options, which will be helpful for less complicated initiatives or newcomers.

Maintain issues grounded

Selecting the best PCB design software program could be a game-changer to your initiatives. When evaluating these instruments, it’s important to think about elements like usability, efficiency, and options that finest align together with your particular wants, whether or not that’s dealing with advanced designs, bettering sign integrity, or guaranteeing easy collaboration.

Primarily based on my analysis and consumer suggestions, I’ve outlined the highest instruments that supply the perfect mixture of effectivity, flexibility, and energy. The very best software is the one which works for you and helps you carry your PCB designs to life with none hiccups.

Don’t be afraid to dive in, experiment with totally different choices, and see what clicks. Keep in mind, even probably the most subtle software program can’t assist in the event you don’t press the precise buttons (until you could have a “design wizard” in your crew, through which case, please share their contact data with me).

Scale back errors by utilizing simulation and take a look at suites earlier than shifting your PCB design to manufacturing.