Top 5 PCB Design Software: 2025’s Must-Have Design Tools

Table of Contents

PCB design software is used to implement electronic circuit designs into manufactured hardware. Tool features allow developers to create complete circuit diagrams, simulate (where applicable), and lay out both parts of the circuit and the board to include components on the board and map traces. Unlike art tools, PCB design tools deliver capabilities such as electrical rule checking, manufacturability and signal integrity.

As PCB tools have evolved, software has been created targeted to specific levels of expertise, ranging from tools that can help new users get started to applications designed to meet the needs of an enterprise. With hardware designs getting denser and more complex, the right tool is essential to meet the performance, manufacturability, and industry compliance requirements.

Here is a list of several popular PCB design software tools:

- Open-source PCB design software.
- Commercial tools.

PCB Design Software List (2025)

KiCad

https://www.kicad.org/

Started in 1992 by Jean-Pierre Charras and now maintained by the KiCad Developers Team, KiCad has become one of the most popular PCB design programs on the market and is fully open source. It is free and open-source design software that runs on all major operating systems. Supporting PCBs with up to 32 copper layers, it is suitable for creating designs of varying complexity.

Licensing and Accessibility

KiCad is open-source software, available free of charge under the GNU General Public License. Features like subscriptions, exports and size variation are all free. This freedom allows the user to use the software to its maximum benefit, study how the software works, and make changes to the software.

Key Features:

- Schematic Editor: Design multi-sheet schematics with various libraries and custom objects with net connectivity capabilities.
- PCB Layout Editor: multi-layer boards, placement, wiring rules check, differential pairs, and interactive DRC.
- 3D Viewer: 3D enabling allows real-time 3D view of the PCB, add step exported file for enclosure fitting and mechanical check.
- BOM Generation: Auto-generate the bill of materials (BOM) for purchase and production.
- Cross Platform: For Windows, Linux / MAC.

Altium Designer

https://www.altium.com/altium-designer

Altium Designer is the world’s most widely used PCB design software for professional engineers and enterprises. It is proprietary software for the designing of electronic schematics, PCB layouts, and in-field programming hardware, including Programmable Microcontrollers. It is heavily utilized in sectors that require complex, multi-layered circuit boards, such as aerospace, automotive, telecommunications, and medical instruments.

Licensing and Accessibility

Altium Designer is a premium EDA tool available through paid licenses, including subscription and perpetual options. While it doesn’t have a free version, a 15-day trial is offered for evaluation. Academic discounts are available for students and educators. The software runs only on Windows and requires robust hardware. Cloud-based features like Altium 365 enable remote collaboration, but there is no native support for macOS or Linux.

Key Features:

- One-to-One UI: Integrates schematic, layout, and simulation features in one screen.
- Advanced Routing Features: Push and Shove, differential pair routing, and length tuning for high-speed design.
- Real Time 3D PCB Model: Automatically creates and displays an accurate 3D model of the board in real time, offering traditional 2D views combined with 3D component capability for verification of mechanical clearances, component placement, and enclosure fit before printing fabrication files.
- Signal Integrity Analysis: Provides in-depth analysis on EMI/EMC performance and impedance.
- Altium 365 Cloud Integration: enables users to store designs in the cloud, tracking versions that are current and those that are not, and supports pass-and-play with other team members.

Autodesk Eagle

https://www.autodesk.com/products/eagle/overview

Autodesk Eagle is a professional-level PCB design software that is used by engineers and hobbyists alike. As part of the Autodesk ecosystem, Eagle offers schematic, layout, and a powerful autorouter, on top of cam and library content tools. Multilayer board design and complex projects are easy with up to 16 unique signal layers, as well as an unlimited number of mechanical layers (with easy definition of stack-up, blind and buried vias).

Licensing and Accessibility

Autodesk Eagle is available in a freemium version. Although the free edition is adequate for hobbyist jobs and small projects, it has limitations such as board size restrictions and the number of layers. The complete set of functionalities is enabled only when combined with a paid subscription for Fusion 360. Full use of Fusion 360 is included with the subscription. Eagle is also available on Windows, macOS, and Linux, giving it cross-platform scope.

Key Features:

- Schematic Editor: Multi-sheet schematics with real-time updating of PCB layout.
- PCB Layout Tool: Design rule checking, auto-router, and up to 16 signal layers in premium designs.
- Library: Built-in libraries provide all the parts or components that are needed and allow synchronization with the custom libraries with our servers all the time, whilst third-party access gives the user access to some cloud parts from the web.
- SPICE Simulation: This can be used to test analogue circuit performance prior to fabrication.

EasyEDA

https://pro.easyeda.com/editor

EasyEDA is a free web-based PCB design software for students, electronics designers, hobbyists, and even for anyone who is interested. Unlike common desktop EDA software tools, EasyEDA is a convenient online EDA tool, the user needs to use a web browser to run the EDA software. With a clean user interface and easy access to the essential online capabilities, users can design schematics, simulate circuits, and PCB layouts all inside the same environment.

Licensing and Accessibility

EasyEDA is based on a freemium model, allowing you access to all the basic features for free. Subscription-free access to schematic capture, PCB layout, simulation, and online collaboration features is available. Some advanced features, like more storage, private projects, or premium support, are available on paid plans.

Key Features:

- - Browser Interface: With no installation, access it from anywhere with internet using the device of your choice.
  - Schematic Drawing and PCB Design: Easy-to-use tools for drawing circuit diagrams and laying out multilayer PCBs.
  - Online Circuit Simulator: Test circuits online before handling them on the table.
  - Component Library: Massive libraries including symbols, footprints, and packages from the real open marketplace with information from world-renowned manufacturers.
  - Gerber File Export: Produce files ready for most PCB manufacturers.

LibrePCB

https://librepcb.org/

LibrePCB is a free EDA to develop printed circuit boards with an intuitive editor for hassle-free board design and stunning 3D visualization. It features a clean, modern interface, a combined solution for schematic and PCB design environment. In contrast to conventional software with rigid part management, LibrePCB presents a flexible modular library concept for parts and designs, which features easy-to-handle design data management systems.

Licensing and Accessibility

LibrePCB is a free EDA software to develop printed circuit boards in a convenient and efficient way. The license offers ultimate transparency of the source code. The project has an open design which allows contributing and being contributed by all types of developers (not only from Continuent). LibrePCB is based on free libraries from developers or other third parties Available for Windows, macOS and Linux, and thus accessible to a large majority of users on their favorite operating system.

Key Features:

- - Single-Project Design: Schematic and PCB are always up to date.
  - Configurable Library System: Provides a modular, reusable component library structure that partitions symbols, footprints, and device definitions.
  - Runs Everywhere: Windows, Linux, and macOS.
  - No Need for Internet Connection: All operations can be offline without any internet connection, convenient to work in a secure or wireless environment.

Selecting the Best PCB Design Software

The choice of PCB design software is an integral part of electronic product development. The perfect tool would "fit" the level of domain complexity, crew size and manufacturing requirements for the life of the project.

It’s not only the features, but how well the software integrates into workflows, aids in collaboration, and fills current and future needs. Users should take learning curves, cost, compatibility with other operating systems and the ability to import/export PCB files against disparate platforms and brands into consideration.

Key Considerations:

- Feature Set: Be sure to consider tools like schematic capture, multi-layer support, autorouting, and 3D visualization.
- File Format Compatibility: Make sure your PCB design software will work with standard manufacturing outputs (Gerber, BOM and pick-and-place files).
- Part Libraries: Access to library of built in and downloadable parts speeds design and reduces mistakes.
- User Interface and Learning Curve: Intuitive design environments can shorten the duration of learning curve, particularly for starters.
- Simulation and Analysis: Discover issues before fabrication with signal integrity, thermal, and design rule checks.
- Compatibility: Ensure whether it is compatible with Windows, macOS, or Linux as per your requirement.
- Cost and Licensing: Calculate the TCO including updates and support, comparing them to open-source solutions.

	Altium	Autodesk	EasyEDA	KiCad	LibrePCB
License Type	Commercial (Paid)	Freemium (Free & Paid)	Free (Pro Paid)	Free & Open-Source	Free & Open-Source
Platform Support	Windows, (Linux/macOS via VM)	Windows, macOS, Linux	Web-based, Windows, macOS, Linux	Windows, macOS, Linux	Windows, macOS, Linux
Schematic Capture	Yes (Advanced)	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes (Basic)
PCB Layout	Yes (Advanced)	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Layer Support	Unlimited	Free: 2 layers, Paid: 16 layers	Free: 4 layers, Pro: 14 layers	Unlimited	Up to 6 layers
3D PCB View	Yes (Advanced)	Yes (Basic)	Yes	Yes	No
Auto-Router	Yes (Advanced)	Yes (Basic, Paid)	Yes (Freemium)	Yes (Freemium)	No
Component Libraries	Extensive (Managed)	Large (Online & Local)	Cloud-based (Large)	Good (Community)	Small (Basic)
Simulation Tools	Yes (SPICE, Signal Integrity)	Limited (Fusion 360)	Basic (SPICE)	Yes (SPICE)	No
Manufacturing Outputs	Gerber, ODB++, IPC-2581	Gerber, Excellon	Gerber, Pick & Place	Gerber, STEP, etc.	Gerber, Drill Files
Collaboration	Yes (Altium 365)	Yes (Fusion 360)	Cloud-based	Limited (Git)	No
Best For	Professional/Enterprise	Hobbyists/Pros	Hobbyists/Students	Hobbyists/Pros	Beginners/Hobbyists

Conclusion

Select PCB design software, choose PCB board design needs to see how complex, what features, the price, and technical support. KiCad and LibrePCB are another example of open-source tools offering transparency and flexibility, which is perfect when the first step is learning or prototyping.

Meanwhile, industry-level software tools like Altium Designer and Autodesk Eagle deliver full-featured capabilities for complex, high-frequency design. For best design to manufacturing workflows, and expert guidance, FC PCBA specializes in the consultation and support for choosing the most cost-effective software.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to generate the manufacturing files from the PCB files?

The majority of PCB tools have the ability to generate Gerber output, including essential data formats for copper, drill, solder masks, and silkscreen layers.

Can you use open-source PCB design software for commercial products?

Yes. Open-source software, like KiCad and LibrePCB, is available under permissive licensing terms, which permit commercial proprietary hardware development.

How to create a footprint that is not available in the standard package?

Almost all software platforms have a library with custom footprint creation or can import third-party footprints from manufacturer libraries or community shared libraries.