What is the easiest circuit board software to use

[sam_sam_sam]

Re: What is the easiest circuit board software to use

Ok
I am going to give kicad a try and see how I am going to like I will let you know what I think of it

[Curious.George]

Re: What is the easiest circuit board software to use

Frist is the parts library does it have a lot of parts or do you have to make them your self and how easy is it to use

That will depend a lot on the type of components that you expect to use. The more generic your component choices, the greater the chance of finding a premade symbol (and PCB footprint) that will fit the bill.

[Note that there can be considerable variation in PCB footprints based on the preferences of the footprint's original designer!]

The more exotic the components, the more work you'll have to do for yourself (in creating the schematic symbol AND the PCB footprint). If you're planning on using MCUs, you might want to check to see if supported. AND, if supported in a "style" that is compatible with your drawing preferences (e.g., I insist on outputs on the right side of symbols with inputs on the left; you may find someone has lazily created a schematic symbol where the connections are just numbered sequentially as if "pins on a chip" with no regard to functionality)

You may also encounter symbols that are physically too large for the paper size you're hoping to use. So, you want to be sure the EDA tools let you split symbols into conveniently sized pieces that fit well on smaller sheets.

Second is am I able to once I know that the CAD board will work that I can send it to fab house and have 3 or 4 board made or more from the drawing that I made

Almost every PCB package will generate photoplots in a form that every service bureau will accept.

You may find that some service bureaus will cut you a better deal if you panelize your own boards though most will do that for you. Some will even PREFER that you leave it to them as they may put your design on a panel with someone else's (that you never see) so they can eke out more $aving$ to keep the price they quote you, low.

[I have some really tiny boards that are ideal for the service bureau to squeeze onto someone else's job so I can buy them in smaller quantities for a competitive rate.]

The extent of design rule checking (DRCs) will vary with the capabilities of the tools. Some are smart enough to increase the spacing between traces based on the potential difference between the signals inhabiting them. Or, may know to increase the dimensions of signal lines based on the current carrying capacity. For sure, you want the tool to verify the netlist agrees between PCB and original schematic (to detect broken nets, shorted nets, etc.).

Others are little more than etch-a-sketches and rely on you to make sure everything is correct.