How to draw an electrical diagram on a computer - an overview of programs. How to draw an electrical circuit in Word Drawing electrical circuits

We use computers and virtual instruments more and more. Now you don't always want to draw diagrams on paper - it is long, not always beautiful and difficult to correct. In addition, a program for drawing circuits can produce a list of necessary elements, simulate a printed circuit board, and some can even calculate the results of its work.

Free software for creating circuits

There are quite a few good ones on the net. demon paid programs for drawing electrical circuits... Their functionality may not be enough for professionals, but to create a power supply scheme for a house or apartment, their functions and operations will be enough. Not all of them are equally convenient, there are some difficult to learn, but you can find several free programs for drawing electrical circuits that anyone can use, their interface is so simple and intuitive.

The easiest option is to use the standard Windows program Paint, which is available on almost any computer. But in this case, you will have to draw all the elements yourself. A special program for drawing diagrams allows you to insert ready-made elements into the desired places, and then connect them using communication lines. We will talk about these programs further.

Free software for drawing circuits does not mean bad. In this photo, working with Fritzing

The program for drawing diagrams QElectroTech is in Russian, and it is completely Russified - the menu, explanations - in Russian. Convenient and intuitive interface - a hierarchical menu with possible elements and operations on the left side of the screen and several tabs at the top. There are also buttons quick access to perform standard operations - saving, printing, etc.

There is an extensive list of ready-made elements, it is possible to draw geometric figures, insert text, make changes in a certain area, change the direction in a particular fragment, add rows and columns. In general, the program is quite convenient with which it is easy to draw a power supply diagram, put down the names of elements and ratings. The result can be saved in several formats: JPG, PNG, BMP, SVG, data can be imported (opened in this program) in QET and XML formats, and exported in QET format.

The disadvantage of this program for drawing diagrams is the lack of a video in Russian on how to use it, but there are a considerable number of lessons in other languages.

Microsoft Graphics Editor - Visio

For those who have at least a little experience working with Microsoft products, it will be easy to master the work in the Visio graphic editor (Visio). This product also has a fully Russified version, and with good level translation.

This product allows you to draw a diagram to scale, which is convenient for calculating the number of wires required. Large stencil library with legend, various components of the circuit, makes the work similar to assembling a constructor: you need to find the desired element and put it in place. Since many are accustomed to working in programs of this type, the search is not difficult.

The positive aspects include the presence of a decent number of lessons on working with this program for drawing diagrams, and in Russian.

Compass Electric

Another program for drawing circuits on a computer is Compass Electric. This is a more serious product used by professionals. There is a wide functionality that allows you to draw various plans, flowcharts, and other similar drawings. When transferring the circuit to the program, a specification and a wiring diagram are formed in parallel and they are printed out.

To get started, you need to load the library with system elements. When you select a schematic image of one or another element, a window will pop up, in which there will be a list of suitable parts taken from the library. A suitable element is selected from this list, after which its schematic image appears in the specified place of the circuit. At the same time, the designation corresponding to GOST is automatically affixed with continuous numbering (the program changes the numbers itself). At the same time, parameters (name, number, denomination) of the selected element appear in the specification.

In general, the program is interesting and useful for developing device circuits. It can be used to create a wiring diagram in a house or apartment, but in this case its functionality will hardly be used. And one more positive point: there are many video tutorials on working with Compass-Electric, so it won't be difficult to master it.

DipTrace software - for drawing single line diagrams and schematic

This program is useful not only for drawing power supply diagrams - everything is simple here, since only a diagram is needed. It is more useful for board development, as it has a built-in function for converting an existing circuit into a trace for a printed circuit board.

To get started, as in many other cases, you must first load the libraries with the element base available on your computer. To do this, you need to launch the Schematic DT application, after which you can download the libraries. They can be downloaded from the same resource where you will take the program.

After loading the library, you can start drawing the diagram. First, you can drag and drop the necessary elements from the libraries onto the working area, unfold them (if necessary), arrange and connect with communication lines. After the circuit is ready, if necessary, select the line “convert to board” in the menu and wait for a while. The output will be a finished printed circuit board with the arrangement of elements and tracks. You can also see in 3D appearance finished board.

Free program ProfiCAD for drawing up wiring diagrams

Free program for drawing schemes ProfiCAD is one of best options for the home master. It is easy to use, does not require special libraries on the computer - it already contains about 700 elements. If they are not enough, you can easily replenish the base. The required element can be simply "dragged" onto the field, deployed there in the desired direction, and installed.

After drawing the diagram, you can get a net table, bill of materials, a list of wires. Results can be obtained in one of the four most common formats: PNG, EMF, BMP, DXF. A nice feature of this program is that it has low hardware requirements. It works fine with systems from Windows 2000 and up.

This product has only one drawback - there is no video about working with it in Russian yet. But the interface is so clear that you can figure it out yourself, or watch one of the "imported" videos to understand the mechanics of the work.

If you find yourself using a schematic drawing program frequently, some of the paid versions are worth considering. Why are they better? They have broader functionality, sometimes more extensive libraries and a more sophisticated interface.

Simple and convenient sPlan

If you don't really want to deal with the intricacies of working with multilevel programs, take a closer look at the sPlan product. It has a very simple and intuitive device, so after an hour and a half of work you will be free to navigate.

As usual in such programs, a library of elements is needed, after the first start they must be loaded before starting work. In the future, if you do not transfer the library to another location, the setting is not needed - the old path to it is used by default.

If you need an element that is not in the list, you can draw it, then add it to the library. It is also possible to insert extraneous images and save them, if necessary, in the library.

Other useful and desired functions- auto-numbering, the ability to change the scale of an element by rotating the mouse wheel, a ruler for more understandable scaling. In general, a pleasant and useful thing.

Micro-Cap

This program, in addition to building a circuit of any type (analog, digital or mixed), also allows you to analyze its operation. You set the initial parameters and get the output. That is, it is possible to simulate the operation of the circuit under various conditions. Highly useful opportunity, because, probably, teachers and students love her very much.

Micro-Cap has built-in libraries that can be updated using a special function. When drawing an electrical diagram, the product in automatic mode develops the equations of the chain, also carries out the calculation depending on the given denominations. When the denomination is changed, the output parameters change immediately.

Software for drawing power supply diagrams and more - more for simulating their work

Element ratings can be constant or variable, depending on various factors - temperature, time, frequency, the state of some circuit elements, etc. All these options are calculated, the results are presented in a convenient form. If there are parts in the diagram that change their appearance or state - LEDs, relays - when simulating work, they change their parameters and appearance thanks to animation.

The program for drawing and analyzing Micro-Cap circuits is paid, in the original - in English, but there is also a Russified version. Its cost in the professional version is more than a thousand dollars. The good news is that there is also a free version, as usual with reduced capabilities (smaller library, no more than 50 elements in the circuit, reduced operating speed). For home use, this option is also quite suitable. It's also nice that it works fine with any Windows system from Vista and 7 and up.

Today, drawing electrical circuits by hand on a leaf is no longer used by any experienced electrician. It is much easier, more convenient and more understandable to draw up a project for wiring a room on a computer through a special software package in Russian. However, the problem is that not all programs are easy to use, therefore, stumbling upon an inconvenient and, moreover, a paid version software, most of the old school masters simply throw the modern way of modeling aside. Next, we will provide the readers of the site with an overview of the most simple programs for drawing electrical diagrams of apartments and houses on a computer.

Free software

There are not so many Russian-speaking, easy-to-use and, moreover, free software for drawing up single-line wiring diagrams on a computer. So, we have created a small rating so that you know which programs are better for drawing power supply schemes for houses and apartments:

  1. ... Oddly enough, but the most popular and no less important - a free program for drawing single-line electrical diagrams on a computer is the vector graphics editor Visio. With its help, even a novice electrician can quickly draw a schematic diagram of a house or apartment. In terms of functionality, they are not as advanced as the software we will provide below. Summing up, we can say that Microsoft Visio is an easy-to-use and at the same time in Russian free program for modeling electrical circuits, which is suitable for home electricians.
  2. ... A more professional software package for designing indoor power supply circuits. Compass has its own database, which stores the names and ratings of all the most popular types of automation, relay protection, low-voltage installations and other circuit elements. In addition, the database contains graphic designations of all these elements, which will allow you to make clear scheme power supply or even a separate switchboard. The software is completely in Russian and you can also download it for free.
  3. Eagle(Easily Applicable Graphical Layout Editor). This software package will allow you not only to draw single-line power supply diagrams, but also to independently develop a printed circuit board drawing. As for the latter, drawing can be carried out both manually and without your own participation (in automatic mode). Today there are both paid and free versions of Eagle. For home use it will be enough to download the version with the designation "Freeware" (there are some restrictions in relation to the maximum size of the usable area of ​​the printed circuit board). The disadvantage of this software package is that it is not officially Russified, although if you try a little, you can find a crack on the Internet, which will allow you to draw electrical diagrams of apartments and houses without obstacles.
  4. Dip trace... Another one popular program for drawing electrical circuits and creating routes for printed circuit boards. The program is simple and easy to use, moreover, it is completely in Russian. The interface allows you to design a printed circuit board in three-dimensional form, using a database with ready-made elements of the electrical circuit. You can evaluate the full functionality of the software only for money, but there is also a cut-down free version, which will be quite enough for a novice electrician.
  5. ". Completely free program for drawing electrical circuits on a computer. From the official site you can download it in Russian and full version... In addition to modeling projects for the power supply of apartments, houses and other types of premises, in this software package you can easily draw up a diagram in which the most suitable ratings of circuit breakers, relay protection, etc. will be immediately provided. A nice addition to this software is a database with stickers that can be printed and pasted in your own switchboard for graphical designation of all circuit elements in accordance with GOST.
  6. ... One of the free versions of the popular AutoCAD editor is AutoCAD Electrician. Briefly about this software, we can say the following: the functionality is suitable for both beginners and professional electricians working in the field of energy. Everything is simple in the interface, you can figure it out quickly. All functions are in Russian, so you can easily use AutoCAD to draw electrical wiring diagrams for wiring around your house or apartment.
  7. Elf... An interesting name for a simple program for modeling power supply schemes in construction drawing. The software package itself is no less interesting and multifunctional. With the help of the "Elf Design" program, you can create drawings of power supply of any complexity. In addition to this, the software helps with a suitable denomination, etc. "Elf design" is a completely free software package in Russian.

You can see some of the listed programs in video reviews:

AutoCAD Electrical

KOMPAS-Electric

In addition to the 7 programs provided for drawing electrical circuits, there are more than a dozen editors in which you can draw up a basic plan for the power supply of a house or apartment for free, but in other programs there is a more complex interface or problems with Russian version... We recommend that you give preference to the representatives of this rating, so as not to waste time looking for crackers, manuals and the like in the future!

Paid software

We reviewed free programs for drawing up electrical circuits on our own. However, you yourself understand that the paid versions provide a wider set of features and convenient add-ons that will allow you to draw an electronic diagram on a computer. There are many popular commercial electrical schematic drawing programs. We have provided some of them above, but there is one more program that is worth telling a little about - sPlan... It is one of the easiest to use and also multifunctional software packages for drawing up wiring diagrams and routing electronic boards... The interface is convenient, in Russian. The database contains all the most popular graphic elements for drawing electrical circuits.

If you don't mind spending $ 40 for a license, we strongly recommend choosing sPlan for drawing. This software is no doubt suitable for both home use and professional design work, as you can see by watching this video:

Correct use of sPlan

Here we have provided an overview of the best free and paid programs for drawing electrical circuits on a computer. By the way, on your phone (for android) you can download the Mobile Electrician application, in which you can easily calculate the main elements of the electrical circuit, which will help you draw up an electrical circuit correctly if the computer is not nearby!

Related materials:

This article has been ripening for me for a long time, and just today I was asked to describe the process creating electrical circuits in a text editorWord... There are many programs for creating electrical circuits, but they are mostly paid and quite complex. Therefore, we will look for another alternative.

You can create small templates for drawings of individual elements of the future scheme, and then insert them into your drawing, but this is very long and dreary. A main disadvantage that these templates will not comply with GOST.

There is another option - download the plugin (Downloads: 5484)(macro) to create electrical circuits, and already use it to create a circuit.

Unpack the archive into a separate folder.

Open up new document in Word. Go to the menu File - Open... In the opened window Opening a document install File type - Document templates (*.dot) , choose File Electro. dot, and press the button Open.

You will have a new panel. In this case, we will be more interested in the drop-down list Scheme.

In Word 2007/2010, the panel will look slightly different, but the essence will not change.

If you do not have such a panel, then go to the menu View - Toolbars, and check the boxes on the panel StandardNEW and FormattingNEW.

I want to warn you right away that there is one inconvenience. The file is saved only when you exit the program. Because you need to configure macros, and that's another topic.

In the list Scheme there are the most necessary tools... But to link them, you need to use the tools of the usual Word panel. Painting AutoShapes: Lines, Connectors etc.

Advantages:
- no need to install special programs;
- ease of creating simple electrical circuits;
- free distribution of the described template;
- the ability to save the scheme in pdf, html formats.
Disadvantages:
- the complexity of creating electrical circuits in accordance with GOST;
- when opening a file with a diagram in other versions of Word possible violation of document formatting;
- a small set of components for drawing electrical circuits.

We use computers and virtual instruments more and more. Now you don't always want to draw diagrams on paper - it is long, not always beautiful and difficult to correct. In addition, a program for drawing circuits can produce a list of necessary elements, simulate a printed circuit board, and some can even calculate the results of its work.

Free software for creating circuits

There are many good free programs for drawing electrical circuits on the network. Their functionality may not be enough for professionals, but to create a power supply scheme for a house or apartment, their functions and operations will be enough. Not all of them are equally convenient, there are some difficult to learn, but you can find several free programs for drawing electrical circuits that anyone can use, they have a simple and intuitive interface.

The easiest option is to use staffing program Windows Paint, which is found on almost any computer. But in this case, you will have to draw all the elements yourself. A special program for drawing diagrams allows you to insert ready-made elements into the desired places, and then connect them using communication lines. We will talk about these programs further.

Free software for drawing circuits does not mean bad. In this photo, working with Fritzing

The program for drawing diagrams QElectroTech is in Russian, and it is completely Russified - the menu, explanations - in Russian. Convenient and intuitive interface - a hierarchical menu with possible elements and operations on the left side of the screen and several tabs at the top. There are also shortcut buttons for performing standard operations - saving, printing, etc.

QElectroTech Electrical Schematic Editor

There is an extensive list of ready-made elements, it is possible to draw geometric shapes, insert text, make changes in a certain area, change the direction in some particular fragment, add rows and columns. In general, the program is quite convenient with which it is easy to draw a power supply diagram, put down the names of elements and ratings. The result can be saved in several formats: JPG, PNG, BMP, SVG, data can be imported (opened in this program) in QET and XML formats, and exported in QET format.

The disadvantage of this program for drawing diagrams is the lack of a video in Russian on how to use it, but there are a considerable number of lessons in other languages.

Microsoft Graphics Editor - Visio

For those who have at least a little experience working with Microsoft products, it will be easy to master the work in the Visio graphic editor (Visio). This product also has a fully Russified version with a good level of translation.

Making electrical diagrams in Visio is easy

This product allows you to draw a diagram to scale, which is convenient for calculating the number of wires required. A large library of stencils with symbols, various components of the circuit, makes the work similar to assembling a constructor: you need to find the desired element and put it in place. Since many are accustomed to working in programs of this type, the search is not difficult.

The positive aspects include the presence of a decent number of lessons on working with this program for drawing diagrams, and in Russian.

Compass Electric

Another program for drawing circuits on a computer is Compass Electric. This is a more serious product used by professionals. There is a wide functionality that allows you to draw various plans, flowcharts, and other similar drawings. When transferring the circuit to the program, a specification and a wiring diagram are formed in parallel and they are printed out.

To get started, you need to load the library with system elements. When you select a schematic image of one or another element, a window will pop up, in which there will be a list of suitable parts taken from the library. A suitable element is selected from this list, after which its schematic image appears in the specified place of the circuit. At the same time, the designation corresponding to GOST is automatically affixed with continuous numbering (the program changes the numbers itself). At the same time, parameters (name, number, denomination) of the selected element appear in the specification.

An example of a circuit created in Compass Electric

In general, the program is interesting and useful for developing device circuits. It can be used to create a wiring diagram in a house or apartment, but in this case its functionality will hardly be used. And one more positive point: there are many video tutorials on working with Compass-Electric, so it won't be difficult to master it.

DipTrace software - for drawing single line diagrams and schematic

This program is useful not only for drawing power supply diagrams - everything is simple here, since only a diagram is needed. It is more useful for board development, as it has a built-in function for converting an existing circuit into a trace for a printed circuit board.

Original circuit (multivibrator) drawn by DipTrace

PCB layout

The multivibrator board itself

To get started, as in many other cases, you must first load the libraries with the element base available on your computer. To do this, you need to launch the Schematic DT application, after which you can download the libraries. They can be downloaded from the same resource where you will take the program.

After loading the library, you can start drawing the diagram. First, you can "drag" the necessary elements from the libraries onto the working area, unfold them (if necessary), arrange and connect with communication lines. After the circuit is ready, if necessary, in the menu select the line "convert to board" and wait for a while. The output will be a finished printed circuit board with the arrangement of elements and tracks. You can also see the appearance of the finished board in 3D.

Free program ProfiCAD for drawing up wiring diagrams

The free program for drawing schemes ProfiCAD is one of the best options for the home craftsman. It is easy to use, does not require any special libraries on the computer - there are already about 700 elements in it. If they are not enough, you can easily replenish the base. The required element can be simply “dragged” onto the field, deployed there in the desired direction, and installed.

An example of using ProfiCAD for drawing electrical circuits

After drawing the diagram, you can get a net table, bill of materials, a list of wires. Results can be obtained in one of the four most common formats: PNG, EMF, BMP, DXF. A nice feature of this program is that it has low hardware requirements. It works fine with systems from Windows 2000 and up.

This product has only one drawback - there is no video about working with it in Russian yet. But the interface is so clear that you can figure it out yourself, or watch one of the "imported" videos to understand the mechanics of the work.

Paid to spend on

If you find yourself using a schematic drawing program frequently, some of the paid versions are worth considering. Why are they better? They have broader functionality, sometimes more extensive libraries and a more sophisticated interface.

Simple and convenient sPlan

If you don't really want to deal with the intricacies of working with multilevel programs, take a closer look at the sPlan product. It has a very simple and intuitive device, so after an hour and a half of work you will be free to navigate.

As usual in such programs, a library of elements is needed, after the first start they must be loaded before starting work. In the future, if you do not transfer the library to another location, the setting is not needed - the old path to it is used by default.

SPlan schematic drawing program and library

If you need an element that is not in the list, you can draw it, then add it to the library. It is also possible to insert extraneous images and save them, if necessary, in the library.

Other useful and necessary functions are auto-numbering, the ability to change the scale of an element by rotating the mouse wheel, a ruler for more understandable scaling. In general, a pleasant and useful thing.

Micro-Cap

This program, in addition to building a circuit of any type (analog, digital or mixed), also allows you to analyze its operation. You set the initial parameters and get the output. That is, it is possible to simulate the operation of the circuit under various conditions. This is a very useful opportunity, because, probably, teachers and students love it very much.

Micro-Cap has built-in libraries that can be updated using a special function. When drawing an electrical diagram, the product automatically develops circuit equations, and also calculates depending on the given ratings. When the denomination is changed, the output parameters change immediately.

Software for drawing power supply diagrams and more - more for simulating their work

Element ratings can be constant or variable, depending on various factors - temperature, time, frequency, the state of some circuit elements, etc. All these options are calculated, the results are presented in a convenient form. If there are parts in the diagram that change their appearance or state - LEDs, relays - when simulating work, they change their parameters and appearance thanks to animation.

The program for drawing and analyzing Micro-Cap circuits is paid, in the original - in English, but there is also a Russified version. Its cost in the professional version is more than a thousand dollars. The good news is that there is also a free version, as usual with reduced capabilities (smaller library, no more than 50 elements in the circuit, reduced operating speed). For home use, this option is also quite suitable. It's also nice that it works fine with any Windows system from Vista and 7 and up.

The days of using drawing boards are long gone, they were replaced graphic editor, these are special programs for drawing electrical circuits. Among them there are both paid applications and free ones (we will consider the types of licenses below). We are sure that created by us short review will help you choose the software that is most optimal for the task from a variety of software products. Let's start with the free versions.

Free of charge

Before proceeding to the description of the programs, we will briefly talk about free licenses, the most common of them are the following:

  • Freeware- the application is not limited in functionality and can be used for personal purposes without a commercial component.
  • Open source- a product with "open source", in which it is allowed to make changes by adjusting the software for their own tasks. Restrictions on commercial use and paid distribution of the modifications made are possible.
  • GNU GPL- the license practically does not impose any restrictions on the user.
  • Public domain- almost identical with the previous version, on given type copyright protection law licenses are not covered.
  • Ad-supported- the application is fully functional, contains advertisements for other products of the developer or other companies.
  • Donationware- the product is distributed free of charge, but the developer offers to make donations on a voluntary basis for the further development of the project.

After getting an idea of ​​free licenses, you can move on to software distributed under such conditions.

Microsoft Visio

It is an easy-to-use, but at the same time very user-friendly editor vector graphics with a rich functional set. Despite the fact that the main socialization of the program is the visualization of information from MS Office applications, it can be used to view and print radio circuits.

MS releases three paid versions, differing in functional set and free (Viewer), which integrates into the IE browser and allows you to view files created in the editor using it. Unfortunately, you will need to purchase a fully functional product to edit and create new diagrams. Note that even in the paid versions among basic templates there is no kit for the complete creation of radio circuits, but it is not difficult to find and install it.

disadvantages free version:

  • Functions for editing and creating diagrams are not available, which significantly reduces interest in this product.
  • The program works only with the IE browser, which also creates a lot of inconvenience.

Compass-Electric

This software is an application to the CAD of the Russian developer "ASCON". For its operation, the installation of the KOMPAS-3D environment is required. Since this is a domestic product, it fully implements support for the GOSTs adopted by Russia, and, accordingly, there are no problems with localization.


The application is intended for the design of all types of electrical equipment and the creation of sets of design documentation for them.

This is paid software, but the developer gives 60 days to get acquainted with the system, during this time there are no restrictions on functionality. On the official website and on the network, you can find a lot of video materials that allow you to get acquainted with the software product in detail.

In the reviews, many users note that the system has a lot of flaws that the developer is in no hurry to fix.

Eagle

This software is a complex environment in which you can create both a schematic diagram and a layout of a printed circuit board to it. That is, place all the necessary elements on the board and perform routing. Moreover, it can be performed both in automatic and manual mode or by a combination of the two.


There are no models of domestic radio components in the basic set of elements, but their templates can be downloaded on the net. Application language - English, but localizers that allow you to install the Russian language.

The application is paid, but the ability to use it for free with the following functional restrictions:

  • The size of the circuit board cannot exceed 10.0x8.0 cm.
  • Only two layers can be manipulated in a layout.
  • Only one sheet is allowed in the editor.

Dip trace

This is not a separate application, but a whole software package that includes:

  • Multifunctional editor for development schematic diagrams.
  • Application for creating circuit boards.
  • 3D module that allows you to design enclosures for devices created in the system.
  • A program for creating and editing components.

The free version of the software package, for non-commercial use, has small restrictions:

  • The mounting plate is no more than 4 layers.
  • No more than one thousand pins from components.

The program does not provide for Russian localization, but it, as well as a description of all functions software product can be found on the net. There are also no problems with the base of components, initially there are about 100 thousand of them. On thematic forums you can find the base of components created by users, including those under Russian GOSTs.

1-2-3 scheme

It is completely free app, allowing to equip Hager switchboards with equipment of the same name.


Functionality programs:

  • Selection of a housing for the electrical panel that meets the standards for the degree of protection. The sample is taken from lineup Hager.
  • Complete set with protective and switching modular equipment from the same manufacturer. Note that the element base contains only models certified in Russia.
  • Formation of design documentation (single-line diagram, specification that meets the standards of ESKD, rendering of the appearance).
  • Creation of markers for switchboard switching devices.

The program is completely localized for the Russian language, its only drawback is that only the electrical equipment of the developer company is present in the element base.

Autocad Electrical

An application based on the well-known CAD Autocad, created for the design of electrical circuits and the creation of technical documentation for them in accordance with the ESKD standards.


Initially, the database includes over two thousand components, while their conventional graphic designations meet the current Russian and European standards.

This application is paid, but it is possible to get acquainted with the full functionality of the basic working version within 30 days.

Elf

This software is positioned as an automated workstation (AWP) for electrical designers. The application allows you to quickly and correctly develop almost any drawing for electrical projects with reference to the floor plan.

Application functionality includes:

  • Arrangement of UGO in the design of power grids laid openly, in pipes or special structures.
  • Automatic (from the plan) or rune calculation of the power circuit.
  • Drawing up a specification in accordance with current regulations.
  • The possibility of expanding the base of elements (UGO).

The free demo version lacks the ability to create and edit projects, they can only be viewed or printed.

Kicad

It is completely free software package with open source (Open Source). This software is positioned as an end-to-end design system. That is, you can develop a schematic diagram, create a circuit board based on it and prepare the documentation necessary for production.


Characteristics systems:

  • For the layout of the board, the use of external routers is allowed.
  • The program has a built-in calculator for the printed circuit board, the placement of elements on it can be done automatically or manually.
  • Upon completion of the tracing, the system generates several technological files (for example, for a photoplotter, drilling machine, etc.). Optionally, you can add your company logo to the PCB.
  • The system can create a layer-by-layer printout in several popular formats, as well as generate a list of components used in development to form an order.
  • It is possible to export drawings and other documents in pdf and dxf formats.

Note that many users note that the system interface is ill-conceived, as well as the fact that to master the software it is necessary to study the program documentation well.

TinyCAD

Another free open source application for creating schematic drawings and has the functions simple editor vector graphics. The core set contains forty different component libraries.


TinyCAD - simple editor for schematic diagrams

The program does not provide for tracing of printed circuit boards, but it is possible to export the list of connections to third party application... Export is performed with support for common extensions.

The app only supports English, but thanks to the intuitive menu, there will be no problems with mastering.

Fritzing

Free development environment for projects based on Arduino. It is possible to create printed circuit boards (the wiring must be done manually, since the autorouting function is frankly weak).


It should be noted that the application is "sharpened" for quickly creating sketches to explain the principle of the designed device. For serious work, the application has too small a base of elements and a very simplified diagramming.

123D Circuits

This is a web application for developing Arduino projects, with the ability to program the device, simulate and analyze its work. The typical set of elements contains only the main radio components and Arduino modules... If necessary, the user can create new components and add them to the base. It is noteworthy that the developed printed circuit board can be ordered directly from the online service.


In the free version of the service, you cannot create your own projects, but you can view other people's developments located in open access... For full access to all features, you need to subscribe ($ 12 or $ 24 per month).

Note that due to the poor functionality, the virtual development environment is of interest only to beginners. Many of those who used the service drew attention to the fact that the simulation results differ from the real indicators.

XCircuit

Free multiplatform application (GNU GPL license) for quickly creating schematic diagrams. The functional set is minimal.


The application language is English, the program does not accept Russian characters. You should also pay attention to the atypical menu, which you need to get used to. In addition, contextual tips are displayed on the status bar. V basic set elements include UGO only basic radio parts (the user can create his own elements and add them).

CADSTAR Express

This is a demo version of the CAD of the same name. Functional limitations affected only the number of elements used in the development scheme (up to 50 pieces) and the number of contacts (no more than 300), which is quite enough for small amateur radio projects.


The program consists of a central module, which includes several applications that allow you to develop a circuit, create a board for it and prepare a package of technical documentation.

The basic set includes more than 20 thousand components, you can additionally download additional libraries from the developer's site.

A significant drawback of the system is the lack of support for the Russian language, respectively, all technical documentation is also presented online in English.

QElectroTech

A simple, convenient and free (FreeWare) application for the development of electrical and electronic schematic drawings. The program is an ordinary editor, no special functions are implemented in it.


The application language is English, but there is a Russian localization for it.

Paid Apps

Unlike software distributed by free licenses, commercial programs, as a rule, have much more functionality and are supported by developers. We will cite several such applications as an example.

sPlan

A simple editor for drawing electrical circuits. The application comes with several component libraries that the user can expand as needed. Simultaneous work with several projects is allowed by opening them in separate tabs.


Drawings made by the program are stored as vector graphics files of its own format with the "spl" extension. Conversion to standard raster image formats is allowed. It is possible to print large circuits on a conventional A4 printer.

The application is not officially released in Russian localization, but there are programs that allow you to Russify the menu and contextual tips.

In addition to the paid version, there are two free implementations, Demo and Viewer. In the first, there is no way to save and print the drawn diagram. The second provides only the function of viewing and printing files of the "spl" format.

EPLAN Electric

Multi-module scalable CAD system for the development of electrical projects of various complexity and automation of the process of preparing design documentation. This software package is now positioned as a corporate solution, so for ordinary users it will not be interesting, especially if you take into account the cost of the software.


Target 3001

A powerful CAD system that allows you to develop electrical circuits, trace printed circuit boards, simulate work electronic devices... The online component library contains over 36 thousand different elements. This CAD is widely used in Europe for tracing printed circuit boards.


The default language is English, it is possible to set the menu in German or French, there is no official Russian localization. Accordingly, all documentation is presented in English, French or German only.

The cost of the simplest basic version about 70 euros. For this money, routing of two layers for 400 pins will be available. The cost of the unlimited version is around 3.6 thousand euros.

Micro-Cap

An application for simulating digital, analog and mixed circuits, as well as analyzing their work. User can create in editor electrical circuit and set parameters for analysis. After that, with one click of the mouse, the system will automatically make the necessary calculations and give the results for study.


The program allows you to set the dependence of the parameters (ratings) of the elements on the temperature regime, illumination, frequency characteristics, etc. If the diagram contains animated elements, for example, LED indicators, then their state will be displayed correctly, depending on the incoming signals. It is possible to "connect" virtual measuring instruments, and also monitor the status of various nodes of the device.

The cost of the full-featured version is about $ 4.5 thousand. There is no official Russian localization of the application.

TurboCAD

This CAD platform includes many tools for designing various electrical devices. A set of special functions allows you to solve engineering problems of any complexity.


Distinctive features - fine tuning user interface. Lots of reference literature, including in Russian. Despite the lack of official support for the Russian language, there are localizers for the platform.

For ordinary users, the purchase of a paid version of the program in order to develop electrical circuits for amateur devices will be unprofitable.

Designer Schematic

Application for creating electrical circuits using radioelements manufactured by Digi-Key. The main feature of this system is that in the editor to build circuits, it can use mechanical design.


The component databases can be checked for compliance at any time and, if necessary, updated directly from the manufacturer's website.

The system does not have its own tracer, but the netlist can be loaded into a third party program.

It is possible to import files from popular CAD systems.

The estimated cost of the application is about $ 300.