DipTrace Free

There are two DipTrace editions to choose from: a full-featured DipTrace edition for Windows and Mac OS X and a freeware edition that comes with all programs and all libraries, but is limited to 300 pins and is meant for non-profit use only. No matter which edition you go for, you will enjoy a feature rich PCB design software application that grants access to all its functionality via an intuitive interface.

The DipTrace Free installer is close to 60MB in size – and so are the installers for the full version (32 as well as 64-bit edition) and for the Mac OS X version. Download the installer, run it, and a setup wizard will show up. Click through the screens said wizard presents onscreen and moments later you will be done with the installation process.

From the DipTrace Launcher you can easily access all the tools this application has to offer. The Launcher lists the following: Schematic Capture, PCB Layout, Component Editor, and Pattern Editor. Select Schematic Capture and you will be presented with a Getting Started prompt that lists links to a tutorial, guided video tour, DipTrace forum, and more. From the Tools menu in the upper left hand corner you can switch to the PCB Layout, Component Editor, or Pattern Editor.

Several handy features are put at your disposal: manual routing tools, shape-based autorouter and auto-placer, schematic capture with multi-level hierarchy, libraries with lots of parts, component and pattern editors, import and export, 3D preview, advanced verification features, Spice support, and more. As mentioned above, DipTrace Free is meant for non-profit use only and is limited to 300 pins.

DipTrace Free is a properly good PCB design software that features an intuitive interface and can be used for non-profit purposes for free.