DesignSpark PCB

The free PCB design tool from RS Components

  • Powerful schematic and PCB layout tool
  • Easy to learn and easy to use
  • Share your design files and collaborate with others

Download for FREE

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Introduction

DesignSpark PCB is the world's most powerful free schematic and PCB layout tool. It provides every electronics design engineer with access to a powerful and easy-to-use professional-standard PCB layout tool – and at no cost. In conjunction with the DesignSpark community site, DesignSpark PCB has become an industry standard for collaboration and sharing of design files.

Available for free download via the DesignSpark site, DesignSpark PCB is a fully featured design engine that comes without restrictions on board size, pin counts, layers or file output – the tool can generate industry-standard Gerber (RS-274-X), Excellon, DXF and IDF files among others. There is also no time limit on the licence and no restrictions on terms of use.

Now available in its sixth version, new features and functionality have continually been added to DesignSpark PCB, many of which are based on requests and suggestions from its large and growing user base. New features added since the tool’s launch in 2010 include 3D viewer, simulation interface, design calculators, component-grouping functionality, and online Design Rule Check (DRC) and Cross Probe functionality. The tool also links seamlessly into a library, of more than 80,000 component schematics and footprints. The tool also offers a portal to obtain a rough Bill-Of-Materials quote via the RS site, as well as a facility to obtain quotes for prototype boards from RS partner PCB manufacturers. DesignSpark PCB tutorials, FAQs and numerous design examples are available via designspark.com.

Watch the new DesignSpark PCB Video Hub

Please see attached link for details on features of all versions:
//www.rs-online.com/designspark/electronics/eng/knowledge-item/designspark-pcb-change-log

Hardware Requirements

CPU:

  • Pentium® 4 2.0 GHZ or Athlon® 2000+ or faster, 32-bit (x86) or 64-bit (x64) processor

RAM:

  • Minimum: 512MB RAM (32-bit), 1Gb RAM (64-bit)
  • Recommended: 2GB RAM or higher

Video Card:

  • Full DirectX® 9c,
  • Shader Model 3.0 hardware support
  • 256 MB of graphics memory or higher
  • 32 bits per pixel
  • 1024x768 minimum resolution
  • Please ensure that you have the latest graphics driver for your card and that Direct3D Acceleration is enabled
  • Run this diagnostic tool to check if your graphics hardware meets the above requirements

Recommended video cards:

Radeon®:

ATI® Radeon R300, R420, R520, R600, or R700 series.
Radeon 9x00 cards (9700, 9800) or newer

NVIDIA®:

NVIDIA GeForce® FX, 6, 7, or 8 series. NVIDIA FX5200s or newer

AMD™:

AMD FireGL™ T2-128 or higher (including the ‘Mobility’ series for laptops)

Others:

  • 2 Button Mouse with Wheel
  • Optional - 3D Mouse (e.g. 3Dconnexion)

Multi-touch:

  • Not compatible with a Multi-touch interface

Software requirements

  • Operating Systems:
  • Microsoft® Windows 7 - 32-bit and 64-bit
  • Microsoft® Windows 8 - 32-bit and 64-bit
  • Microsoft® Windows 10 - 64-bit
  • DesignSpark PCB is not officially supported on virtual platforms.
  1. Where can I get DesignSpark PCB?
    DesignSpark PCB is only available for download from DesignSpark.com.
  2. How much does DesignSpark PCB cost?
    DesignSpark PCB is free to download, but won't place limits on your designs (see next question).
  3. What are the limitations on designs and output file types?
    DesignSpark PCB is fully featured and without intentional limitations on board size, pin counts, layers or file output. Gerber files are generated, designers can decide where they wish to have their boards manufactured.
  4. Where can I learn more about DesignSpark PCB?
    DesignSpark.com is the home of DesignSpark PCB. Tutorials, examples, FAQ's and more can all be found at DesignSpark.com.
  5. Can I make suggestions for new features?
    Your feedback is most welcome, please submit any suggestions using the "new suggestion/question" link above.