I knew that this was monstrous task but I figured that I might as well do stuff that I need first and then make it proper package somewhere into far future.

It would be as powerful as Eagle but with interface that humans can use. I decided to make my own PCB editor (named it Dove :)). Our relationship was full of pain but it lasted for quite a few years.Īt one point I decided that I had enough. However, it was only decent PCB editor that I knew and it was free (non-commercial use and up to a 100x80 millimeters). I hated it's non-standard interface, I hated it's component editor, I hated it's export pictures, you might say that I pretty much hated it's guts. This was defacto standard program for any cheap PCB creation. My first rendezvous with PCB design was with almighty Eagle. However, I find the above videos and websites are just as useful, if not better.As with probably half of my review, I will start with some personal history. It is up to date and covers most of the topics well (lacks library part creation). In my opinion, the book is a good introduction to the Eagle software. Update (): I just received the new book from Elektor, “ Learning to Fly with Eagle“.

The Dangerous Prototypes series of tutorials are helpful.Ī German individual who conducts Eagle training has posted his Power Point Slides which are useful.Īnd the best information on library part creation can be found here, here and here. The Sparkfun Eagle tutorial series covers the basics well: Schematics, and PCB Layout. I consider the two best to cover these topics by Jeremy Blum: Schematic Layout Tutorial Video, and PCB Layout Tutorial Video.Įlement 14 Cadsoft Webinar Video on board creation is also an excellent video. There are many youtube videos that demonstrate these functions, however most are of dubious value. There are two major program functions that need to be mastered, (1) schematic layout and, (2) board layout. I list below what I consider to be the most beneficial training videos and documents on the web. Having just spent a considerable amount of time trying to learn the EAGLE PCB software, I’m very familiar with the available learning resources. If this steep leaning curve concerns you, as an alternative, I am reading good things about the DipTrace program. However, it does have a steep learning curve. While it is a commercial program, the company offers a freeware version which limits the PCB size and a maximum of 2 layers. Because of that there are lots of component libraries available. The Cadsoft Eagle schematic/PCB layout program is the favorite among the open source community.

Diptrace freeware limitations