New release of the free package for PCB design automation . The program is available for Linux (Flatpak, AppImage), macOS, and Windows. The project code is written in C++ (interface in Qt) and under the GPLv3 license.
LibrePCB includes:
- An interface for project management;
- An electronic schematic editor;
- A multilayer PCB editor with support for cloning layouts for experiments with different component placement strategies;
- A library of electronic components with navigation through a tree-structured categorized list;
- An interface for connecting various existing component libraries, which can be added both as archives and through integration with repositories.
Notable features include a multilingual interface (including support for component names in different languages), integration of a schematic editor and project management tools in one package, a simple cross-platform graphical interface based on Qt, easy organization of work with the component library, the use of available formats for manual parsing of libraries and projects, Multi-PCB mode (parallel development of different board variations based on a single schematic), and automatic synchronization of the netlist between the schematic and the board layout.
LibrePCB is positioned as an intuitive package for quick development of simple boards, which lags significantly behind KiCad in functionality, but is much easier to use. The project is actively being developed, and not all planned features are yet implemented. For example, library uploading, creation, and modification, as well as the creation of simple multilayer schematics and boards, and material list export already work. Currently, only are support for hierarchical schematics and bus layout in schematics, a 3D viewer for the final board layout, and the ability to use the clipboard in schematic and board editors.
In the new release:
- Tools for compliance with design rules have been added (, Design Rule Checking) allows for the identification of common errors in printed circuit board design, such as missing connections, very narrow gaps between traces, and excessively thin copper elements. Detected issues are displayed in the sidebar. When clicking on a notification, the issue is highlighted on the board.
- An interface has been added for exporting the bill of materials (BOM) in CSV format. The BOM provides a specification of all components and parts used, along with their quantities required for the production of the final board. There is the option to add custom columns to indicate additional attributes in the BOM.
- The ability to print the board and export visible layers in PDF format.
Source: opennet.ru
