Free PCB Design Software: Complete Guide to KiCad, EasyEDA, and Online Tools

Designing printed circuit boards (PCBs) was once expensive and complex, requiring specialized software and expertise. Today, professional-grade PCB design tools are available for free—accessible to hobbyists, students, and professionals. This comprehensive guide explores the best free PCB design software available, comparing features, capabilities, and use cases.

What is PCB Design Software?

PCB design software allows engineers to:

• Create schematics - Design electronic circuits with symbols and connections
• Design layouts - Arrange components on physical boards
• Route traces - Draw connections between components
• Generate files - Produce manufacturing files (Gerber, Drill, etc.)
• Manage libraries - Access and create component symbols and footprints
• Check rules - Verify designs for electrical and manufacturing errors

Why Use Free PCB Design Software?

Cost Savings

Professional PCB software can cost $1000-5000+. Free tools eliminate this barrier.

Accessibility

Anyone can design and manufacture PCBs—no expensive licenses required.

Open Source

Many free tools are open source with active communities contributing improvements.

No Limitations

Modern free software matches or exceeds paid alternatives in features and capabilities.

KiCad: Professional-Grade Free PCB Design

Best For: Complex projects, professional production, advanced users

Overview

KiCad is the gold standard in free PCB design software. It's powerful, open-source, and used by professionals worldwide for everything from hobby projects to commercial products.

Key Features:

• Schematic Editor - Draw unlimited hierarchical schematics
• PCB Layout - 32-layer board support (expandable)
• 3D Viewer - Realistic 3D visualization of your PCB
• Footprint Editor - Create custom component packages
• Symbol Library - Massive built-in component library
• Design Rule Check - Verify design integrity automatically
• Gerber Export - Production-ready manufacturing files
• Multi-platform - Windows, Mac, Linux

Installation:

1. Visit kicad.org
2. Download latest version (currently 8.0+)
3. Install and launch
4. Start with built-in tutorials

Workflow:

1. Create New Project
   └─ Creates folder with all project files

2. Design Schematic
   └─ Add symbols, draw connections, add values

3. Design PCB Layout
   └─ Place footprints, route traces, add vias

4. Check Design
   └─ Run DRC (Design Rule Check)

5. Generate Gerber Files
   └─ Export production files for manufacturer

6. Order PCBs
   └─ Send to PCB fab (JLCPCB, PCBWay, etc.)

Simple ESP32 Project Example:

Schematic Elements:
- ESP32 Module
- 3.3V Voltage Regulator
- USB Connector
- Reset Button
- Boot Button
- Power LED
- Decoupling Capacitors

PCB Layout:
- 4-layer board (Power, Ground, Signal layers)
- Trace width: 8 mil (0.2mm)
- Via size: 10 mil (0.25mm)
- Minimum clearance: 5 mil (0.125mm)

Pros:

• Professional-grade capabilities
• Unlimited board size and complexity
• Excellent 3D visualization
• Strong community support
• Completely free, open source

Cons:

• Steeper learning curve for beginners
• Interface can feel overwhelming initially
• Requires local installation

Learning Resources:

• Official KiCad tutorials
• YouTube channels: Paul McCartney, Contextual Electronics
• Community forums: KiCad forums, Reddit r/KiCad

EasyEDA: Online PCB Design Made Simple

Best For: Beginners, quick prototypes, cloud-based workflow, direct PCB ordering

Overview

EasyEDA is a cloud-based PCB design platform requiring no installation. Perfect for beginners and those wanting to jump straight into ordering PCBs.

Key Features:

• Cloud-Based - Access from any browser, auto-saves
• Schematic Editor - Intuitive drag-and-drop interface
• PCB Layout - Multi-layer support (up to 16 layers)
• 3D Viewer - Real-time 3D visualization
• Large Component Library - Real components with 3D models
• SPICE Simulation - Test circuits before building
• Design Rule Check - Automatic error detection
• Integrated Ordering - Order directly from EasyEDA partner (JLCPCB)
• Free and Pro Plans - Free version is excellent

Getting Started:

1. Visit easyeda.com
2. Create free account
3. Start new project
4. Choose schematic or PCB design

Workflow:

1. Create Account (Free)
   └─ Email verification

2. New Project
   └─ Select Schematic or PCB

3. Design in Browser
   └─ Real-time collaboration
   └─ Auto-save to cloud

4. Simulate (Optional)
   └─ Test circuit behavior
   └─ Verify functionality

5. Export or Order
   └─ Export Gerber files
   └─ Or order PCBs directly

Unique Features:

SPICE Simulation

Test your circuit before manufacturing:

// Example: LED Current Limiting
- 5V power supply
- LED (Vf = 2V, If = 20mA max)
- Calculate resistor: R = (5V - 2V) / 20mA = 150Ω
- Simulate to verify

Direct Integration with JLCPCB

Seamlessly order PCBs:

• Designs sync directly to JLCPCB
• Get instant quotes
• Order in minutes

Pros:

• No installation required
• Beginner-friendly interface
• Cloud-based with auto-save
• Built-in SPICE simulation
• Direct PCB ordering integration
• Collaborative features
• Excellent for quick projects

Cons:

• Limited by browser/internet connection
• Pro features require subscription
• Less control than desktop tools
• Component library can be overwhelming

Free vs Pro:

Feature	Free	Pro
Projects	Unlimited	Unlimited
Schematic	✓	✓
PCB Layout	✓	✓
Simulation	Limited	✓
Libraries	Large	Larger
Export	✓	✓

Fritzing: Visual PCB Design for Beginners

Best For: Beginners, educational projects, breadboard prototyping, documentation

Overview

Fritzing is perfect for beginners because it uses familiar breadboard and component visuals. Great for documenting Arduino and Raspberry Pi projects.

Key Features:

• Breadboard View - Visual breadboard layout
• Schematic View - Traditional schematic drawing
• PCB View - Convert to PCB layout
• Large Component Library - Arduino, sensors, common parts
• Export Options - PNG, PDF, SVG, Gerber
• Educational Focus - Perfect for teaching electronics

Installation:

1. Visit fritzing.org
2. Download for your platform (Windows, Mac, Linux)
3. Install and launch

Unique Workflow:

1. Breadboard View
   └─ Drag components
   └─ Draw wires (visual)
   └─ See actual circuit layout

2. Schematic View
   └─ Auto-generated from breadboard
   └─ Or design from scratch

3. PCB View
   └─ Convert to PCB layout
   └─ Route traces
   └─ Export for manufacturing

Example: Arduino LED Circuit

Breadboard View:
[Arduino] ─── [LED] ─── [Resistor] ─── GND

Schematic View:
Pin13 → [Resistor 220Ω] → [LED] → GND

PCB View:
(Two-layer board with Arduino pinout)

Pros:

• Extremely beginner-friendly
• Visual breadboard makes learning easier
• Perfect for Arduino/Raspberry Pi documentation
• Great for educational purposes
• Free and open source

Cons:

• Limited for complex designs
• PCB layout capabilities less advanced
• Component library can be incomplete
• Slower development than alternatives

Other Free PCB Design Tools

Autodesk Eagle (Free Personal Use)

Best For: Professional-quality designs with fewer board size restrictions than some alternatives

• Two free projects (up to 80cm²)
• Industry standard in many companies
• Large community and component library
• Cross-platform (Windows, Mac, Linux)

Altium Designer Viewer (Free)

Best For: Viewing and editing professional designs

• View existing designs
• Make limited edits
• Learn from professional schematics

PCBWeb (Free Online)

Best For: Quick, simple designs without installation

• Browser-based design
• Free tier with limitations
• Integration with PCB ordering

LibrePCB (Emerging)

Best For: Modern, open-source alternative to KiCad

• New, actively developed
• Cross-platform
• Open source
• Still gaining community adoption

Comparison Table

Software	Best For	Installation	Learning Curve	PCB Complexity	Cost
KiCad	Professional projects	Local install	Moderate-High	Unlimited	Free
EasyEDA	Quick prototypes	Online only	Low	Medium-High	Free/Pro
Fritzing	Beginners/Learning	Local install	Very Low	Low-Medium	Free
Eagle	Professional use	Local install	Moderate	Limited free	Free (limited)

PCB Design Workflow: From Idea to Production

Step 1: Plan Your Design

• Sketch circuit on paper
• List all components
• Determine board size and requirements

Step 2: Create Schematic

• Add components from library
• Draw connections
• Add reference designators (R1, C1, etc.)
• Add component values

Step 3: Perform Electrical Checks

• Check for unconnected pins (floating nodes)
• Verify power distribution
• Check signal routing

Step 4: Design PCB Layout

• Place components strategically
• Minimize trace lengths
• Separate analog and digital grounds (if applicable)
• Route critical signals carefully

Step 5: Route Traces

• Connect components with traces
• Use vias for multi-layer connections
• Maintain trace width rules
• Avoid sharp angles

Step 6: Design Rule Check (DRC)

• Run automated design checks
• Fix clearance violations
• Verify manufacturing requirements

Step 7: Generate Gerber Files

• Export manufacturing files
• Include drill file
• Add silkscreen
• Generate file preview

Step 8: Order PCBs

• Choose manufacturer (JLCPCB, PCBWay, Oshpark)
• Upload Gerber files
• Get instant quote
• Order and wait (usually 5-14 days)

Best Practices for PCB Design

Component Placement

• Group related components
• Place high-speed components close together
• Keep power supplies near supply points
• Minimize current loop areas

Trace Routing

• Use appropriate trace widths (thicker for power)
• Avoid acute angles (use 45° or 90°)
• Separate analog and digital traces
• Keep critical signals short

Power Distribution

• Multiple ground planes for low impedance
• Adequate power traces
• Decoupling capacitors near power pins
• Proper fusing and protection

Thermal Management

• Heat sinks for high-power components
• Thermal vias under components
• Copper pour for heat distribution
• Adequate spacing for ventilation

Creating Custom Footprints and Symbols

When to Create Custom Footprints:

• Using specialized or rare components
• Custom connectors
• Non-standard packaging

How to Create (KiCad):

1. Open Footprint Editor
2. Create new footprint
3. Add pads with correct dimensions
4. Add silkscreen outline
5. Set electrical properties
6. Save to library

Resources and Learning

Tutorials:

• YouTube: Contextual Electronics, Paul McCartney
• Official documentation for each tool
• Udemy and Coursera courses

Communities:

• Reddit: r/pcb, r/electronics
• Official forums for each tool
• GitHub repositories with examples

Component Resources:

• Datasheets (pdf.datasheetspdf.com)
• Octopart.com for component information
• Electronics reference sites

PCB Ordering and Manufacturing

Top PCB Manufacturers (Free Shipping Options):

• JLCPCB - $2 for 5 boards, 48-hour turnaround
• PCBWay - Various options, competitive pricing
• Oshpark - Premium quality, higher cost
• SeeedStudio Fusion - Good quality, reasonable pricing

Typical Costs:

• PCB prototype: $2-10 (5 boards)
• Component assembly: $0.50-2 per board
• Shipping: $5-15 globally

Real-World Example: Arduino Shield Design

Let's design a simple ESP32 WiFi shield:

Schematic:

Components:
- ESP32 Module
- 3.3V voltage regulator (AMS1117)
- USB Type-C connector
- Reset button
- Boot button
- Status LED (red)
- Power LED (green)
- Decoupling capacitors (100nF, 10µF)
- 2.4GHz antenna connector

Layout Considerations:

• Antenna placed at board edge
• Power supply on left side
• GPIO header on right side
• USB connector on bottom
• 4-layer board for optimal performance

File Generation:

• Gerber files (.gbr)
• NC Drill file (.txt)
• Assembly drawing
• Bill of Materials (BOM)

Conclusion

The era of expensive PCB design software is over. Today's free tools rival professional software costing thousands of dollars. Whether you're a beginner using Fritzing, a maker using EasyEDA, or an advanced designer using KiCad, you have access to world-class PCB design capabilities.

Start with the tool that matches your needs:

• Just learning? Use Fritzing
• Want quick prototypes? Use EasyEDA
• Building professional projects? Use KiCad

The barrier to entry for PCB design has never been lower. Combined with cheap PCB manufacturing (as low as $2-5), you can now design, manufacture, and iterate on custom hardware in days instead of months.

Ready to design your first PCB? Check out our Arduino and ESP32 projects for circuit inspiration, then build your custom board! 🔧