Key Takeaways:
-
PCB Artist’s pricing model: Free for up to 100 pins, with premium plans starting at $49/month.
-
PCB Artist’s feature limitations: Free version has reduced features and support compared to premium plans.
-
Alternatives to PCB Artist: Eagle, KiCad, Altium Designer, and DesignSpark PCB.
-
Factors to consider when choosing a PCB design software: Cost, features, ease of use, and community support.
Is PCB Artist Free?
PCB Artist is a popular online PCB design software that offers both free and premium plans. The free plan is limited to 100 pins and has reduced features compared to the premium plans. However, it is still a good option for hobbyists and students who are just starting out with PCB design.
Features of the Free Version
The free version of PCB Artist includes the following features:
-
Up to 100 pins
-
Schematic capture
-
PCB layout
-
Gerber file generation
-
Basic routing tools
-
Limited component library
-
Limited support
Features of the Premium Plans
The premium plans of PCB Artist offer a number of additional features, including:
-
Unlimited pins
-
Advanced routing tools
-
Extended component library
-
3D visualization
-
Advanced simulation tools
-
Priority support
Pricing
The premium plans of PCB Artist start at $49/month. The following table compares the features of the free and premium plans:
FeatureFreePremiumPin limit100UnlimitedSchematic captureYesYesPCB layoutYesYesGerber file generationYesYesBasic routing toolsYesYesAdvanced routing toolsNoYesExtended component libraryNoYes3D visualizationNoYesAdvanced simulation toolsNoYesPriority supportNoYes
Alternatives to PCB Artist
If you are looking for a free PCB design software with more features than PCB Artist, you may want to consider the following alternatives:
-
Eagle: A free and open-source PCB design software that is popular among hobbyists and professionals.
-
KiCad: A free and open-source PCB design software that is known for its powerful features and ease of use.
-
Altium Designer: A commercial PCB design software that is used by many professional engineers.
-
DesignSpark PCB: A free PCB design software from RS Components that is designed for beginners and hobbyists.
Choosing the Right PCB Design Software
When choosing a PCB design software, it is important to consider the following factors:
-
Cost: The cost of the software is an important factor to consider, especially if you are on a budget.
-
Features: The features of the software are also important to consider. Make sure that the software has the features that you need for your projects.
-
Ease of use: The software should be easy to use, especially if you are a beginner.
-
Community support: A large community of users can be helpful for getting support and learning about the software.
Conclusion
PCB Artist is a good PCB design software for hobbyists and students who are just starting out. However, if you need more features or support, you may want to consider a premium plan or a different software altogether.