Schematic Capture programs

There is absolutely no standardization among different schematic capture / EDA programs. And, many are simply unusable for any serious work.

The difference between a proper schematic capture and a junk solution is you wasting time downloading one, and struggling to have it do what you want.

Among the features that were evaluated for are:

• Ability to export drawing to an image
• Free versions available
• Proper symbol drawings for semiconductor devices (although libraries can fix this)
• Actually made for schematic capture, and not generic drawing

The list:

• Eagle. Free for. Has export. Idiotic library symbols. You can add other libraries, but those are scattered on the internet. Popular among hobbyists.

• WorkBench MultiSim. No export (in version 8, version 11 untested). Lacks some needed library parts.

Zenit Suite KiCAD pcbartist_1_4 dipfree_en64 freepcb_1200_setup

Rejected: open_sch_capt. alpha_0p16_open_sch_capt

See also

• Comparison of EDA software

Individual products

• Altium – Providers of Altium Designer (formerly Protel) and P-CAD (retired June 30, 2008).
• Autotrax – EDA/DEX is a Windows XP/Vista/7 schematic capture / PCB design layout program with built in Spice simulator and 3D part and board visualization.
• DipTrace – mid-range Schematic Capture and PCB Layout software that has a free version.
• Edwinxp – Totally Integrated Schematic Capture, Simulation and PCB design software.
• Electronics Workbench – Schematic Capture, Simulation and PCB design software suite.
• Multisim – Schematic Capture and SPICE Simulation software.
• Cadsoft EAGLE – Very capable mid-range Schematic Capture and PCB Layout software that has a free version.
• Kicad – open source schematic capture and PCB design software suite
• OrCAD – Full-featured commercial Schematic Capture and PCB layout.
• TARGET 3001! – mid-range Schematic Capture software that has a free version.
• gEDA – open source schematic capture using gschem, simulation, and PCB design software suite
• Spicy Schematics – First schematic capture program for iPad
• The Electric VLSI Design System