DesignSpark PCB

DesignSpark PCB

DesignSpark
+
+

Related Products

  • Altium Develop
    1,416 Ratings
    Visit Website
  • Google Cloud Platform
    61,049 Ratings
    Visit Website
  • TinyPNG
    69 Ratings
    Visit Website
  • MobiOffice
    15,505 Ratings
    Visit Website
  • Fixed Asset Pro
    215 Ratings
    Visit Website
  • TollFreeForwarding
    3,225 Ratings
    Visit Website
  • Signalmash
    16 Ratings
    Visit Website
  • Community Phone
    1,531 Ratings
    Visit Website
  • Fax.Cloud
    1 Rating
    Visit Website
  • Filerev
    3 Ratings
    Visit Website

About

Our free DesignSpark PCB is here to help your company explore more design options, leading to increased innovation. At the core of this unique software is a powerful software engine that enables you to capture schematics and design PCB boards and layouts. Our range of free-of-charge design tools and resources take your brightest ideas all the way through to final production. Whether you're looking for a design alone tool, a range of technical information, a complete design ecosystem, our complete suite can be integrated seamlessly into your existing design workflow. Be free when creating your schematic, there is no limitation on your schematic size or number of your schematic sheets. Feel free to use as many layers as you need on your next PCB design. There are no limits on the maximum number of nodes or pads and no restriction on the number of connections. The maximum size your PCB can be is 1m X 1m.

About

ProtoFlow is an AI-native desktop electronic design automation (EDA) tool for schematic capture and PCB design. Describe a circuit in plain language to create an editable first draft, search real electronic parts and footprints, inspect datasheets, clean up wiring, and continue manually in familiar schematic and board editors. ProtoFlow supports ERC/DRC review, 3D board inspection, Git-backed versioning and visual diffs, comments and collaboration, plus manufacturing outputs including Gerber, drill, BOM, and placement files. Designs remain normal editable geometry, and users should verify symbols, footprints, connections, and manufacturing data before production. ProtoFlow can read and write native KiCad files and export to established EDA workflows. A free plan is available without a credit card, with paid options for higher AI usage. It is built for hardware engineers, makers, students, educators, researchers, and electronics startups.

Platforms Supported

Windows Supported
Mac Not Supported
Linux Not Supported
Cloud Supported
On-Premises Not Supported
iPhone Not Supported
iPad Not Supported
Android Not Supported
Chromebook Not Supported

Platforms Supported

Windows Supported
Mac Supported
Linux Supported
Cloud Not Supported
On-Premises Not Supported
iPhone Not Supported
iPad Not Supported
Android Not Supported
Chromebook Not Supported

Audience

Companies interested in a free PCB solution to capture schematics and design PCB boards and layouts

Audience

Hardware engineers, makers, electronics students, educators, researchers, and hardware startups.

Support

Phone Support Not Supported
24/7 Live Support Not Supported
Online Supported

Support

Phone Support Not Supported
24/7 Live Support Not Supported
Online Supported

API

Offers API Not Supported

API

Offers API Not Supported

Screenshots and Videos

Screenshots and Videos

Pricing

No information available.
Free Version Not Supported
Free Trial Not Supported

Pricing

Free
Free plan with no expiration or credit card required. Paid plans and add-on credits are available for increased AI access and higher usage limits.
Free Version Supported
Free Trial Not Supported

Reviews/Ratings

Overall 4.0 / 5
ease 5.0 / 5
features 4.0 / 5
design 4.0 / 5
support 3.0 / 5

Reviews/Ratings

Overall 0.0 / 5
ease 0.0 / 5
features 0.0 / 5
design 0.0 / 5
support 0.0 / 5

This software hasn't been reviewed yet. Be the first to provide a review:

Review this Software

Pros & Cons from Real Users

Pros

  • DS PCB came from EasyPC, an already established EDA development company. The product was commercialized and rapidly improved over time, primarily targeting hobbyists and small businesses. The transition to RS Components as a "freeware" version and "PRO" offering (<$500 USD perpetual license) is seamless, as are integration features with Designspark Mech and Electrical packages. Exporting 3D files and importing into other RS Component applications is what I like most. DS PCB has EDA power for low to mid range development applications. If computational/algorithmic power is needed (high end signal analysis, simulation, thermal FSA) using 3rd party software is an option. 16 layer, blind vias, enhanced DRC, onboard signal analysis calculators also come with the package. The UI and menu organization has been simplified, easy steps to create parts and libraries, or importing from a global components database exists, the navigation of the product is easy to remember and use. Bugs, design improvements, fixes are seamless to the use, since this product is commercialized, a team of developers/programmers maintain this product regularly.

Cons

  • Autorouting for any EDA (I also use Altium) is a bear and not as computationally smart as I would like. Not too many option s for quick key short cuts for various menu items, but not an issue if one is more visually connected to their work. No integration to SPICE simulation programs. No integration to computational FSA tools. Lack of multi user collaboration tools.

Training

Documentation Supported
Webinars Not Supported
Live Online Not Supported
In Person Not Supported

Training

Documentation Supported
Webinars Not Supported
Live Online Not Supported
In Person Not Supported

Company Information

DesignSpark
Founded: 2010
United Kingdom
www.rs-online.com/designspark/pcb-software

Company Information

ProtoFlow
Founded: 2026
United States
www.protoflow.ai/

Alternatives

Autodesk EAGLE

Autodesk EAGLE

Autodesk

Alternatives

Autodesk EAGLE

Autodesk EAGLE

Autodesk

Categories

Categories

PCB Design Supported

PCB Design Features

3D Visualization Supported
Autorouting Not Supported
Collaboration Tools Supported
Component Library Supported
Design Rule Check Supported
Differential Pair Routing Not Supported
Schematic Editor Supported

Integrations

KiCad EDA Not Supported

Integrations

KiCad EDA Supported
Claim DesignSpark PCB and update features and information
Claim DesignSpark PCB and update features and information
Claim ProtoFlow and update features and information
Claim ProtoFlow and update features and information