Compare the Top Free PCB Design Software as of October 2026

What is Free PCB Design Software?

PCB design software is software used for designing and laying out circuit boards. It allows users to quickly create and modify electrical components, as well as simulate potential designs. In addition, the software can be used to generate models and images of PCBs that can be shared with colleagues or printed for physical hardware manufacture. PCB design software offers an intuitive graphical user interface which makes it easy to learn even for non-technical users. Some of the features include auto-routers, track editing tools, control over component placement, 3D visualizations, and fabrication output formats. Compare and read user reviews of the best Free PCB Design software currently available using the table below. This list is updated regularly.

  • 1
    DipTrace

    DipTrace

    Novarm Ltd

    DipTrace is professional EDA software for schematic capture and PCB layout by Novarm Ltd, used by over 30,000 engineers in 50+ countries in aerospace, defense, medical, and industrial electronics. The PCB editor features interactive push-and-shove editing: moving a component on a routed board pushes surrounding traces and vias aside in real time, and an edited trace walks around pads and keepouts. Also included: shape-based autorouter, real-time DRC, differential pairs, length matching, 3D preview with STEP export, via stitching, panelizing, IPC-7351 pattern generator. The schematic editor supports hierarchical designs, ERC, and a Digital SPICE Simulator. DipTrace 5.3 adds a native XML project format suitable for version control, component search with Mouser integration, and SnapEDA access to 10M+ parts. Imports Altium, KiCad, Eagle, OrCAD, PADS. Exports Gerber X2, ODB++, IPC-2581, STEP. Windows, macOS, Linux. Perpetual license from $75, no subscription.
    Starting Price: $75 per license
  • 2
    PCB123

    PCB123

    Sunstone Circuits

    PCB123 is a full-feature design tool for Printed Circuit Board designers of all levels. Introduced as a free tool in 2002, PCB123 still operates on a risk-sharing business model: We don't get paid until you succeed at designing your PCB. And to help ensure your success, we staff our technical support department with professionals that can answer your questions. So what's to stop you? Easy-to-use, and professional-grade PCB CAD software that's free and fully supported. We don’t throttle our tool and charge you for a license to give you full functionality. We get paid when you order boards – it really is that simple. software developer’s kit, with programmatic access to the PCB123 database, you can expand the tool for your own purposes. Our PCB layout specialists are available to help you stretch your resource dollars & speed your PCB prototyping cycle. Submit basic design information to get a quote.
    Starting Price: $0
  • 3
    ProtoFlow

    ProtoFlow

    ProtoFlow

    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.
    Starting Price: Free
  • 4
    Numerical Cloud

    Numerical Cloud

    Numerical Innovations Inc.

    With the Numerical Cloud, you get all the professional CAM / DFM / 3D Software Tools and Translators you need at an affordable cost. FAB 3000 - Professional Gerber, Editor, PCB Panelize and DFM Verification Software ACE 2D/3D Translator - The Easiest CAD/EDA/3D Conversion tool available EasyGerb for AutoCAD 2025 - AutoCAD Plug-in that's runs directly inside AutoCAD ACE for FUJIFILM Dimatix Printers - The Original OEM Conversion software built specifically for Fujifilm Dimatix printers. Runs Legacy Tools - FAB 3000 V7, EasyGerb V7, ACE 3000 V7 3D STEP and STL Translators The Numerical Cloud is our most valuable and affordable solution for all engineers! Use it when you need it - Includes Support - No Contract - Cancel Anytime. This is based on an auto-renewal / recurring credit card subscription.
    Starting Price: $74.99
  • 5

    HQDFM

    NextPCB

    Starting Price: $0
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