Need a PCB design software from designing to manufacturing? ExpressPCB is a free resolution, excellent for hobbyists, college students, and small time prototyping.
ExpressPCB is a free CAD software program designed for creating printed circuit boards. After I set up it, I get two instruments: ExpressSCH for drawing circuit diagrams and ExpressPCB for laying out boards, putting elements, and routing connections. These instruments solely work on Home windows.
It’s nice for fast tasks, schooling, prototyping small to medium boards, supporting designs with as much as six layers. The 2 applications ExpressSCH and ExpressPCB discuss to one another, so adjustments in my schematic mechanically replace the PCB structure, protecting every little thing aligned.
I can design from anyplace, however the manufacturing companies run solely within the US. These companies additionally provide superior options like high-speed sign evaluation.
An skilled designer with 14 years expertise used ExpressPCB and stated “Internally there’s a wealthy choice of floor mount elements. This permits me to create designs with Postscript and different instruments equivalent to KiCad that assist DRC. Even BGA grids have restricted assist. Element creation is simple. Draw the half within the structure software, then group it and put it aside.”
The newest model I take advantage of is ExpressPCB Plus 3.2, launched in June 2023. It has smoother font rendering, higher components preview by means of SnapEDA, UL security certifications, IoT and date code markings, and stability enhancements. I hold the Traditional 7.9.0 model from August 2020 for older tasks. Though no main updates have are available in 2025.
ExpressPCB packs important options that stability ease for rookies with performance for professionals:
- Entry to over 10,000 elements within the software program library.
- Create multi-page diagrams of as much as 100 sheets.
- Designing boards as much as 31×31 inches with as much as 6 copper layer PCB.
- Drag-and-drop the instruments for straightforward usability.
- Actual-time Design Rule Checking
- Ensures schematic-layout alignment.
- Entry to part library plus SnapEDA
- Generate Gerber information, Excellon drill information, BOMs, and PDFs/PNGs.
- Built-in quoting helps you to order prototypes straight
These options make it simple for fast prototypes, although it lacks superior simulation or limitless layers.
PCB designer who used expressPCB for years stated “Software program is comparatively simple to make use of and with a modicum of effort, good designs could also be made. Nonetheless, mechanical options are restricted, equivalent to most gap dimension and no assist for non-plated holes or slots within the board’s inside.”
One consumer utilizing expressPCB for years stated “Their product is as marketed, they ship after they say they may, the costs are fairly affordable for small portions and disclosed up entrance with no hidden charges, the structure software program is filth easy to make use of and there’s no worrying about whether or not you might have the proper file format — simply click on just a few buttons in this system and enter your bank card quantity, and the boards are on their means.”
Each Traditional and Plus variations are free to obtain and to make use of with no subscriptions or hidden charges for design options. Solely manufacturing orders price cash. It’s proprietary, so no supply code, however totally purposeful for limitless tasks.
