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PCB Editor — Overview

The PCB Editor handles board layout — from component placement to trace routing, copper zones, design rule checks, and manufacturing file export.

What You Can Do Here

Task Tool
Place footprints from library or schematic Library panel / Available Footprints dialog
Route copper traces between pads Route Trace tool (X)
Place vias to switch routing layers Via tool (V)
Add mechanical holes (screws, standoffs) Place Hole tool
Define the board outline Edge.Cuts layer + drawing tools
Fill copper zones (ground planes) Zone / Fill GND Plane
Run DFM / DRC checks Tools → DFM Check
Export Gerber, drill, BOM, PDF File → Export or Fabrication dialog
Preview the board in 3D View → 3D Viewer

Workspace

┌─────────────────────────── PCB Canvas ──────────────────────────────┐
│  [▷][📦 Place][── Route][● Via][○ Hole][□][○][T][📏]               │  ← Toolbar
│                                                    ┌──────────────┐  │
│ · · ┌─────────────────────────────────────────┐   │ Layer Panel  │  │
│ · · │              Board Area                 │   │ 👁 🟥 F.Cu  │  │
│ · · │                                         │   │ 👁 🟦 B.Cu  │  │
│ · · │  [R1]═══trace═══════════[U1]            │   │ 👁 🟡 Silk  │  │
│ · · │       ╌╌╌ratsnest╌╌╌╌╌  [J1]           │   │   🟣 Mask   │  │
│ · · │                                         │   │ 👁 🟫 Edge │  │
│ · · │  ══════ via ══════ trace ══════          │   └──────────────┘  │
│ · · └─────────────────────────────────────────┘                      │
└──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
  • Canvas — the board area with grid, footprints, traces, zones, and ratsnest lines (unrouted connections)
  • Toolbar — floating tool buttons above the canvas
  • Layer panel — toggle visibility and select the active routing layer
  • Library panel — footprint list for placement
  • Properties panel — edit properties of the selected PCB object

PCB Toolbar Tools

Tool Shortcut Function
Select Esc Select and move objects
Place Footprint — Place a footprint from the library
Route Trace X Route copper traces between pads
Draw Via V Place a via manually
Place Hole — Place a mechanical hole
Draw Line / Rect / Circle / Arc / Polygon — Draw graphic shapes on any layer
Draw Text — Place text on silkscreen or fab layers
Measure — Measure distances on the board

Board Outline (Edge.Cuts)

Every PCB needs a board outline that defines its physical shape:

  1. In the Layer panel, click Edge.Cuts to make it the active layer
  2. Use the Draw Rectangle (or Polygon) tool to draw the board shape
  3. The outline appears in magenta

Why Edge.Cuts matters

The board outline is used for: - Telling the manufacturer where to cut the board - Defining the valid placement area for footprints (DFM checks this) - Clipping copper zone fills at the board edge

Ratsnest Lines

Ratsnest lines are thin dashed lines showing connections that have not yet been routed:

     [R1]                [U1]
      ┤├╌╌╌╌╌╌╌╌╌╌╌╌╌╌╌╌[Pin]
            ratsnest line
         (connection not yet routed)
  • Ratsnest lines automatically update after every edit
  • When you route a trace, the corresponding ratsnest line disappears
  • The goal is to route until all ratsnest lines are gone

Section Pages

Page What you'll learn
Footprints & Placement Load libraries, place and arrange footprints
Routing Route traces, vias, mechanical holes
Layers & Views Layer management, visibility, navigation
Zones & Planes Copper fills, ground planes, zone priority
DFM & DRC Design rule and manufacturability checks
Fabrication & Export Gerber, drill, BOM, PDF export