If you are interested in getting started with PCB design then you are going to need to find a PCB design software to use. There are many out there on the market and the only way to find out which one is right for you is to try out a few. So much goes into PCB design that you need to make sure that you are finding a software which has all the capabilities you need. Let’s take a look at some of the benefits of choosing a free software.
Free Trials
Many of the best layout PCB softwares which you pay for also have a free trial attached to them. This means that you can test the full spectrum of what the software can do without having to put any money towards it.
These free trials usually last for at least a week. This should be enough time for you to take a project to completion, in which you test as many of the software’s capabilities as possible. If you are not satisfied with the software you have chosen then you should move on and find another. Kick off the search now and download Altium’s free software. Altium is one of the best PCB design softwares available and it is an excellent place for you to start.
Go Free
If you are still not convinced after any of the free trials, you could try out one of the many design softwares out there which are completely free. They often have the same toolsets as the paid versions and, while they may not be as comprehensive, they can offer much of the same experiences.
This is a brilliant option if you are designing PCBs as a hobby instead of an actual career. You won’t be held back by hefty subscription fees and you can still design something with all the capabilities you need it to do.
Put the Money Elsewhere
PCB design is not always the cheapest of hobbies. You may want to seek out a free version of PCB design software so you can funnel the expenses towards something you would rather spend your money on, such as manufacturing.
Gathering components together and paying someone to bring your design to life can be one of the most cost-consuming parts of the project; especially if your design is flawed and it needs a second round of design and testing.
Don’t be fooled into thinking that a free version of a PCB designer cannot be as good as the real deal. The free versions often have everything you need and you won’t have to pay for any of the extra features which you are never going to use. Even if you think you would like to opt for a paid-for version, there is probably a free trial out there which will allow you to check it out fully without paying any money first. No matter why you need PCB software, there are plenty of benefits to checking out a free software first!