Free Circuit Drawing Software Mac

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At the core of this unique approach is a powerful software engine that enables you to capture Schematics, design PCB boards and layouts. EasyEDA is a free, zero-install, Web and cloud-based EDA tool suite, integrating powerful schematic capture, mixed-mode circuit simulation and PCB layout in a seamless cross-platform browser. Welcome to the Scheme-it Free Online Schematic and Diagramming Tool DigiKey Electronics Scheme-it project. Scheme-it is a free online schematic drawing tool that will allow you to produce professional looking schematic diagrams, add corresponding part numbers, and share your schematic with others.

Electrical and electronic circuits play a vital role in every instrument and those who belong to the electronics field, they have to get an idea about their designing & development. In such a condition, circuit designing software’s allow everybody to design circuits for different application purposes. At present, advancement in technology has increased because of the internet. There are different types of circuit design tools available in the market which is used to design the circuits for electrical and electronic projects. This article discusses the most frequently used circuit design software.

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What is Circuit Design Software?

While designing electronic projects, circuit designing process is the primary step to make the schematic diagram. The schematic diagram states that how circuit components are connected jointly on a PCB (printed circuit board). Once the designing part is completed, engineers can utilize their diagram for simulation. So, the circuit design software plays an essential role in electronic engineer’s life for designing & checking the faults in design at usual intervals. It is also very simple to navigate with plenty of options obtainable for best circuit design. So in today’s EDA tools, there are different features available, but often these tools cost a lot for engineers. Hence engineers are always looking for alternatives to use.

Logisim

This is an open source as well as a free tool, and this software is used to design & simulate digital logic circuits. Logisim is very useful in learning on the fundamental logic circuits concepts because it provides an interface like simple to use toolbar. This software includes many inbuilt components namely logic gates, multiplexer, I/O circuits, Flip-Flops, power, arithmetic circuits, ground.

There is a module namely combinational analysis, and the main function of this module is to enable the user to take on conversion among truth tables, circuits, &expressions. There is a combinational analysis module that enables the users to take on conversion between circuits, truth tables, and Boolean expressions. Please refer to this link to download-Logisim

Fritzing

Fritzing is open source circuit design software and it is used for the Windows users. This tool is used to make the Arduino prototypes & PCBs designing. Fritzing is a perfect tool not only for the beginners as well as non-engineers for designing, learning, & sharing the information of circuits.

Fritzing tools mainly includes different components like switches, resistors, ICs, diodes, gates, wires, junctions, etc. Once the design completes then it saves in.FZZ format. Finally, It also allows the designer to export the design into an image or a PDF. The design can be viewed in various modes like a breadboard, PCB, and schematic & code. Finally, there is an assistance page to give support in case the consumer faces any complexity during the designing. Please refer to this link to download- Fritzing

Zenit PCB

Zenit PCB software is also mainly used for circuit designing using various electronic components for semi-professional projects due to the restriction of usage of 800-pins. ZenitPCB software includes a black colored board with a network where every component can be placed with a right click.

Finally, the design can be saved in.ZSC format & everyone can also print out a copy of the project. Furthermore, the designing can be exported in the form of TXT which includes the author, design name, number of parts, pins, etc. A user guide is also available in PDF format in the help menu. Please refer to this link to download- Zenit PCB

TinyCAD

TinyCAD software is an open source for Windows users. It gives total sign symbol libraries along with tools namely PCB layouts, & schematic capture. The circuit design can be done using the components namely relays, logic gates, diodes, power sources, capacitor, switches, & microcontrollers. Additionally, it includes text, shapes, wires, and symbols for confirming the circuit connections.

Once the circuit design is finished, the circuit can take print directly, and the user can copy and paste the image in the type of a document, otherwise, user can save them in PNG bitmap otherwise the web format. Once the design completed, the file can be saved in .dsn format. Please refer to this link to download- TinyCAD


Proteus (Paid)

Proteus is one type of circuit designing software and it is a paid tool which is accessible for different platforms like Windows, Linux, & MAC. It permits users to design & deliver PCB designs. It is a complete tool for the engineers, and it carries an in-built STEP export & an auto-router in global shape. Furthermore, there are hundreds of microcontroller alternatives for the simulation.

The Proteus modules mainly include PCB design, microcontroller simulation, 3D verification, and schematic capture. Proteus is paid software the consumers can purchase it numerous configurations, based on the design size & the simulation microcontroller requirement. The price of normal feature set 487 $ but the specialized feature set is 1,642 $. Please refer to this link to download- Proteus

Eagle (PAID)

The full-form of Eagle software is ‘easy applicable graphical layout editor’ and for non-commercial use, a free version for circuit design is also available. It supports all operating systems and provides three modules namely schematic editor, an auto-router & layout editor, The circuit designing can be done using the components like filters, op-amps, diode, comparator, supply, symbols. Whenever the user clicks on every component, it reveals the features like symbol, name, etc.

By clicking the right side of the component, the user can rotate copy and delete the component. The circuit drawing in Eagle software can be imported while the pin-list, part-list, and net-list can be exported. The price of Eagle versions are Standard version is 69$, Premium version is 820$, Ultimate version is 640$, Premium LS version is 575$, & Ultimate LS version is 1145$. Please refer to this link to download- Eagle

Lucidchart (Paid)

Lucid chart software is a web-based protected platform. It is mainly used to permit users who can access from different locations to work together with their coworkers in circuit designing, modifying and charts & diagrams sharing. This software runs in a browser which supports HTML5, which means it doesn’t need third party software update such as flash. This software offers a free option as well as a subscription plan. The cost of this tool varies based on month and annual. For one month, it charges11.95 $ & 9.95 $ per month. Please refer to this link to download- Lucidchart

Digi-key

Digi-key is a free online schematic design tool. By using this tool one can design and share electronic circuits. This tool comprises of a complete electronic symbol library & also component list for designing circuits. Moreover, an in-built materials bill can be provided to keep follow the parts which are utilized in a circuit design.

When the circuit design is complete, then the user can export an image file otherwise share it through e-mail to others. Digi-key scheme-it supports all main web browsers without any use of plug-ins. All you need to do is, you have to register to design the schematics to save and share designs. Please refer to this link to download- Digi-key

KiCad EDA

KiCad is free software for EDA (electronic design automation). It is well-suited with all the operating systems and accessible with tools like PCB layout, schematic editor, & 3D Viewer. It allows the user to edit and add the components to decide the PCB layout.

The KiCad EDA has several in-built components like display, microchip, audio device, power, memory, transistor, etc. And extra components also selected like ground, bus, wire, and junction. In addition, there is a Footprint Editor for PCB & extra tools like a PCB Calculator & Bitmap2Component converter. Please refer to this link to download- kiCad EDA

Circuit Maker

This is a desktop-based tool that aids while designing circuits for Window operating system. To design the circuit, the first user has to log in the website and sign up. Once the circuit design is completed, the circuit can be saved online or on your device. The main feature of this software is that it holds a teamwork facility which allows you to access from anywhere. Please refer to this link to download- Circuit Maker

Thus, these are the free and paid circuit designing software’s which can be availed by the professionals, beginners, and students for designing electronic circuits easily. Here is a question for you, please mention some more paid circuit design software’s?

For my work I use AutoCAD LT or ePlan Fluid to draw hydraulic, pneumatic, lube and P&ID schematics. Companies where I worked and where I have the work now, provide this software because the price of them is unbelievably high for the regular individual.

One day, after reading of this article I decided to try to find something absolutely FREE for Fluid Power schematic design.

All software what I found, I divided into three categories:

  1. FREE Generic 2D CAD software
  2. FREE specialized Fluid Power design software for PC
  3. FREE specialized online Fluid Power design software

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FREE Generic 2D CAD software (Most popular only)

Most companies use 2D CAD software for their mechanical design and combine regular drawings design with the schematic design. For that, fluid power designers create own symbols libraries or use free and ready to use libraries from different suppliers (as an example).

1. AutoDesk AutoCAD, version for students

The link: http://www.autodesk.com/education/free-software/autocad

“Free Autodesk software is for personal use for education purposes and is subject to the terms and conditions of the end-user license agreement that accompanies download of the software.”

Mac

Benefits:

  • This is the AutoCAD – the best software in the world for 2D design. You can use it not only for schematic design but for any drawings you need.
  • Free license for 3 years. After 3 years you can renew your license or get a new one for the new version of AutoCAD.
  • No any limits in compare with the commercial version

Disadvantages:

  • Legally you can use it for education purpose only
  • You need to create a personal symbol library or try to find a free download of it somewhere on the internet.
  • Version for Windows only.

2. nanoCAD from Nanosoft

The link: https://nanocad.com/products/nanoCAD/

“nanoCAD is a professional grade CAD tool. It has a familiar interface, powerful drafting and design tools, native DWG compatibility, and an open API. And it’s totally free to use and share.”

nanoCAD 5.0 screenshot

Benefits:

  • This software is very close to AutoCAD by the functionality and drafting method. If you worked/working in AutoCAD – you almost do not find any differences.
  • I think, currently, this is the best FREE alternative for AutoCAD and I use it on my personal PC.
  • Small size (400 Mb) and works pretty fast.
  • Works with ALL AutoCAD files formats!

Disadvantages:

  • Little bit fewer functions than AutoCAD has but more than enough to use it to draw circuits/diagrams.
  • You need to create a personal hydraulic/pneumatic symbols library.
  • Version for Windows OS only.

3. Dassault Systemes DraftSight

The link: https://www.3ds.com/products-services/draftsight-cad-software/

Free FOR STUDENTS, HOBBYISTS AND OTHER INDIVIDUALS

Benefits:

  • Very powerful, the same functions as AutoCAD has, the best alternative for AutoCAD
  • Read and write support for DWG/DXF files
  • No any limits in compare with the commercial version, just free registration is required
  • Versions for Windows, MAC add Linux.

Disadvantages:

  • You need to create a personal symbol library or try to find a free download of it somewhere on the internet.

Updates

Jan 30, 2019. Bad news: the last version of DraftSight 2019 for Windows is offered in paid versions only. The latest FREE version is DraftSight 2018. All free versions of DraftSight (2018 or earlier) will cease to run after 12/31/2019Read more…
But free versions still available for MAC OS and Linux OS.

4. LibreCAD

The link: https://librecad.org/

LibreCAD is a free Open Source CAD application for Windows, Apple and Linux. Support and documentation is free from our large, dedicated community of users, contributors and developers.

LibreCAD screenshot

Benefits:

  • LibreCAD was developed as a fork of QCad Community Edition but has more efficient core and better quality of UI
  • Most of the interface and handle concepts are analogous to AutoCAD
  • Read and write support for DWG/DXF files
  • Versions for Windows, MAC add Linux.

Disadvantages:

  • You need to create a personal symbol library or try to find a free download of it somewhere on the internet.
  • Some specific drafting manipulations still required, different from AutoCAD.

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FREE specialized Fluid Power design software for PC

Above was the most popular 2D CAD software only (which can work with DXF/DWG format). And, there is a lot of other free 2D CAD software that you can use for schematic design. I don’t want to repeat others, you can google and find a lot of them.

But specialized products are more interesting for us. Let see what we have for today.

1. Bosch Rexroth Scheme Editor

The link: https://www.boschrexroth.com/en/xc/product…editor/dc-scheme-editor

The Scheme Editor software is available to you free of charge and allows you to intuitively create pneumatic circuit diagrams. This software helps you create standardized pneumatic circuit diagrams, from simple designs to complex projects. CAD skills are not required.

Benefits:

  • drag&drop easy creation of pneumatic connections
  • Symbol Modelling Tool (SMT) enables creation/modification of user-defined symbols
  • user-defined symbols library
  • user-defined templates

This is a very interesting product because it very flexible: if you do not have specific symbol in the library – you can create it, if you need an own template – you can design it. Working with this software I found the next issues:

  • You have to be very careful with line connections: the lines can change their placement in strange directions if you move the symbol!
  • There is a pneumatic symbols library only.

Using Symbol Modelling Tool I’m creating my own hydraulic library (symbol-by-symbol each time by request of my task), so you need to spend time on that. I wrote the E-mail to the technical support about a hydraulic library and got the response: “We will release a hydraulic library in this year together with a new Scheme Editor version”. So, I hope it will happen! And when it happens, the Schematic Editor will be the best fluid power design utility!

Updates
Oct 10, 2016. The new version of the Bosch Rexroth Scheme Editor 6.2. has been released. And now it contains the Hydraulic library! Read more…
Jan 27, 2017. The new version of the Bosch Rexroth Scheme Editor 6.3. has been released. The major change is an extended Rexroth Hydraulic Library. Read more…

Free Electrical Schematic Drawing Software

2. SMCDraw

The link: https://www.smcworld.com/select/pcds/en-jp/index.html

A pneumatic circuit diagram can be easily created by using the database for pneumatic equipment drawing symbols.

SMCDraw screenshot

Benefits:

  • Some simple calculation can be made after system design (full stroke time, max velocity, flow, Dynamic characteristics simulation, etc.).
  • Helps to select pneumatic components from SMC assortment only.
  • Has the symbol design tool, but very uncomfortable to work with it.

Disadvantages:

  • This software to design pneumatic schematics only.
  • Limited by SMC assortment symbols library. You need to create a personal symbol library.
  • Not intuitive and not comfortable design work.
  • Not easy to connect symbols even with snap to grid.

What I really like in this software – the idea of some components/system calculations. I think, the SMC team is selected the correct way, but the product is still too fresh for use. Hopefully, it will be more intuitive and more comfortable for work in future versions. And, unfortunately, this software is for the design of pneumatic schematics only.

3. HydraForce i-Design

Electrical Drawing Software

The link: http://www.hydraforce.com/i-design.html

i-Design comes pre-loaded with everything you need to design a hydraulic schematic, featuring over 1000 configurable hydraulic components, including cartridge valves, pumps, motors and cylinders.

Benefits:

  • Based on the Automation Studio engine. Symbols and connections work perfectly.
  • Very intuitive and comfortable design work.
  • In addition to the schematic, you get the full package for manifold design.

Disadvantages:

  • First of all, this software is the utility to design hydraulic manifolds using HydraForce components only.
  • Very limited library: you can use HydraForce components only and you can’t add/create new symbols. For that, you have to use the Automation Studio software.
  • The HydraForce template title you can use only.

Theoretically, using this software you can try to design a generic schematic because some generic symbols like cylinders, pumps, motors, pressure gauges, and others also present in the library. But to make the design easily you have to use HydraForce hydraulic components mostly.

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FREE specialized online Fluid Power design software

What is really good with online design:

  • no any software needs to be installed
  • doesn’t matter what operating system you use
  • files are automatically saved at the server but you can export and download them in any format.

1. SUN QuickDesign SmartConnect

The link: http://www.sunhydraulics.com/abo…chematic-tool

Define your specs as you build your schematic. Submit to QuickDesign™. Get your custom integrated package design. Request a quote. All in a matter of minutes. In one handy, free online software tool. Seriously.

SUN QuickDesign screenshot

Benefits:

  • Drag&drop easy creation of hydraulic connections
  • Work field looks like AutoCAD
  • Very intuitive and comfortable design work
  • Easy to design manifolds

Disadvantages:

  • Very limited symbols library: you can use SUN Hydraulics components only and you can’t add/create new symbols.
  • The SUN template title you can use only.

I have already wrote the article about this online application. SUN created really nice online application. Very intuitive and comfortable work, minimum buttons, no any complicated menus. But again, you can try to design generic schematic because some generic symbols like cylinders, pumps, motors, pressure gauges and others also present in the library. But first of all this application developed for SUN Hydraulic components using only.

2. Danfoss EasyManifold

Added Sep. 25, 2019

The link: https://comatrol.com/easymanifold3d/

EasyManifold’s intuitive user interface allows you to create your hydraulic schematic circuit by dragging and dropping from Danfoss ICS’s complete digital library and the software will generate the full 3D!

Starting November 16th, 2018, Comatrol is a commercial brand name belonging to Danfoss and Comatrol’s “Easyvalve” is not available anymore. Instead, you can use the Danfoss EasyManifold online tool. The tool is free for use, but you need to contact a local Danfoss distributor to make an account and get access. I do not have access yet and can not comment a lot. But after watching the video how to use it at their website, it seems to me the online tool engine is 1:1 what the SUN Hydraulics has. Therefore, I suspect the same Benefits and Disadvantages will be applied for Danfoss product. As soon I get access to the tool I will make a full review of it.

Resume

If be honest, from all of free soft what I found, AutoCAD and DraftSight are still most preferred to use for schematic design. Hopefully, in the future, with a new version of Bosch Rexroth Scheme Editor (with integrated hydraulic symbols library) the situation can be changed. If I find something else, I will add all new applications reviews to this article. If you know something else what can help with FREE design of Fluid Power schematics – please let me know in comments below.

Updates

Aug 31, 2019. Since Comotrol is part of Danfoss, Comatrol Easyvalve is not available anymore, so info about this software was removed.
Sep 25, 2019. URLs were updated in this post.
Dec 29, 2019. Info about QCAD was replaced with LibreCAD.
Oct 14, 2020. Info about nanoCAD has been added.