Free software to create circuit diagrams?

Hello!

I am looking for a software program to draw up some schematics of my project. I am having problems with my project, and would like to present a quality schematic to the forums while asking for help.

-Brian

Brian
I had a similar issue lately and I installed Design spark PCB.
It took me some time to understand. I have no clue how it relates to other software but it is free :slight_smile:
Best regards
Jantje

EAGLE is good
create circuit diagrmas
ans PCBs!

If you're on Linux - there's KiCAD, and if you are masochistic, gEDA (it has a very steep learning curve); you can also run EagleCAD on Linux too. There's also this tool: http://www.digikey.com/us/en/mkt/scheme-it.html

And expresspcb.com, great for drawing something up quick for discussion here.
eagle from cadsoft.de for circuit boards eventually.

Some people use Fritzing, I personally hate it because when I first used it it was earlier in its development, probably 1.5-2 years ago, and extremely buggy and annoying to use. I learned Eagle, so obviously I never tried Fritzing again.

It is easier (consequently not as powerful as Eagle) and theoretically less buggy now, but I wouldn't know.

But I'd say it's worth learning Eagle.

Hey Everyone, Thanks for the info. Eagle looks to be more popular and known by more people, So I am going to start learning that one.

How Can I get an Arduino Uno into an Eagle Schematic? The actual Atmega chip is there, although for completeness I would like to wire everything as it is in the real world project. XD

Download the eagle files from the Hardware section as a starting point.

Hi..........

If you just want to draw fairly basic schematics, any CAD software will do. If your schematics will be more complex, you might be better off with a package specifically designed for drawing them, such as OrCAD or PADS. There is also Kicad, a free, open-source schematic and simulation package, but I don't know if their license allows use for educational purposes or only for personal use.

brian15co:
How Can I get an Arduino Uno into an Eagle Schematic? The actual Atmega chip is there, although for completeness I would like to wire everything as it is in the real world project. XD

I usually treat the Arduino as a single component, and on my schematics just use pin headers. For example, I'll have a 6pin for A0 to A5, or another for Vin, GND, 5v etc.