How do you make pcb components?

Hello, I am new to making a pcb and I have tried a few programs and have decided on minimal board editor to be the easiest program to use. I could not get into any other programs for example kicad or freepcb they were all too much at one time. Anyways so I found minimal board editor http://www.suigyodo.com/online/e/ it appears to be more simple however I am new to making components I will be primarily dealing with through hole and dip components and according to the website Guideline of Drawing the picture has both a non-plated drill hole and a plated drill hole in the same area In my opinion that seems redundant why dill a non-plated hole then drill a plated on? Also what is the proper drill size and spacing for a dip ic chip? Also I don't know what some of the layers listed here Layer of Minimum Board Editor are. Does anyone know what MMC, STC, STS, MMS and DIM are?
Did I design this component right (see attachment)?

first componet.png

STC/STS "stop" layers refer to those areas of the board that will not be covered with solder resist, or in other words the shiny metal will be visible there. Everything outside of those areas will be painted green (or red/black/etc.).

MMC/MMS would be where the solder paste is placed when using surface mount components. If you're using solder wire or not planning on making a solder mask stencil then this is of no importance to you. Try looking up a Youtube video of someone using "solder stencils" to see how that works.

DIM is just the board dimension layer or shows where the factory will be cutting the board.

Thank you for the info! Now to make a through hole component do I need both a non-plated drill hole and a plated drill hole or just one of those probly plated?

If you're going to have an IC pin in the hole or other electrical connection then the hole will be plated.

If you're planning on shipping your board off to a manufacturer then be aware that most of the low cost board houses will require that all holes are plated.

Ok thank you! :slight_smile:

Found this link on the MSP430 forum, thought it was a good (and THOROUGH) read:

After that you should have a pretty good working understanding of the various things involved with PCB design...

Mr_A,
Try this pcb design software, includes a good tutorial also. I tried Eagle and several others, this one made sense imediately.
About the second most popular after Eagle, plus no size restriction, just # of holes, 300 is the limit.
http://www.diptrace.com/.
http://oshpark.com/ is a community pcb order that is really cheap for three copies of your board at $5/sq. inch, 2 layer.

TomJ

I have long since gained a huge understanding of making a pcb thank you all for all your help and I do hope to one day create fun projects/kits that benefit the community.