Is there a simple/intuitive schematic app out there? No issue paying for one, so long as it is not ad riddled. I just need something to replace my hand sketched or reversed engineered schematics.
Something like microsoft visio with a basic electronic symbol library would be good enough, Since all I care about is sticky connectors, with pin/component labeling.
Look at PCB design tools Like KiCad EDA, Fusion 360, Autodesk EAGLE, SOLIDWORKS PCB or Easyeda to name a few
I like KiCad
I have used Autodesk EAGLE for years, for making Schematics & PCB layouts.
Hi,
I use ExpressPCB.
Its free, has a repository of symbols.
I use it especially for reverse engineering.
Classic is the easiest.
Here is a simple example.
Next CAD I would prefer would be EasyEDA, especially if you are going to design PCBs.
Tom... 
If visio is good enough why don't you use it? My version has a 'toolbox' with standard electric components...
If I was starting out I’d try EASY EDA or KiCad.
TomGeorge,
thank you. Reverse engineer is all I ever do.
I have forgotten what the Visio issues were. And do not even have a version loaded anymore to try again. I just remember liking the connector and editing features for flowcharts, but not for schematics.
+1 for ExpressPCB. Plus it is very easy to make your own components and symbols. Much easier to learn than KiCad or Eagle.
I heard ExpressPCB was nice but No support for Unix/Mac for ExpressPCB…. Windows only…
Digikey has a free online schematic drawing tool. I've used it a couple of times and it's easy. You can download the files as a PNG file (and maybe other formats.). And you can save it for future editing.
You might have to sign-up for an account but they don't spam you.
For designing PC boards (and making associated schematics) I just used DesignSpark to make my first "computer designed" PCB. (Many years ago I did it by hand,) Then I had it fabricated in China via Seed Studio.
My only complaint with DesignSpark is that a lot of the schematic symbols are just boxes/rectangles with leads. (But you can make your own schematic symbols.) Oh, you also have to sign-up for an account and it logs-on every time you start the application, but it's free and it works and they also don't spam you.
I tried Eagle and KiCad but I got REALLY frustrated just trying to make a custom part from a similar existing part already in the library. I'm sure they are OK once you learn to do it, but trying to learn on my own it seemed "too hard". (This was for schematic and PCB design where the part has to be defined and linked for both.)
Just downloaded ExpressPCB and drew up my little power shield in about an hour. Really easy. HOWEVER $175 for 10 2x3 PCB's is a LOT of coin for a test prototype. A couple of iterations around THAT loop can run into real coin!
Someone here (maybe not on this thread) was saying basic boards are only like $4 each! How many they buying? 1000's?
If it's still available, TinyCAD is great. It's small and for me very intuitive. It does not however have any printed circuit capability.
Probably buying from https://jlcpcb.com/ or https://www.pcbway.com/ and the likes
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