The best PCB design software depends on your budget, board complexity, and design workflow. KiCad and EasyEDA offer free core design features, while Altium Develop and Cadence OrCAD X target professional engineering workflows. Autodesk Fusion is useful when PCB design must work alongside mechanical CAD and manufacturing.
This guide compares five PCB design tools by their main features, advantages, limitations, and intended users. It also explains what happened to Autodesk EAGLE and why Fusion is now Autodesk’s recommended path forward.
For a broader overview of electronic design automation, including circuit simulation and embedded systems, see our EDA software guide.
By Jordan Lee | Last updated: October 2026
PCB Design Software Comparison
| Software | Cost | Best for | Main strength |
|---|---|---|---|
| KiCad | Free and open source | Students, hobbyists, and professional designers | Full PCB design workflow without a license fee |
| EasyEDA | Free core editor features; optional paid services | Beginners and makers | Accessible design workflow and manufacturing connections |
| Altium Develop | $1,990/year | Professional designers and small teams | Advanced PCB design and shared workspaces |
| Autodesk Fusion | $680/year at regular U.S. annual pricing | Product teams combining PCB and mechanical design | Integrated electronics and mechanical workflows |
| Cadence OrCAD X | Quote-based | Professional electronics engineering | Commercial design and verification workflows |
Prices are based on published U.S. pricing where available and may change. Check the applicable plan and licensing terms before purchasing.
1. KiCad — Best Free PCB Design Software
KiCad is a free, open-source electronic design automation toolset for creating circuit schematics and printed circuit board layouts. It runs on Windows, Linux, and macOS.
It supports the main stages of PCB design, from drawing a circuit to arranging components, routing copper connections, checking design rules, and preparing manufacturing files.
Main features
- Schematic capture and PCB layout
- Design-rule checking (DRC)
- Component symbols and footprint libraries
- 3D board visualization
- Manufacturing file generation
Advantages
- No software license fee
- Open-source development
- No commercial subscription required for ordinary use
- Suitable for both learning and substantial PCB projects
Limitations
- New users need time to learn the workflow.
- Teams may need separate processes or tools for collaboration and project management.
Best for: Students, hobbyists, independent engineers, startups, and teams that want to avoid recurring software license costs.
KiCad provides a no-cost option for designing circuit schematics and PCB layouts, making it suitable for projects where avoiding software license fees is a priority. It is also worth comparing with Altium when deciding whether a paid workflow would provide enough additional value.
See our KiCad vs. Altium comparison for a closer look at their differences.
2. EasyEDA — Best for Getting Started Quickly
EasyEDA provides schematic design and PCB layout through a web-based workflow, with desktop options also available. Its component libraries and connections to electronics manufacturing services can help users move from a design to a prototype.
EasyEDA lets users work in either its Standard or Professional editor without paying for the editor itself. Paid plans primarily add services such as more cloud storage, longer operation-log retention, backup options, and enhanced support. PCB design software
Main features
- Schematic capture and PCB layout
- Component libraries
- Design-rule checking
- 3D PCB preview
- Manufacturing file generation
- Browser-based and desktop workflows
Advantages
- Free core design features
- Accessible for beginners
- Convenient component and manufacturing workflow
- EasyEDA offers both Standard and Professional editor features without requiring users to pay for the editor itself.
Limitations
- Some storage, backup, and support services require payment.
- Users should review data privacy and library-management needs before selecting a workflow.
Best for: Beginners, students, makers, and designers who want an accessible route from circuit design to PCB manufacturing.
EasyEDA is particularly worth considering for prototypes and projects where its component libraries and manufacturing connections are useful. For a more detailed look at its editions and limitations, read our EasyEDA guide. PCB design software
3. Altium Develop — Best for Professional PCB Design and Collaboration
Altium Develop combines Altium Designer’s PCB design capabilities with a shared workspace for project collaboration. It is aimed at engineers and small teams that need advanced design tools and a more organized way to manage shared projects.
Its workflow supports schematic design, PCB layout, design requirements, BOM management, and manufacturing handoff. The shared workspace also supports review and collaboration.
Main features
- Schematic design and PCB layout
- Rules-driven design workflows
- Shared projects and libraries
- Bill of materials (BOM) management
- Manufacturing handoff
- ECAD-MCAD collaboration capabilities
Advantages
- Combines design work with collaboration features
- Supports shared project information
- Useful for teams coordinating electronic and mechanical design
Limitations
- Requires a recurring commercial subscription.
- The cost may be unnecessary for simple hobby boards.
- Teams should check how many design-author seats they need.
Pricing: Altium lists Altium Develop at $1,990 per year, including one Altium Designer Author and one shared workspace. Up to four additional Author seats can be added for $995 per year each. Altium also offers a 30-day evaluation.
Best for: Professional PCB designers and small engineering teams that need advanced design tools and shared project workflows.
For a smaller project that does not require commercial collaboration features, KiCad may be enough. The choice depends on the design workflow, team requirements, and total license cost.
4. Autodesk Fusion — Best for PCB and Mechanical Design Together
Autodesk Fusion combines PCB design with mechanical CAD and manufacturing tools in one product environment. This is useful when a board must fit inside an enclosure or work as part of a larger mechanical assembly.
Designers can work with electronics and mechanical models while considering the physical product around the PCB. This can reduce the need to manage disconnected design environments.
Main features
- Schematic and PCB design
- PCB and mechanical design integration
- 3D product modeling
- CAD and CAM tools
- Collaboration and data management
Advantages
- Connects electronic and mechanical design
- Helps engineers check board placement within product assemblies
- Useful for products that combine electronics, enclosures, and manufactured parts
Limitations
- The commercial subscription may be more than a PCB-only project requires.
- Some of its advanced tools may be more than you need for basic PCB designs.
- Users should check which features are included in their license.
Pricing: Autodesk lists the regular U.S. annual price of base Fusion at $680 per user per year. Promotions and regional pricing may differ. Fusion for Personal Use is a separate, limited license and should not be treated as equivalent to the commercial subscription.
What happened to Autodesk EAGLE?
Autodesk no longer offers EAGLE as a supported product following its June 2026 discontinuation. Users who want to continue working within Autodesk’s ecosystem can consider the electronics design tools in Fusion. Those with older EAGLE projects should check file compatibility and migration requirements before moving their work to the newer environment.
That means EAGLE should no longer be presented as a current, supported choice for a new project. Users with existing designs should review Autodesk’s migration guidance before changing their workflow.
For new projects, compare Fusion with KiCad and EasyEDA based on the capabilities you need, licensing terms, and how you plan to manage your design files.
Best for: Product designers, startups, and engineering teams that need PCB design alongside mechanical CAD and manufacturing.
For more information about its broader capabilities and pricing, see our Autodesk Fusion guide.
5. Cadence OrCAD X — Best for Professional Electronics Workflows
Cadence OrCAD X is a commercial PCB design toolset for engineers working on electronic designs that require structured design and verification workflows.
Its available capabilities depend on the product tier. Depending on the package, the workflow can include schematic capture, PCB layout, and tools for checking or analyzing designs.
Main features
- Schematic capture
- PCB layout
- Design-rule checking
- Design verification and analysis capabilities, depending on the tier
- Professional engineering workflows
Advantages
- Designed for professional electronic design work
- Offers different product tiers
- Can suit teams with specific engineering and verification requirements
Limitations
- Features vary by package.
- Pricing may require a quote from Cadence or an authorized channel partner.
- It may be excessive for beginners and simple boards.
Pricing: Request a current quote for the required OrCAD X package. Confirm the included capabilities and license terms before comparing its cost with other products.
Best for: Professional engineers and organizations that need a commercial PCB design environment matched to their technical requirements. PCB design software
How to Choose the Right PCB Design Software
The best choice depends on the work you need to complete, not simply the number of features in a product.
Choose KiCad if avoiding license costs is important
KiCad is a strong option when you need schematic capture, PCB layout, and manufacturing outputs without a commercial license. It can suit beginners and experienced designers alike.
Choose EasyEDA for an accessible design workflow
EasyEDA is worth considering if you want to start designing quickly and value its component libraries and manufacturing connections. Review its storage and support options if you expect to use it for long-term projects or team work.
Choose Altium Develop for collaboration
Altium Develop is a better fit when professional PCB design, shared project information, and manufacturing handoff are important. Include the cost of the Author seats your team needs when budgeting.
Choose Fusion when the PCB is part of a physical product
Fusion is useful when electronics and mechanical design need to work together. It is particularly relevant when the same team also designs enclosures, assemblies, or manufactured components.
Choose OrCAD X for a specific professional workflow
OrCAD X may suit engineering teams that need particular design and verification capabilities. Identify the required package first, then request pricing for that package. PCB design software
What to Check Before Selecting a Tool
Before committing to PCB design software, compare the capabilities that matter for your projects.
- Board complexity: Check layer count, routing capabilities, and design-rule options.
- Design checks: Confirm that the software supports the electrical and manufacturing checks you need.
- Component libraries: Review the availability and maintenance of symbols, footprints, and component data.
- 3D and mechanical integration: Check whether you need to inspect the PCB inside an enclosure or exchange data with mechanical CAD tools.
- Manufacturing outputs: Confirm that the software can generate the file formats required by your PCB manufacturer.
- Collaboration: Consider shared projects, revision history, access controls, and data management if several people work on the same design.
- Total cost: Include subscriptions, extra seats, optional services, and required extensions.
Do not choose software on price alone. A free tool may be sufficient for many boards, while a paid product may be worthwhile if its additional features solve a real engineering problem.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best free PCB design software?
KiCad is a strong free option because it provides schematic capture, PCB layout, design-rule checking, and manufacturing outputs without a software license fee. EasyEDA is another option with free core editor features and a browser-based workflow. PCB design software
Is EasyEDA really free?
Yes. EasyEDA says its core editor features are free, and both the Standard and Professional editors can be used without paying for the editor itself. Paid plans add services such as extra cloud storage, extended operation logs, and enhanced support.
Is KiCad suitable for professional PCB design?
KiCad supports schematic capture, PCB layout, design-rule checking, and manufacturing outputs. Whether it suits a particular professional project depends on the project’s technical requirements and collaboration needs.
Is Autodesk EAGLE still supported?
No. Autodesk ended EAGLE sales and support on June 7, 2026. Autodesk recommends Fusion Electronics as the path forward and provides migration guidance for existing EAGLE designs.
Is paid PCB design software worth it?
It can be when a team needs advanced design workflows, collaboration, data management, or integration with mechanical engineering tools. For simpler projects, free software may provide everything required.
Can PCB design software generate manufacturing files?
Many PCB design tools generate manufacturing outputs such as Gerber files. Check the required formats and fabrication rules with your PCB manufacturer before releasing the design.
Conclusion
KiCad is a strong first choice for free PCB design software. EasyEDA is worth considering for its accessible workflow and manufacturing connections. Altium Develop and Cadence OrCAD X are options for professional engineering workflows, while Autodesk Fusion is especially useful when PCB and mechanical design must work together.
Autodesk EAGLE is no longer a current supported option, so users planning new projects should compare Fusion with other active tools instead.
Start with your board requirements, design checks, manufacturing needs, and budget. Then compare the specific features and total cost of the tools that meet those needs.