In 2025, it is easier than ever to design printed circuit boards ready for prototyping and full-scale production. In this blog, we will outline the merits of the top four PCB design software solutions, suitable for anyone from first-time PCB designers to experienced engineers.

Software solution #1 - KiCad 

KiCad is an entirely free-to-use (open-source) software suite that is capable of producing professional-grade electronics schematics, including printed circuit boards. KiCad can support complex, hierarchical designs that can be rendered and visualized in 3D. The ‘SPICE’ simulator is an integrated tool that simulates how a prototype PCB behaves. It can calculate engineering formulas and generate an accurate bill of materials (BOM) that is easily shared with your chosen PCB manufacturer. 

The software is compatible with all major platforms (macOS, Windows, Linux). Due to the nature of open-source programs, KiCad is constantly updated by professional users. Virtually all leading PCB manufacturers offering PCB assembly services and PCB prototype services accept the widely used Gerber file format, and KiCad can export Gerber files.

Software solution #2 - DipTrace

DipTrace is a commercial software solution that advertises itself as having ‘the shortest learning curve on the market.’ The ‘Full’ version of DipTrace is relatively expensive (as of October 2025, it costs $995). The full version has unlimited pins and signal layers. DipTrace also offers extended, standard, lite, and starter versions of its software with varying capabilities, from 300 pins / 2 single layers for the starter package to 2000 pins / 6 single layers for extended versions.

There is also a free demo for anyone wishing to try this printed circuit board design software before fully committing to a paid version. The main functions of DipTrace include schematic capture and comprehensive PCB layout design, and, as with KiCa, it offers real-time 3D PCB previews. DipTrace integrates well with PCB assembly services thanks to the IPC-7351 Pattern Generator, which can import from a library of over 160,000 components, with access to an astonishing 10 million parts. DipTrace looks a little more polished than KiCad and is easier to use for first-time PCB designers, but you do have to pay for these two features.

Software solution #3 - LibrePCB 

LibrePCB is another open-source software solution. It does not require an account and is incredibly quick and easy to get started. It works on Windows, Linux, and macOS and supports 22 languages. LibrePCB features an integrated library manager and PCB fabrication service that is very quick and intuitive to use. It also has a feature that you often have to pay for separately as part of a PCB prototype service: ‘task automation.’ Simple task automation with librePCB-cli can run checks and export data to improve QA at an early stage of development.

Speed and ease of use are two of LibrePCB's main features, and the main website even claims you can download and order a printed circuit board in just 10 minutes!

Software solution #4 - Horizon (EDA)

Horizon (also open-sourced) features a contemporary codebase and fully integrated library management. It is a relatively new solution, but one that has a roadmap to introduce more advanced features and additional support. It is capable of providing an integrated end-to-end PCB design workflow, including parts management, schematic capture, PCB layout design, and exporting ready for the first stage of PCB assembly services.

Horizon can also render 3D visualizations of printed circuit boards. At this stage in the product's life cycle, it looks like Horizon will be aimed at mature professionals, as opposed to first-time designers, but it is still easy enough for anyone to use.

Seeking further guidance from a leading PCB Manufacturer 

So there you have it, four popular PCB design software solutions each with their own individual benefits. If you are still undecided as to the best printed circuit board design software solution for your needs, we recommend speaking to your PCB manufacturer for bespoke advice and guidance.

Bay Area Circuits provides comprehensive PCB prototype services + PCB assembly services to a wide range of clients across the US. You can contact their helpful team on:

Phone: 510-933-9000

Email: [support@bacircuits.com

Website: bayareacircuits.com