It's also relatively easy to create or modify your own symbols and footprints. Heck, even Digi-Key has libraries for a large number of their components. Ultra librarian has a huge selection of symbols, footprints, and 3D components which are relatively easy to import. Taking those design files and trying to convert them or worst yet, recreate from scratch because there is no conversion is a bad experience.Īt least with KiCAD I can always download an older version to open old files and so far old files have been compatible with newer releases.

I've been burned a number of times by companies going out of business or being bought out and transitioning to subscription licensing. There is a little learning curve but I think in the long run it's a better choice for me than many others because of the moves to online subscriptions. I have used many CAD programs through the years for schematic and layout. I have been using KiCAD for a couple years now and I have to say that they have made enormous improvements and it's now my go to.

Diptrace software