According to market research, the global circuit diagram software market and its products are projected to grow at a CAGR of 4.9% from 2021 to 2026. With such a rapid growth rate, it’s no surprise that dozens of circuit diagram software tools are available today. To help you navigate different circuit makers, we’ve compiled a list of the five best circuit diagram software tools, with expert commentary on each one.
Our top picks include software that is user-friendly, feature-rich, and ideal for both beginners and professionals. One of our experts notes that “these software tools have intuitive interfaces that make designing circuits a breeze, and the range of features offered is impressive.” Another expert highlights the importance of software that offers “a complete solution for designing circuits, from schematic capture to PCB layout.” Our software picks offer just that, making the circuit design process more efficient and streamlined.
Whether you’re looking for a free circuit diagram tool or a paid one, our top 5 circuit diagram software tools have you covered. With reliable, efficient software that helps you create high-quality circuit diagrams in less time, you can’t go wrong with our picks.
EdrawMax
If you are a student or an electrical engineer who has never worked on any circuit diagram before and is worried about where to get started, we highly recommend going ahead with EdrawMax. This all-in-one diagramming tool has been downloaded by more than 30 million users and has been considered one of the best circuit diagram makers in 2023.
From free templates to circuit diagram components, EdrawMax has it all. Now you don’t have to start creating the circuit diagrams from scratch. Simply head to the template library or template gallery (user-generated templates) to access all the available circuit diagram templates. Get inspired from the read-made templates or duplicate the content — with EdrawMax, everything is easy, affordable, and possible.
One of the most adored features of EdrawMax is automation. Just place one circuit component on the blank canvas, and you will see how easy it is to connect it with the other components. Since the entire platform is built on vector, you can easily resize, re-edit, and recolor all the symbols, components, icons, and templates.
In short, making circuit diagrams has never been this easier with EdrawMax.
Features
- More than ten export options are available, like Graphics, PDF, Office, SVG, HTML, PS/EPS, Visio, and more.
- Free cloud storage for saving and accessing files.
- File encryption to protect sensitive data.
- Import data with CSV files to create diagrams.
- Drag-and-drop interface for easy circuit diagram creation.
Limitations
- Only two templates are free in the trial version.
- PNG files exported in the trial version have a watermark.
Pricing:
Free Plan Available
Subscription Plan: $99/year
Lifetime Plan: $198/year
Website: https://edrawmax.wondershare.com/
Verdict: With its trusted user base and range of features, it’s no wonder that EdrawMax has become one of the most popular circuit diagram software options on the market today.
Altium
Altium is a leading electronics design software that is trusted by thousands of engineers and designers worldwide. With its Altium Native 3D technology, users can create complex designs with ease and precision. The software offers advanced features like push-n-shove routing, multi-sheet schematic editor, and topological auto-router, making it a top choice for professionals.
One of the standout features of Altium is its push-n-shove routing technology, which allows for fast and efficient routing of PCBs. The software’s multi-sheet schematic editor allows users to easily work on large, complex projects, while the topological auto router ensures that designs are optimized for maximum efficiency.
Features
- Advanced signal integrity and power analysis tools
- High-speed design tools for differential pairs and length tuning
- 3D design rule checking for ensuring PCB integrity
- Support for creating and managing design variants
Limitations
- Slow software performance.
- The steep learning curve for new users.
- High system requirements for the software.
- Limited ability to import and export files in certain formats.
Pricing:
Term-Based License: $4,650/year
Perpetual License: Starts at $10,000
Website: https://www.altium.com/altium-designer
Verdict: Altium is robust software with advanced signal integrity and power analysis tools, high-speed design tools, and 3D design rule checking for ensuring PCB integrity. However, the software performance is slow and requires high system hardware.
CircuitMaker
As an aspiring electronic enthusiast, finding a free circuit maker is the first step towards designing and building electronic circuits. Fortunately, CircuitMaker is here to meet your needs.
Not only is it a free-to-use software, but it also offers simulation capabilities and an extensive library of discrete and electromechanical devices. The software is powered by the Altium 365 platform, which allows easy sharing and collaboration with other users.
In addition, CircuitMaker comes equipped with the Situs™ topological autoroute, making it easy to design and optimize your PCB layouts. With an easy-to-use schematic editor and the ability to choose Gerber and NC Drill, ODB++, or both, CircuitMaker simplifies the manufacturing process with just one click.
Features
- Discrete device modeling for more precise design.
- Electromechanical device support for more complex designs.
- Interactive BOM management for streamlined ordering.
- Full access to Altium’s component library with millions of parts.
Limitations
- CircuitMaker lacks some advanced features that are available in Altium Designer.
- The component library of CircuitMaker needs to be updated regularly to keep up with the most used and updated components.
- Some users have reported stability issues while using CircuitMaker.
Pricing: Free
Website: https://circuitmaker.com/
Verdict: CircuitMaker offers discrete device modeling, electromechanical device support, interactive BOM management, and full access to Altium’s component library with millions of parts. However, it lacks some advanced features available in Altium Designer, and its component library needs regular updates.
KiCad
KiCad software offers a range of features, including a 3D viewer, PCB layout editor, and KiCad’s Schematic Editor.
The 3D viewer allows users to view their designs in a three-dimensional space, while the PCB layout editor offers a variety of tools for designing custom-printed circuit boards. KiCad’s Schematic Editor allows users to easily create and edit schematic diagrams, providing a powerful tool for designing complex electronic systems.
KiCad’s open-source nature also means that it is continually being updated as per modern norms and improved by a global community of users and developers. With no licensing fees, it offers a cost-effective solution for those looking to design electronic systems. KiCad is a top choice for electronic design automation for all professionals.
Features
- Automatic routing options for trace placement.
- Customizable hotkeys for faster workflow.
- A variety of file export options, including Gerber files and 3D models.
- Bill of Materials (BOM) generation for easy component ordering.
Limitations
- No native support for importing circuit designs from other EDA software.
- Limited library of pre-made component symbols.
- Difficulties in creating custom schematic symbols.
- Lack of advanced simulation capabilities.
Pricing: Free
Website: https://www.kicad.org/
Verdict: KiCad is a powerful and versatile EDA software with a variety of features; however, it may not be the best circuit diagram tool for those who require advanced simulation capabilities or need to import designs from other software.
Lucidchart
Lucidchart is a cloud-based diagramming software that provides a user-friendly platform for creating professional-grade circuit diagrams. With its intuitive drag-and-drop interface, quick formatting features for lines and arrows, and dozens of industry-standard symbols, Lucidchart is a top choice for engineers, educators, and hobbyists alike.
Whether you’re designing complex electrical systems or simple circuits, Lucidchart offers a wide range of features to help you easily create diagrams. You can import files from popular diagramming software such as Visio, Gliffy, draw.io, and OmniGraffle, making it easy to collaborate with team members and seamlessly integrate your workflow.
In addition, Lucidchart offers multiple software integrations, including Microsoft 365, Google Workspace, and Jira, making it easy to streamline your work processes and increase productivity. With its robust set of features and easy-to-use interface, Lucidchart is quickly becoming a go-to tool for circuit diagram creation.
Features
- Easy sharing and collaboration options
- Smart containers and dynamic shapes
- Auto-alignment and distribution options
- Interactive diagrams and wireframes
Limitations
- No integrated circuit design and simulation tools
- Slow load times for large diagrams
- Limited integration with some software in the free version
- Limited font options
Pricing:
Free Plan
Individual Plan: $7.95 per month
Team Plan: $9.00/user
Website: https://lucid.app
Verdict: Lucidchart is a user-friendly cloud-based tool with features like smart containers, dynamic shapes, and auto-alignment. However, the tool lacks advanced circuit design and simulation features.
Conclusion
After exploring these five circuit diagram software, it is clear that each one has its own strengths and weaknesses. Altium stands out with its powerful features, such as native 3D technology, push-n-shove routing, and DFM-validated outputs. However, it can be quite costly for beginners and may require some technical knowledge to use. On the other hand, CircuitMaker offers unlimited access and is free to use, making it an attractive option for hobbyists and those on a tight budget. However, its component library needs to be updated, and it may have a steep learning curve for beginners.
KiCad offers a comprehensive, integrated environment for schematic capture, PCB layout, manufacturing file viewing, and SPICE simulation. Its ability to create a bill of materials, 3D models of the PCB, artwork, Gerber files, and its components make it a great option for engineers and professionals. However, its footprints can be difficult to manage and may not be as beginner-friendly as other options.
EdrawMax offers a user-friendly interface and a wide range of customizable templates and symbols. Its compatibility with MS Visio and various export options make it a great choice for business professionals. However, its trial version has limitations, including a watermark on PNG exports and only allowing three pages in a single document.
The choice of circuit diagram software depends on the user’s specific needs and preferences. One user commented, “I use Altium for complex projects, but for personal projects and official work, I prefer using EdrawMax because it’s free and easy to use.” It is important to weigh the features and limitations of each software and choose the one that best suits the project requirements.
