ExpressPCB free software for PCB design and schematics

[Mads Barnkob]

I have been using the free ExpressPCB software for many years and would like to give my pro's and con's on this free software.

There is a program for making PCB layouts and one for making schematics. The two programs can link a schematic to a PCB file and supply help on which points to connect on the PCB.

Pro's
- Free of charge
- Easy to use, choose a tool or component, place it, draw lines between them, its basically drag'n'drop.
- Prototyping is fast
- Good layout files to print out for toner transfer method when etching your own boards
- Good image export function for schematics
- No limits in functionality, board sizes, sheets etc

Con's
- Can not export to gerber files
- Can only order PCBs from expresspcb directly through the program
- Existing converters from expresspcb files to gerber files are not flawless, expect errors.

[RocketScienceSmurf]

I have ordered a few boards from them and I am very impressed by how easy the software is to work with and how great the boards are.

The shipping rates however are INSANE, but I have always used shipito to get the total cost down to a more reasonable level.

[Mads Barnkob]

I have ordered a few boards from them and I am very impressed by how easy the software is to work with and how great the boards are.

The shipping rates however are INSANE, but I have always used shipito to get the total cost down to a more reasonable level.

I never ordered anything from them, for the simple reason that their prices are insane compared to their competitors in China. But great to hear the the quality is good.

[futurist]

I don't like tools like ExpressPCB because you never know what to expect, and inability to export gerbers makes it almost completely useless

There is a similar web based EDA https://easyeda.com/

I recently started using kicad, isn't as simple, but it takes less than a day to learn basics

[RocketScienceSmurf]

I don't like tools like ExpressPCB because you never know what to expect

Could you please elaborate. I have been MORE than satisfied with my boards. Even without silk screen they are incredibly well made.

The picture I attached doesn't make the board justice. It's much better in reality.

[futurist]

I meant that it can go obsolete at any time, or they can disable certain functionalities.. it happens with freeware apps and it's very annoying
The quality of boards is great, even with web based tools