Change pad color

[Mad ID]

Hello.
I have switched from PCAD to Altium Designer and one thing bothers me.
In PCAD a pad can have a color different from the rest of the object on the same layer, i.e. top layer SMD resistor pads will have different color (some flavor of red of course) than top layer traces/polygons. In this way components are more visible and I find it easier to work.

It there a way to set it up in Altium?

Thanks.

[AlfBaz]

To the best of my knowledge it can't be done. Any copper on a layer will be that layers colour.
Its always difficult to adjust to a new tool, but you'll eventually get used to it, pads are distinguishable by their shape, so that's how you spot them.

The only other thing I can suggest is go into design rules and increase the solder mask expansion rule to something greater than 0. Also ensure that the top/bottom solder layers are visible. This will give you an outline around pads the colour of which is the colour of the solder mask layers

[Mad ID]

To the best of my knowledge it can't be done. Any copper on a layer will be that layers colour.
Its always difficult to adjust to a new tool, but you'll eventually get used to it, pads are distinguishable by their shape, so that's how you spot them.

The only other thing I can suggest is go into design rules and increase the solder mask expansion rule to something greater than 0. Also ensure that the top/bottom solder layers are visible. This will give you an outline around pads the colour of which is the colour of the solder mask layers

Hello, thanks for the answer.
My biggest problem is visibility when copper pour is applied. But just like you said, I will get used to this.

[AlfBaz]

My biggest problem is visibility when copper pour is applied. But just like you said, I will get used to this.

Yeah I know what you mean. "tools->Polygon Pours->shelve" or Polygon manager can help in this regard. Another thing you can do is press the number 3 and go into 3d mode where it shows you the solder mask

[AlfBaz]

Just though of another one, right click the layer tabs down the bottom, select layer sets->board layer sets and create 2 of your own layer sets - top layer and top solder - bottom layer and bottom solder. You can then quickly select on of these sets then click the solder layer to bring to the top

[enz]

You can also change the layer drawing order (right click on layer tab - "Layer Drawing Order").
Then, for example, the solder mask can be drawn last.

[Mad ID]

Thanks guys.

Cheers.