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Software tools to create double-sided circuit boards?

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Renate:

--- Quote from: TomS_ on February 13, 2020, 01:09:39 pm ---But I personally also really like EAGLE, and know how to use it very well...
--- End quote ---
Eagle is good enough for my usage. I use the last non-subscription 7.7.0 version.

The thing I like about Eagle is that it is mostly (sort of*) XML.
That means that I can generate/modify libraries, layouts, schematics.
The KiCad gobbledeegook looks like alien G-code.

Schematics seem (?) to use 0.1 inch as a standard.
That means symbols and things use weird numbers in their files.
I keep my own sources for libraries in a non-standard format.
They are basically Eagle, but allow units:

--- Code: ---<wire x1="-0.025in" y1="0.05in" x2="-0.025in" y2="-0.05in" width="12mil" layer="94"/>
--- End code ---
It's a lot easier on the eyes than looking at random numbers.
They get ground/merged into a standard library format.

* In Eagle 7.7.0 separate closing tags have to be on a fresh line:

--- Code: ---<device name=""/> <!-- Bad -->

<device name=""></device> <!-- Bad -->

<device name="">  <!-- OK -->
</device>
--- End code ---

nigelwright7557:
It can be a big change going from tape and film to PCBCAD software.
I dont think I have come across pcb into PCBCAD converters.
Its probably just as easy to start from scratch.

1/ Create schematic.
2/ Convert to rats nest pcb.
3/ Layout pcb.
4/ do loads of error checks.
5/ Convert to gerber/excellon files.
6/ Check gerber output for missed errors.
7/ Send files to fab.

My first venture into using PCBCAD software was with EasyPC in mid 1980's.
Sort of worked ok but had loads of bugs back then.
I was a software engineer by trade and thought I could do better so started writing my own.
That was 35 years ago and still selling it now.
It has matured over the years with loads of extra features and error checking.
Done around 300 pcb's over the last few years with very few problems.
Latest version is PCBCAD720 which is based on .net core 3.1

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