{"id":44761,"date":"2026-04-08T16:15:22","date_gmt":"2026-04-08T08:15:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/pcbcool.com\/?p=44761"},"modified":"2026-04-15T10:41:15","modified_gmt":"2026-04-15T02:41:15","slug":"circuitmaker-pcb-design-tutorial","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/pcbcool.com\/es\/technical-guides\/circuitmaker-pcb-design-tutorial\/","title":{"rendered":"C\u00f3mo dise\u00f1ar una PCB en CircuitMaker"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
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PCB design tools<\/a> today are increasingly built around collaboration, shared libraries, and cloud-connected workflows. CircuitMaker stands out in this space by combining professional-grade PCB design features with a community-driven platform where users can explore, learn from, and build on real projects created by others. That makes it more than just a design tool. It is also a practical environment for learning and improving your workflow.<\/p>

In this tutorial, I will walk you through the complete process of designing and checking a simple two-layer PCB in CircuitMaker. The goal is to keep everything clear, practical, and easy to follow, whether you are new to PCB design or just getting started with this software. By the end, you will have a complete set of design files, a verification report, and a board layout that is ready for manufacturing. Let\u2019s get started.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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Step 1: Create Your Workspace and Start a Project<\/h2> \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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As mentioned earlier, CircuitMaker is cloud-connected, so your projects are stored online and can be accessed from anywhere. That makes the first step simple: create a new project in your workspace.<\/p>

Here is how to do it:<\/p>

  1. Launch CircuitMaker and click Create a New Project on the home screen. This will open a dialog box.<\/li>
  2. Next, enter a name for your project. Choose something clear and descriptive, such as LED Switch Board. You can also add a short description if needed.<\/li>
  3. After that, select a folder in your online workspace. The default folder is usually fine if you do not need a custom location.<\/li>
  4. Click Create to open the design interface. CircuitMaker will automatically generate a schematic file (.Sch) and a PCB file for the project. You will see both files listed in the Projects panel.<\/li><\/ol>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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    Step 2: Place the Components<\/h2> \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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    One of CircuitMaker\u2019s biggest advantages is its large community-supported component library. Instead of working with generic placeholders, you can search for real manufacturer parts that are already linked to the essentials you need for design, including the schematic symbol, PCB footprint, and often a 3D model.<\/p>

    To place components, follow these steps:<\/p>

    1. Open the Schematic tab, then click the Libraries panel on the right side of the screen.<\/li>
    2. Use the search bar to look for the component you need. For example, you might search for ATmega328P if you are building an Arduino-style design, or RES if you want to add a resistor.<\/li>
    3. As you search, CircuitMaker will display matching parts from different manufacturers and suppliers. Each entry typically includes the linked schematic symbol, PCB footprint, and 3D model information.<\/li>
    4. Once you find the right part, click and drag it from the library panel onto the schematic sheet.<\/li><\/ol>

      If you need more than one of the same part, simply drag it onto the sheet again. You can also rotate a component before placing it by pressing the Spacebar.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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      Step 3: Connect the Circuit<\/h2> \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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      The schematic is the logical blueprint of your circuit. At this stage, you are not worrying about the physical placement of parts on the board. Instead, you are defining how everything is electrically connected. Those logical connections will later be translated into physical copper traces on the PCB, so a clean schematic is the foundation of a reliable design.<\/p>

      To start wiring the circuit, follow these steps:<\/p>

      1. Go to the top toolbar and select Place Wire, or simply press W on your keyboard.<\/li>
      2. Click the pin where you want to begin the connection. CircuitMaker will highlight the connection point for you.<\/li>
      3. Move the cursor to the pin you want to connect, then click again to complete the wire. CircuitMaker will automatically create a clean angled connection between the two points.<\/li>
      4. Repeat this process until all required connections are in place.<\/li><\/ol>

        For power and ground, use the Power Port tool from the top toolbar instead of drawing wires manually. This is the standard way to add connections such as VCC and GND, which you can select from the dropdown menu.<\/p>

        You can also use Net Labels to make the schematic cleaner and easier to read. To use a net label, click on a wire and assign it a name. Any other wire with the same label will automatically be treated as connected.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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        \n\t\t\t\t\tTechnical Guides<\/a>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

        \n\t\t\t\t\tHow to Design a Manufacturing-Ready PCB Schematic<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
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        \n\t\t\t\t\t\tLearn how to design a manufacturing-ready PCB schematic with proven engineering practices, clear documentation standards, and verification steps that prevent costly respins.\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
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        Step 4: Validate the Component Models<\/h2> \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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        In CircuitMaker, when you choose a real, orderable part, the schematic symbol and PCB footprint are usually already linked for you. That means you do not have to assign footprints manually in most cases. Even so, it is still important to check that everything is correct before moving on.<\/p>

        Here is how to verify a component:<\/p>

        1. Double-click any component in the schematic to open its properties.<\/li>
        2. In the Properties window, go to the Models section. There, you will see the linked PCB footprint, such as 0805 or DIP-28. If available, you may also see an associated 3D model.<\/li>
        3. Take a moment to confirm that the footprint matches the actual package of the part you intend to use.<\/li><\/ol>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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          Step 5: Move to the PCB Editor<\/h2> \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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          Once the schematic is finished, the next step is to begin working on the actual board layout. This is where your circuit starts to take physical form. CircuitMaker keeps the schematic and PCB layout linked, so any design data transferred from the schematic to the board stays consistent. This workflow is commonly known as design synchronization.<\/p>

          To update the PCB from the schematic, follow these steps:<\/p>

          1. Go to the top menu and select Design > Update PCB. This will open a window called Engineering Change Order.<\/li>
          2. In that window, CircuitMaker will list all the actions needed to bring the PCB in sync with the schematic. This can include adding new components, removing old ones, and updating net connections. Click Validate Changes to check the update. If everything looks correct, you should see green check marks.<\/li>
          3. Next, click Execute Changes to apply the update.<\/li>
          4. After that, CircuitMaker will switch to the PCB document automatically. You will see all of your component footprints placed together inside an area called a Room, along with a set of thin blue airwires. These airwires show the electrical connections that still need to be routed on the board.<\/li><\/ol>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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            Step 6: Understand the Layer Stack<\/h2> \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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            For a standard two-layer PCB, you will be working with two copper layers: one on the top side of the board and one on the bottom. As you move through the layout process, it is important to keep track of which layer you are using for routing, outlines, and markings.<\/p>

            At the bottom of the PCB editor, you will see the Layers panel. This is where you can view and switch between the different board layers. The main layers you will use are:<\/p>