How to Open ECAD Files Without Paying for a License

With a constant workflow and pressing deadlines, engineers and designers frequently encounter the need to access and view electronic design automation (EDA) files. These files, which are often complex and contain critical design data, are typically created and edited using specialist software packages. Unfortunately, such software tends to come with licenses. A paywall, especially an often pricey one, causes problems when collaborators, clients, or reviewers need to access these files without investing in a full software suite.

If you are looking for legitimate and cost-effective methods for opening and viewing ECAD files, you are in the right place; in this piece, you will find practical solutions, including free viewing tools, cloud-based platforms, and convenient trial options. 

The Various Considerations

Free Viewers for ECAD Files

One of the most convenient ways to access ECAD files without a full license is through the use of free view softwares; these tools allow users to open and examine design data. However, they do come with limitations. For example, users cannot modify the data, and some platforms may not support all file formats, have restrictions on the number of files that can be opened, or lack advanced features like 3D visualization or interactive measurements. 

Altium Viewer

Altium offers a dedicated free viewer application specifically designed for this purpose. The Altium Viewer enables users to:

• open and view a wide range of ECAD file formats, allowing or compatibility with various design projects;
• navigate and inspect designers with zoom, pan, and rotate features for detailed examination; and
• perform basic measurements, which is essential for verifying dimensions and clearances.

Note: While Altium Viewer provides valuable functionality, please remember that it is primarily intended for viewing and basic analysis. Features such as design modification, component placement, and routing are not available in the free version. 

Collaboration and Sharing Solutions

With more collaboration within design environments occurring than ever before, efficient file sharing and viewing are pivotal. Cloud-based solutions, which tend to come with robust security measures like encryption and access controls, offer a modern approach to these challenges through the facilitation of open-ended collaboration through single source of truth platforms that depend only on connectivity. 

Data Exchange Standards

Beyond cloud platforms, industry-standard file formats play a vital role in the enablement of interoperability between different ECAD software packages. 

• Gerber: Primarily used for manufacturing data, such as the shapes and sizes of copper layers on a printed circuit board. It doesn’t contain full design information like component placement or netlists. 
• ODB++: A more comprehensive format that includes not only manufacturing data but also design information like component placement, netlists, and electrical rules. 
• IPC-2581: A standardized format for exchanging electronic design data, including both manufacturing and design information.

These formats provide a common ground for design data exchange. By adopting and using these standards, designers can share their work with colleagues or clients, regardless of which software they use, without having to consider potential compatibility issues and potential data loss or corruption.

You can find further information on data exchange standards via the IPC website. 

Troubleshooting

Before moving on, here’s a few suggestions on what to do, regardless of platforms or solutions chosen, if you encounter issues while opening ECAD files: 

• Check for file corruption; attempt to open the file in a different application or use a file repair tool.
• If the file references external libraries that are not installed, the software you have chosen may not be able to open it correctly; try installing the missing libraries or finding the alternative components from the provider’s website.
• Ensure that the software you are using is up-to-date; updates often include bug fixes and improved compatibility. 

Altium Designer and Altium 365

Altium Designer’s flagship PCB design platform gives one option for opening and editing PCB design files in other formats through an Import process, where other formats are converted into Altium’s proprietary file format. Users can:

• Open and edit existing designs in supported ECAD formats
• Begin editing the converted design using Altium’s tools
• Re-export the design into a vendor-neutral data exchange format

Altium 365, a cloud-based platform, is taking the standard file migration approach to the next level with the new ECAD Connectivity feature. With ECAD Connectivity being available in the cloud, siloed team members can access and view design data in multiple ECAD formats from anywhere in the world in real-time. Altium 365 allows teams to open old design files in supported formats without going through the traditional migration process.

Opening ECAD files without a license doesn’t have to be a hurdle for your design teams. As more formats become supported on the Altium 365 platform, more teams can leverage the ECAD Connectivity feature to collaborate across ECAD environments. If designers leverage these resources and adhere to best practices for file sharing and viewing, they can streamline their workflows, improve collaboration, and ultimately enhance their design productivity.

For further information on ECAD software and design tools, visit Altium 365 today.