Best Free PCB Design Software 2023

You don't need expensive software to design professional PCBs. Several excellent free tools offer capabilities that rival commercial software. This guide covers the best options for hobbyists, students, and professionals.

KiCad - Best Overall Free Option

KiCad is an open-source EDA suite that has evolved into a professional-grade tool. It's completely free with no board size or layer limitations.

Key Features:

• Full schematic capture with hierarchical sheets
• Multi-layer PCB layout (unlimited layers)
• Interactive router with push-and-shove
• 3D board viewer with STEP export
• Extensive component libraries
• Active development and community

Pros: No limitations, professional quality, cross-platform, open-source.

Cons: Steeper learning curve, UI less polished than commercial tools.

Best for: Serious hobbyists, open-source hardware, professionals who can't justify commercial tool costs.

EasyEDA - Best Cloud-Based Option

EasyEDA is a browser-based design tool with integrated component ordering through LCSC and PCB manufacturing through JLCPCB.

Key Features:

• No installation required - runs in browser
• Integrated component library with pricing
• One-click PCB ordering
• Simulation capabilities
• Team collaboration features
• Design sharing and cloning

Pros: Zero setup, seamless ordering, good for beginners.

Cons: Internet required, data stored on external servers.

Best for: Beginners, quick prototypes, JLCPCB users.

Fritzing - Best for Beginners

Fritzing uses a visual breadboard view that matches physical prototyping. Great for Arduino projects and learning.

Key Features:

• Breadboard, schematic, and PCB views
• Visual component layout matching reality
• Arduino and common module libraries
• Simple, intuitive interface

Pros: Very beginner-friendly, matches physical prototyping.

Cons: Limited for complex designs, less precise.

Best for: Complete beginners, Arduino projects, educational use.

Eagle Free - Limited but Capable

Autodesk's Eagle offers a free tier with limitations on board size (80cm²) and two signal layers.

Key Features:

• Professional schematic and PCB editor
• Large community and library support
• Integration with Fusion 360
• Well-documented with tutorials

Pros: Industry-standard tool, upgrade path available.

Cons: Board size and layer limitations, subscription model for full version.

Best for: Small projects, learning the Eagle ecosystem.

LibrePCB - Modern Open Source

A newer open-source option focused on usability and library management. Still maturing but promising.

Key Features:

• Clean, modern interface
• Excellent library management
• Cross-platform
• Simple project structure

Pros: User-friendly, well-organized.

Cons: Smaller community, fewer libraries, still developing.

Best for: Those wanting a modern open-source alternative.

Altium CircuitMaker - Community-Based

Altium's free community tool with professional features but requires public design sharing.

Key Features:

• Altium-quality tools
• Cloud-based project storage
• Community library

Pros: Professional features for free.

Cons: All designs are public, Altium account required.

Best for: Open-source projects, learning Altium's interface.

Comparison Table

Software	Layers	Board Size	Offline	Best Feature
KiCad	Unlimited	Unlimited	Yes	No limitations
EasyEDA	Multi	Large	No	Integration
Fritzing	2	Limited	Yes	Breadboard view
Eagle Free	2	80cm²	Yes	Industry standard
LibrePCB	Multi	Unlimited	Yes	Modern UI

Manufacturing Your Designs

For international projects, Italian PCB services and Turkish PCB manufacturers offer competitive options with local support.

Recommendation

For most users, KiCad is the best free PCB design software. It has no limitations, professional capabilities, and an active community. For beginners or those wanting quick prototypes, EasyEDA offers the lowest barrier to entry with its browser-based interface and integrated ordering.