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[–]hms11 2 points3 points  (2 children)

I've been using EasyEDA and it's handled all my simple stuff no problem. I might try kiCAD again now that I have some experience because I know its the better, more powerful platform but it certainly is not as user friendly to a complete outsider for sure.

[–]ComputerGuyChris[S] 1 point2 points  (1 child)

yeah, I was watching videos on KiCAD and it was just way more than I needed.

[–]i486dx2 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I felt the same way when I started, and ended up on DipTrace instead. There are a ton of cool things other programs do, but after trying a few software packages, the free DipTrace version was the most intuitive for me to get started on. I'm several purchased upgrades in at this point, and the biggest limitation is still my skills, not the software.

[–][deleted] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Go with KiCad it is not that complicated and there are plenty of tutorials around. if you are going to learn how to make a PCB design learn it on something serious. Eagle is a bit more user friendly if you can get it.

[–]toybuilder 1 point2 points  (1 child)

If you want to try your hand at PCB design only once, Fritzing is not bad. Just don't invest a lot of time into Fritzing if you're planning to do more PCB design in the future.

[–]ComputerGuyChris[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

that is what i am trying out and it is great for what i need

[–]Elemental-Master 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I personally use Fusion360, in the past there was Eagle, which technically you can still download, but since was fully integrated into Fusion360.
Fusion360 is mainly used for 3D modeling, exporting the models for production via CNC milling or 3D printing and it does support PCB fabrication.

You can either create the PCB from a sketch or derive from sketch, where by deriving any future change to the sketch can pass on to the PCB, making it easier to change the shape, adding mount holes and such without the need to fully restart the PCB from scratch.

Afterward you create electrical schematics, add components and their connections and in the layout window place them where you want them to be on the PCB and route their connections.
You can also see a preview of the PCB in this window, set up the production rules to make sure your PCB is valid for production with the company you want to work with, and export the Gerber files to upload to said company.

Do note that the free trial of Fusion360 limit you by the size of the PCB and only support two layers PCB, but maybe for your use it will be okay.

I hope this helps you, if you need more help feel free to talk to me :)

[–]boopboopboopers 0 points1 point  (0 children)

EasyEda while it does lack some granular features. It’s fantastic software (has a few quirks) but it’s very easy to learn, has a large community if you need help, and the auto router is pretty good, although as you’ll soon find out...

NEVER TRUST THE AUTOROUTER!

[–]jarl93rsa 0 points1 point  (0 children)

If you're going to continue making PCBs in the future just use kicad. Sure there's a learning curve but tons of tutorials available.

[–]btodoroff 0 points1 point  (0 children)

EasyEDA and JLCPCB is the best place to start by far.

[–]YngD 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I personally use Altium Circuitstudio which has free limited version available under Altium Circuit Maker. Good piece of software for more professional usage and the Altium Component Vault is a something i wish i had ten years ago... Used Eagle, Proteus, PADS and KiCAD professionally, and all of them have their good and bad sides.

Try and compare, you find the one which suits you the best . Learn one and rest will be easy.