Looking to design printed circuit boards without spending a dime? Whether you’re a hobbyist, student, or professional engineer, there are powerful freeware PCB design tools that run on Windows, Linux, and macOS. In this guide, we’ll cover the best free PCB software in 2025, their key features, and which platforms they support.
What Is PCB Design Software?
PCB (Printed Circuit Board) design software helps you draw schematics and lay out circuit boards that can be fabricated. Free tools now rival paid software with features like simulation, 3D previews, and BOM generation.
✅ Top Freeware PCB Design Software (Cross-Platform)
1. KiCad EDA (Windows, Linux, macOS)
KiCad is a top choice among open-source PCB tools. It supports unlimited board sizes and layers, making it perfect for both hobby and professional use.
Key Features:
- Schematic capture and PCB layout
- 3D viewer with model support
- Free and open-source with active development
2. LibrePCB (Windows, Linux, macOS)
LibrePCB is a modern open-source PCB design suite focused on usability and efficiency. It’s rapidly growing in popularity for its clean UI and straightforward workflow.
Key Features:
- Schematic and board editor
- Unified library management
- Regular updates and growing community
3. EasyEDA (Browser-based, cross-platform)
EasyEDA is a cloud-based tool with no installation required. It’s great for quick designs and supports direct ordering from JLCPCB.
Key Features:
- Online schematic and PCB editor
- Built-in simulator
- Works on any device with a browser
4. DesignSpark PCB (Windows only)
DesignSpark by RS Components is a full-featured, free PCB design platform. While limited to Windows, it offers pro-level capabilities.
Key Features:
- Unlimited board size and layers
- Export to Gerber, BOM, and more
- Intuitive UI and large component library
5. Fritzing (Windows, Linux, macOS)
Fritzing is ideal for beginners and makers. It emphasizes visual circuit prototyping and easily converts breadboard layouts into PCBs.
Key Features:
- Breadboard and schematic views
- Easy PCB layout for Arduino and Raspberry Pi projects
- Educational focus and community support
6. Autodesk Eagle (Free for Personal Use) (Windows, macOS, Linux via Wine)
Autodesk Eagle offers a free license for students and makers. It has rich libraries and integrates with Fusion 360 for mechanical CAD.
Key Features:
- Schematic and PCB editor
- Extensive part libraries
- Fusion 360 and cloud integration
🔧 Why Use Freeware PCB Design Tools?
- 💸 Zero cost for fully functional circuit design
- 💻 Cross-platform support: Windows, Linux, and macOS
- 🌐 Large communities and open-source contributions
- 🎓 Perfect for learning, prototyping, and startups
💡 Which PCB Tool Should You Use?
- Beginners: Try Fritzing or EasyEDA
- Professionals: Go for KiCad or LibrePCB
- Windows users: Consider DesignSpark PCB
- Mac/Linux users: Explore KiCad, LibrePCB, or Fritzing
Final Thoughts
There’s never been a better time to dive into PCB design. With these free PCB tools available across platforms, you can create and manufacture high-quality circuit boards without expensive software licenses.
