This page provides an overview of file formats associated with DesignSpark PCB software
1. Importing designs from other PCB Tools
DesignSpark PCB is intended primarily for prototype/concept creation, sitting at the beginning of the design process (read more here). DesignSpark PCB is therefore not intended as a tool for editing and modifying designs that originated in other tools. There is however one exception:DesignSpark PCB allows importing designs from CadSoft EAGLEPCB software. Full import of Eagle component libraries, Eagle schematic designs and Eagle PCB designs is supported. Check this tutorial to learn about Eagle design files import and check this tutorial to learn about Eagle component library import. We've made it very easy to switch from Eagle so we recommend you try it now if you're an Eagle user
2. Input formats
*.dxf - AutoCAD file format (can also be used to import dimensions from DesignSpark Mechanical)
*.net, *.edn - OrCAD Netlist
*.prj - DesignSpark PCB Project file
*.sch, *.pcb - DesignSpark PCB schematic and PCB design files
*.stf, *.ptf - DesignSpark PCB schematic and pcb technlology files
*.eis, *.eip - Eagle import files (intermediate)
3. Output formats
- Manufacturing plots
*.gbr - Gerber files, e.g. RS-274-X (fully configurable, output file extension can be defined by user)
*.drl - NC Drill file, Excellon (fully configurable, output file extension can be defined by user)
*.pen - Pen Plot file (fully configurable, output file extension can be defined by user)
- Simulation outputs
*.net - B2 Spice
*.cir - IsSpice, LTSpice, TINA
*.spn - basic spice netlist
- Mechanical design outputs
*.dxf- AutoCAD file format
*.idf - Intermediate Data Format file (standard configurable format and also a simplifiedDesignSpark Mechanical version)
- Built-in Reports
*.csv, *.txt - A series of useful reports built-in to DesignSpark PCB as ready-to-use templates: Bill of Materials (BOM), Component Height, Dangling Tracks, Design Rule Check, Design Status, Schematic/PCB Check, Layers Report, Net Completion, Unconneced Pins, Component Positions. These reports can be customised to suit your requirements
- User Reports
*.csv, *.txt- built-in reports can be customised as user reports but also user can create/combine any of the available design/component values/properties into a report. There is a high degree of flexibility in making these selections and configuration
- Workflow outputs
*.pdf - Adobe Reader file, for example save schematics or artwork
Windows output - send schematics or artwork to your standard Windows printer (fully configurable)
3D View - 3D visualisation, no formal output file but screenshots of 3D View are a popular input into user documentation. 3D View colors and properties can be customised
*.bmp - exports the current view to a bitmap file
*.emf - Enhanced Meta File image
4. Further information
For more information on DesignSpark PCB input and output formats please refer to Help file in DesignSpark PCB, available from Help>Help Contents (Shift+F1). Further help is available through our Support