Free electronic design automation software
Fritzing is a free design application that works to support designers and artists as they work with interactive electronics. This open-source program is a comprehensive and functional design automation tool that can help users create electronic designs from scratch. It allows you to work creatively with interactive electronics and document their Arduino-based prototypes. Moreover, it is a great program to learn how to use printed circuit boards (PCB) and get efficient with them.
What does the app offer?
Fritzing is primarily meant to function as a teaching instrument for users to learn how to create and work with PCBs and other electronics. In its main window, you can see three viewing modes. There is the Breadboard, which is where users begin their work. Here, you can create a circuit that mimics the real thing. With this, you can prevent mistakes when turning your project from a virtual state to a physical object.
The Schematic mode, meanwhile, shows you the circuit design as a diagram. This can be helpful for users who prefer standard circuit symbols. Finally, the PCB view lets you design and export documents required to produce the PCB. More than the virtual modes, it also boasts an extensive Part Library. The available parts are organized into categories, such as All parts, Mine, and Core. Adding the parts to your design is as easy as dragging them from the library and dropping them into your project.
There is also a Part Inspector available, where users can view and modify the information on the individual circuit parts. Another interesting feature of this handy utility is its ability to make customized parts. You only need to enter the part name, icon, and a graphic image, which they will use in the chosen view mode. You also need to provide other required specifications, such as label, description, properties, tags, and author.
Professional-grade electronic design
On an ending note, Fritzing is an interesting and reliable app for designers and engineers. It allows users to automate electronics design, test their ideas, and develop PCBs for their electronics. It also enables users to share their prototypes with others effortlessly, thereby making it an effective tool to teach electronics in the classroom. However, note that the developers have stopped updating the app. There is a small community of developers working on it. But it may not be enough to keep it from being faced out.
