Learning the EasyEDA PCB tutorial as a beginner opens the door to designing custom circuit boards without expensive software. EasyEDA is a free, browser-based EDA tool that handles schematic capture, PCB layout, and Gerber file generation in one seamless workflow. This guide walks you from your first schematic to holding your manufactured PCB.
Table of Contents
- Why Choose EasyEDA
- Step 1: Schematic Capture
- Step 2: PCB Layout
- Step 3: Trace Routing
- Step 4: Design Rule Check
- Step 5: Gerber Export
- Step 6: Ordering from Manufacturers
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Conclusion
Why Choose EasyEDA
EasyEDA has become the go-to PCB design tool for beginners and many professionals in India for several reasons:
- Free and browser-based: No installation, runs on any computer with a browser
- Desktop app available: EasyEDA Pro offers offline access with the same features
- Massive component library: Millions of components with verified footprints from LCSC
- Integrated ordering: One-click PCB ordering through JLCPCB with LCSC component sourcing
- Collaboration: Share projects with team members and fork community designs
- Learning curve: Much easier than KiCad or Altium for beginners
Step 1: Schematic Capture
Start by creating a new project and adding a schematic:
- Open easyeda.com and sign in (free account)
- Click “New Project” and give it a meaningful name
- Use the component search (shortcut: P) to find parts. Search by name, MPN, or LCSC part number
- Place components and connect them with wires (shortcut: W)
- Add power symbols for VCC and GND
- Use net labels for connections that span across the schematic
- Add decoupling capacitors near IC power pins (100nF ceramic is standard)
For your first design, try a simple circuit: an ATmega328P breakout with USB-to-serial, voltage regulator, and pin headers. This is essentially designing your own Arduino.
Step 2: PCB Layout
Convert your schematic to a PCB layout:
- Click “Design” > “Convert Schematic to PCB” to generate the board outline with all components
- Set your board outline to the desired shape and size
- Arrange components logically: ICs in the centre, connectors on edges, decoupling caps as close to IC pins as possible
- Group related components together: power section, signal processing, connectors
- Keep analogue and digital sections separated if your design has both
Good component placement is 80% of PCB design. Spend time getting placement right before routing any traces.
Step 3: Trace Routing
Connect the components with copper traces:
- Auto-router: EasyEDA has an auto-router, but for clean designs, manual routing is preferred
- Trace widths: 0.25mm minimum for signal traces, 0.5-1mm for power traces. Use the PCB calculator for current-carrying requirements
- Ground plane: Add a copper pour on the bottom layer connected to GND. This provides a solid ground reference and reduces noise
- Via placement: Use vias to route traces between top and bottom layers. Standard via size is 0.3mm drill, 0.6mm pad
- Keep traces short: Shorter traces mean less resistance and less antenna effect
- Avoid right angles: Use 45-degree bends or curved traces to prevent impedance discontinuities
Step 4: Design Rule Check
Before exporting, run the DRC to catch errors:
- Click “Design” > “Design Rule Check”
- Set minimum clearance to 0.2mm (6 mil) for standard manufacturing
- Set minimum trace width to 0.15mm (6 mil)
- Set minimum via drill to 0.3mm
- Run the check and fix any errors shown
Common DRC errors include traces too close together, unconnected nets, and traces crossing board outline boundaries. Fix every error before ordering.
Step 5: Gerber Export
Gerber files are the universal format for PCB manufacturing:
- Click “Fabrication” > “Gerber” to generate files
- Review the Gerber preview to verify all layers look correct
- Download the ZIP file containing all layer files
- Optionally, verify the Gerbers using a free viewer like GerberViewer or the JLCPCB Gerber viewer
Step 6: Ordering from Manufacturers
Where to order your PCBs in India:
- JLCPCB: Most popular for hobbyists. 5 PCBs from ₹150 (plus shipping). Integrated with EasyEDA for one-click ordering. Shipping to India in 7-15 days
- PCBWay: Competitive pricing with more advanced options. Good for multi-layer and flex PCBs
- PCBPower (India): Domestic manufacturer with faster delivery but higher per-board cost
- Lion Circuits (India): Bangalore-based, good for startups needing quick turnaround
For first-time orders, JLCPCB offers the best value. Select standard specs: 2-layer, 1.6mm thickness, HASL finish, and green solder mask. These default options keep costs minimal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is EasyEDA good enough for professional designs?
Yes, EasyEDA handles most designs up to moderate complexity (4-layer boards with mixed SMD and through-hole). For very high-speed designs or boards with strict impedance requirements, KiCad or Altium may be better choices.
How much do custom PCBs cost?
From JLCPCB: 5 pieces of a standard 2-layer 100x100mm board cost about ₹150-200 plus ₹300-500 shipping. Total is under ₹700 for 5 boards. Indian manufacturers charge ₹500-2,000 for similar quantities.
Can I design Arduino shields in EasyEDA?
Absolutely. Search the EasyEDA library for “Arduino Uno shield template” to get the correct header positions and board outline. Design your circuit on top of this template.
How long does PCB manufacturing take?
JLCPCB: 2-5 days manufacturing + 7-15 days shipping to India. Total 10-20 days. Indian manufacturers: 5-10 days including delivery. Express options available at higher cost.
Conclusion
EasyEDA makes PCB design accessible to everyone. From schematic to manufactured board, the entire workflow can be completed in a weekend. Start with a simple breakout board, learn the fundamentals of routing and design rules, and gradually tackle more complex designs. The satisfaction of holding a custom PCB you designed yourself is unmatched in the electronics hobby.
Need inspiration? Browse our Arduino boards and shields to study professional PCB design.
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