Before we design a prototype of a project it requires a lot of work to be done. Making schematics and simulation of Arduino projects helps us to check output of designed circuits virtually. Multiple software and tools are available that can simulate Arduino boards, here we will list down some popular free software for making Arduino circuit schematics.
Free Schematic Drawing Software Arduino
Circuit diagrams are important in the designing process. Specially designing a schematics circuit gives the user a chance to plan the circuit before we move to the hardware part. This will help in better understanding of circuits while saving a lot of time and extra effort in debugging circuits.
Here is a list of all the top free schematics software available for Arduino:
1. Tinkercad
Tinkercad is an online tool for designing and simulating Arduino circuits. It not only simulates the Arduino program but also gives us a complete schematic with just one click. The good thing about Tinkercad is we can also easily download schematics in different file formats.
It has an interactive circuit editor where users can design and share their projects with anyone using a single link to their project. Tinkercad is available in almost 16 languages and just requires a computer with an internet connection to run your first Arduino simulation. Here are some main highlights of Tinkercad circuit:
- It is free
- Arduino code simulator available
- Free schematics in PDF
- Multiple Arduino libraries available
- Code blocks available to improve Arduino coding experience
- Cloud backup of projects
To access Tinkercad editor click here.
2. EasyEDA
EasyEDA is also an online tool for Arduino circuit design, but its desktop offline application is also available if someone wants to use it without an internet connection. There is no need for any software to install, we just need a browser to start building Arduino schematics. It has thousands of open-source Arduino projects which can save a lot of your work.
One of the main features EasyEDA offers is it has a live PCB designing feature. If you want to convert your schematics into a real time PCB prototype EasyEDA will do the work and design a multi-layer PCB for just a few bucks. JLPCB is a famous platform that designs EasyEDA PCBs. List down below are some main features of EasyEDA:
- Simple and easy
- Powerful drawing capabilities
- Sharing online
- Real time PCB designing
- Multiple open-source projects
- API provided
- Schematics capture
- PCB layout
EasyEDA can be opened by clicking here.
3. Circuito.io
Circuito.io is a web-based schematic and simulation tool designed for users starting with Arduino and other controller boards. This app consists of three main sections: an editor where we can create our circuit, a code editor where we can write Arduino code or can go with suggestions it provides and the last section is a guide area which helps in building an Arduino project.
One of main features Circuito.io has is that it comes with a vast array of pre-programmed components which we can use in our circuit. We can also edit the code for these components but most of the time people will be able to find what they are looking for. Some potential features of Circuito.io are:
- Easy drag and drop components
- Real time schematics design
- List of all the components along with purchase link
- Personalized project guide
- Step by step wiring instruction
- Arduino hardware simulation
To open Circuito.io click here.
4. Wokwi
Wokwi is an electronic Arduino online simulator. It is specially designed for simulating Arduino boards along with ESP32 IoT based boards. Wokwi has multiple Arduino boards support. We do not need to wait for components to download; they are just one click away. Wokwi can easily debug errors in Arduino code or schematics. Wokwi have prebuilt multiple projects with an extensive online support and community. Here are some main features that Wokwi offers:
- WiFi and IoT simulations
- Virtual logic analyzer
- Advance debugging
- SD card simulation
- Improves coding skills
To access Wokwi, click here.
5. KiCad
KiCad is a cross-platform and freely available application for designing circuit diagrams and PCB. It’s an open-source tool for designing PCBs and circuit diagrams. In addition to creating accurate PCB layouts, this tool also provides a 3D viewer tool for inspecting the designs. Additionally, it is equipped with a schematic drawing tool that is ideal for drawing circuit diagrams for Arduino boards.
As an open-source software package, KiCad offers a number of advantages, including the ability for users to create their own components. It is therefore possible to find many free component packs for KiCad on the Internet. KiCad is available across multiple OS like Windows, macOS and Linux. Some potential features of KiCad are:
- KiCad is free and open source
- Simple to complex schematics designs are possible
- 3D view of circuit
- Thousand of KiCad components library available
- PCB layout
- Arduino board supports with custom shield designing
To download KiCad click here.
Conclusion
Schematics is an important part of designing a prototype project with Arduino, as they illustrate desired path and plan of the project. Using schematics, we can debug or redesign our circuit in a more efficient way. Finding a free tool for Arduino schematic designing has never been an easy task here we listed all the top free tools available to design Arduino schematics. To learn all these softwares multiple help is available across YouTube or platform official community.
