LibrePCB

LibrePCB is desktop software for drawing electronic schematics and designing printed circuit boards. It suits makers, students and professionals who want a free, offline workflow with connected schematic and board editors. Its main appeal is that design files stay portable and usable with version control; developer support costs extra.

Overview

LibrePCB brings schematic capture and PCB design together in a GPLv3-licensed application. Its project began in 2013, with its first stable release in 2018. The free plan has no restrictions or online-account requirement, and the application can work fully offline.

Self-contained projects include the library items and settings they rely on, which helps preserve consistent results when moving between computers and operating systems. Projects and libraries use human-readable text in a canonical format, making version-control changes easier to follow. These choices make LibrePCB a practical option for individual designers and collaborators who want control over their files without depending on an online account.

Key features

Schematic and board design

The schematic editor supports multi-page designs, live electrical rule checking and automatic forward annotation to the board editor. That connection helps keep schematic changes aligned with board work. The board editor adds design-rule checking, multi-layer PCB support including blind and buried vias, and a live 3D viewer. Together, the tools cover a substantial schematic-to-board workflow in one desktop package.

Libraries, exchange and fabrication

An integrated manager installs and updates official libraries, while users can instead use their own or combine both. The editors support EAGLE project import, and the board editor also accepts DXF. Output jobs include Gerber, Excellon, CSV BOM, STEP, PDF and SVG, giving users several routes for manufacturing data and documentation.

Users can order boards through the integrated LibrePCB Fab service or export production files themselves. The choice is useful for people who want fabrication ordering connected to the design environment, while still preserving the option to use another production route.

Pricing

LibrePCB: free, with no costs, no restrictions and no online account requirement. The free plan includes Windows, macOS and Linux desktop use; there is no free trial because the software is already free. Its GPLv3 source code is published openly.

There is no paid software tier to unlock additional design features. Support is separate: users can seek free help from the community, while developer support is paid and can be discussed with the project. LibrePCB is therefore a strong fit for budget-conscious users comfortable with community assistance, but less suitable for anyone who requires free direct developer support.

Platforms

LibrePCB is desktop software for Linux, macOS and Windows. Its download page specifies 64-bit Windows 10 or later and macOS 10.14 or later for the available binaries. Offline operation makes it suitable for work without an online account, though the supported binary requirements matter when choosing a machine.

Who it's for

Makers and students can use the no-cost plan to move from multi-page schematics through board layout and production-file export. Professionals may value the rule checks, project portability and version-control-friendly files. It is less compelling for users who want paid developer support included or need a workflow outside desktop operating systems.

Pros and cons

• Pro: The free plan has no restrictions or account requirement, and projects can be used offline.
• Pro: Schematic and board editors connect through automatic forward annotation, with live electrical and design-rule checks.
• Pro: Self-contained projects and readable, canonical files support portability and understandable version-control changes.
• Pro: Import and output options cover EAGLE projects, DXF, Gerber, Excellon, BOM, STEP, PDF and SVG.
• Con: Developer support is paid; free help comes through the community.
• Con: The supplied Windows and macOS binaries have minimum operating-system requirements, so older systems may not qualify.

Alternatives

For more options, browse Electrical Design Software.

• LabVIEW is worth considering for readers seeking a freemium tool with a free plan and trial across desktop and web platforms.
• MATLAB Grader is a free alternative for users whose needs fit its MATLAB-license and qualifying academic LMS conditions.
• KiCad is another free, GPL-licensed option for users comparing open-source desktop software for electronics design.
• LTspice may suit readers looking for a free, unlimited option on Windows or macOS.
• ProfiCAD offers a 30-day full-feature trial and a home-license option for readers who prefer that licensing approach.
• ngspice is the better fit for command-line or file-based circuit simulation when schematic entry is not needed.
• QElectroTech is another free, GPL-licensed choice for readers comparing desktop electrical-design software.
• Trimble Viewpoint Vista is a paid ERP option for readers seeking cloud-hosted or on-premises deployment.

Verdict

Choose LibrePCB if you want a free, offline desktop workflow that connects schematic capture to PCB design and keeps projects portable and manageable in version control. Its broad file exchange and export support strengthen that case. Look elsewhere if free developer support is essential or if your device does not meet the desktop requirements.