DipTrace.com (Patreon)

I'm learning a new PCB layout software called DipTrace. I wanted software that ran on my Mac and was easy to learn. I've been using ExpressPCB.com Classic PCB software for years and even have a conversion software that takes their files and exports gerbers but it's Windows only and the conversion software was bought out by ExpressPCB to shut it down. 

I know ExpressPCB Classic so well I've taught classes about it for over 3 years. In fact if you are a Gold member you have access to the lab manual that teaches you how to use it. 

With the work on the Temperature Controlled Fan board, I felt it was the perfect time to learn new software and use this board as the first project. It took me about 2.5 hours to create a schematic and board layout after watching a couple of YouTube videos. I will defintiely get faster at it as it has a few unique steps I have to learn but over all it's pretty easy to learn. Plus it outputs full Gerber files from its freeware version (300 pins, 2 signal layers).

If you need more than 2 layers or more components then you need to pay for an upgrade which can get a bit expensive but for most of my projects, the freeware version is fine. Because I use it commercially (in a video) I'll be buying the starter version for $75 (with identical features as the freeware) but now viewers can use the freeware to copy my work if I create any videos with it.

If anybody is experienced with this software let me know in the comments below. I'd like to hear your feedback before I pay $75.

The board and 3D version pictured are the first board I created with DipTrace.