Importing Designs between Kicad and Altium: Streamlining Your PCB Design Process

When working with printed circuit boards (PCBs), designers often spend a significant amount of time on tasks that seem simple, yet tedious. One such example is importing designs from one software to another. When you have to click multiple times, move the mouse several centimeters back and forth, and perform other repetitive actions, it can be frustrating and time-consuming. But what if there was a way to simplify this process?

A good PCB routing software should be easy to use, and by 'easy,' I mean that it should minimize the number of clicks, keystrokes, and mouse movements required to perform a given function. To define this subjective criteria, I propose a simple metric: easiness measurement. This metric takes into account the number of clicks, keystrokes, and mouse moving distance needed to complete a task.

In our comparison guide, we will explore the primary grading criteria that we use to evaluate PCB design software. As we examine different programs, it's essential to acknowledge our biases towards certain tools based on our familiarity with them. For instance, we have experience working with Altium, and this might influence our opinions about its ease of use.

When choosing a CAD program, it's crucial to establish your criteria for evaluation. Inevitably, these criteria will be subjective, reflecting your personal preferences and design style. This guide aims to help you decide which software is optimal for your needs or explore alternative options that better suit your workflow.

Fortunately, there are many PCB design tools available, ranging from free or inexpensive options to high-end premium solutions. Each tool has its unique features, making it essential to research and compare them before selecting the best one for your project.

In this article, we will focus on importing designs between Kicad and Altium, two popular PCB design software options. By exploring their ease of use, functionality, and compatibility, you can make an informed decision about which tool is right for your next project.

Kicad import altium