SMD-Pads

To place SMD-pads select the corresponding mode with the button from the left toolbar:

Move the mouse cursor to the board while the SMD-pad mode is selected. Every click will add a pad to the layout. The SMD-pad mode may be aborted by pressing the right mouse button.

Pads, Vias, Drill holes

To place pads select the corresponding mode with the button from the left toolbar: 

Sprint Layout offers several shapes for pads. The current shape is displayed on the button. To select another shape, click to the arrow button right from pad button.

 If the option THROUGH PAD is selected the pad will appear on both sides of the board automatically. This is indicated by a hatched display and a red colored hole.

 Move the mouse cursor to the board while pad mode is selected. Every click will add a pad to the layout. The pad mode may be aborted by pressing the right mouse button.

Tracks

Tracks

 

To draw a copper track select the corresponding mode from the left toolbar:

 

 

Move the mouse cursor to the layout. The cursor will appear with the diameter of the track width. The first click defines the start point of the track. Now move the mouse to the destination point of the track. Use the SPACE key of your keyboard to find the optimal route for the track. Click again to fix the track and continue with the next segment. Use the right mouse button to abort the process.

Basic drawing functions

Sprint Layout offers all necessary functions to draw the layout of a printed circuit board.

 

• Tracks / Lines
• Pads, Through pads (Vias), Drill holes
• SMD-Pads
• Circles / Segments
• Zones
• Polygons
• Labels

Ruler and coodinate display

Rulers

Sprint Layout offers rulers on top and on the left of the editor. The scale units may be switched between inch (I) and millimetre (M) with the push button between the rulers. (Also available from the OPTIONS item of the main menu.) The current mouse position is marked for better orientation.

Solder layer and silk screen layer

Sprint Layout offers four layers. Imagine layers as transparent films that lay on top of each other. There are two layers for each side of the board, one for the copper layout and one so-called silk screen layer that is used for the component print of the board.

 

Grid size

The grid allows you to place layout elements precisely and very efficiently. The grid capture is always active and is displayed as long as the zoom is adjusted to appropriate values. The grid display is disabled when zoom factor is too small to display the grid, but the capture will still remain active.