PCB silk font question 171001

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allenpitts
Posts: 52
Joined: 29 Sep 2017, 13:03

PCB silk font question 171001

#1 Post by allenpitts » 01 Oct 2017, 07:09

Hello dip Trace forum,

Still learning Dip Trace. On my second PCB.
Managing the text in the silk screen layer.

1. Is it possible to change the font? The choices seem to
be Vector and TrueType. Vector seems to be less pixelated
than TrueType, but other than that there does not seem
to be much difference. Is there a way of choosing a text font like,
say, Arial?
2. When an existing text is moused over there are four outlined
squares at the corners. What does this mean?
3. When an existing text is clicked four filled
squares at the corners. What does this mean?

4. In a domain different from text, currently all the pads
near the edge are circled with red circles when
Verification > Check Design Rules. Perhaps Dip Trace
is saying that the pads are too close to the edge.
But the pads are intended to be used for right angle
headers to connect one board to the other for
an IC cascade. Are the circles saying the pads are too close
to the edge? Can this warning be ignored?

Thanks.

Allen in Dallas
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Tomg
Expert
Posts: 2028
Joined: 20 Jun 2015, 07:39

Re: PCB silk font question 171001

#2 Post by Tomg » 01 Oct 2017, 23:34

Hi Allen,
allenpitts wrote:"...Is it possible to change the font? The choices seem to be Vector and TrueType. Vector seems to be less pixelated than TrueType, but other than that there does not seem to be much difference. Is there a way of choosing a text font like, say, Arial?..."
Yes. Vector font is preferred for layouts because it consists of standard shapes (e.g. lines, arcs, etc) with constant line widths, which renders well in Gerber files (vector image). You can use TrueType fonts (raster image), but there is no guarantee how accurately they will be rendered in the Gerber format. It's always good practice to preview your Gerber files before sending them off for manufacture (PCB Layout Editor > File > Export > Gerber... > [Preview]). To change the font type and size right-click on the text, choose Font Type in the pop-up menu and click on TrueType in the fly-out menu. Right-click again on the text, choose Font... in the pop-up menu and make your selections in the Font dialog window.
allenpitts wrote:"...When an existing text is moused over there are four outlined squares at the corners. What does this mean?..."
This shows the entire area that the text block occupies. It can be dragged to a new location as long as you avoid grabbing one of the corners (hold left mouse button). To coarsely resize the text in increments equal to the grid size, diagonally drag one of the corners (hold left mouse button).
allenpitts wrote:"...When an existing text is clicked four filled squares at the corners. What does this mean?..."
This means the object has been selected for the next operation. Right-clicking in an empty section of the Design Area will deselect the object and return the editor to the Default Mode if it isn't there already.
allenpitts wrote:"...In a domain different from text, currently all the pads near the edge are circled with red circles when Verification > Check Design Rules. Perhaps Dip Trace is saying that the pads are too close to the edge. But the pads are intended to be used for right angle headers to connect one board to the other for an IC cascade. Are the circles saying the pads are too close to the edge? Can this warning be ignored?..."
Press softkey F9 to see the DRC report on all of those design rule violations. DRC warnings can be ignored as long as you are sure they will not affect the manufacturability of the PCB.
Tom

allenpitts
Posts: 52
Joined: 29 Sep 2017, 13:03

Re: PCB silk font question 171001

#3 Post by allenpitts » 05 Oct 2017, 12:45

Hello Tom and the Dip trace forum,

Thanks for your excellent replies.
The PCB project is back on track.

Allen Pitts, Dallas Texas

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