About Us | Contact Info | Useful Links

Release History

Version 2.3.1 (March 20, 2013)

Importing Schematics from EDIF (OrCAD).
Long-line cross cursor (X key).
Existing features of 2.3 were polished.

Version 2.3 (October 19, 2012)

Online DRC - dynamically checks design rules while you add objects, route traces or edit anything in layout. Static DRC check was improved and optimized.
3D VRML 2.0 Export of PC board. Allows you to export solid body of your board with models to mechanical CAD.
Custom Non-Signal layers.
Arranging PCB components by hierarchical blocks. Copying routing/placement between similar blocks.
Automatic showing/hiding ratlines for copper pours depending on pouring areas and traces ("Hide Net Ratlines" option has been removed).
Pour priority for copper pour.
Separate "Place Ratline" mode, no more ratlines in "default" and "edit traces" modes.
"Manual Route" mode hot-key (~).
Configuring and saving file names for Gerber export by layers (name and extension for each layer).
Exporting dimensions into Gerber and DXF.
Checking pin/wire superimposing without connection in Schematic ERC.
Saving connections without wires while copying/pasting parts in Schematic.
Moving objects between pages in Schematic.
Rearranging sheets in Schematic.
Saving "open/save dialog" initial folders by file type (globally for all programs).
Blocking file by the program while editing it. Overwriting by second/network appearance is prohibited.
Backward compatibility of binary file formats starting from this version (it can open files of further versions).
Windows 8 compatibility.
Ordering engine has been added (see File/Order PCB).
Online check for new versions and DipTrace news.
Library update: 8000+ new components, euro symbols, new patterns.

Version 2.2 (September 7, 2011)

3D Preview in PCB Layout (.wrl and .3ds models are supported).
2580 3D models in .wrl format (separate download).
Redesigned pattern and component libraries (full conformity).
Strict Via Styles (changing via style changes all vias of the style).
Net Classes (with extended rules). Class-to-Class rules.
Improved DRC (more rules, separate rules by layers and net-classes, class-to-class rules).
Show errors by layers or all. Show current clearance/size and necessary.
All necessary dialog boxes and menus are redesigned to use net classes and via styles.
Main menu redesigned (Layers item removed, sub-items moved to layers panel and Route menu).
Inserting layers, moving layers up/down.
Layer panel improved (buttons to add layer, layer setup and display mode; sub-menu; set current layer by double click)
Layer Setup dialog box improved (insert layer, move up, move down).
Improved manual routing:
3 standard modes + custom mode;
7 possible segment configurations;
fixed degree step for free/curve modes;
highlight only routed net option;
current via style option;
all options and hot-keys are listed on properties panel;
different trace width by layers (from net class rules).
Improved trace editing:
selecting several segments at once and changing properties;
adding nodes with hot-key (no mouse click or selecting item is necessary);
changing all from properties panel;
more hot-keys (all listed in sub-menu and properties panel).
Slot holes.
Identical component/net naming in hierarchical schematic and PCB.
Easy connecting/disconnecting wires from nets by names, automatic changing text object with net name by the nearest wire.
Making wires is similar to PCB manual routing (automatic or 2 segment configurations).
NC Drill Import, combining it with Gerber import to get pads with holes.
Correct NC drill export for blind holes (by layer pairs), automatic identifying existing layer pairs and Export All button.
PADS ASCII import in component and pattern editor, PADS ASCII schematic import is almost done, but closed yet.
Properties/Layers panel auto-switch when select tool or objects, more properties by objects.
Objects highlight option separate from displaying on Objects tab.
RefDes Renumbering (left-right,top-bottom).
Jumper wire layer selection (View/Jumper Wires). Jumpers in the silk layer are automatically removed from vias.
The state line is displayed on the Properties panel.
Renaming part of the net (related wires only) option in Schematic.
Global Nets in Hierarchy (single net for all levels, net-ports and connecting by name can be used in hierarchy).
Update PCB from Hierarchical Schematic by components (no similar RefDes inside hierarchy needed).
Making polygons, board outline and copper pours is similar to each other.
More drill symbols (characters added). Comment table for drill symbols.
Back annotation of net and net classes.
Saving/Loading rules in PCB Layout (net classes, via styles, layers, DRC rules). Loading rules in Schematic.
Mask and Paste settings for pad in Pattern Editor.
Displaying only wires of selected component while moving it. The feature is turned on by default in PCB Layout.
Converting static vias into dynamic (parts of traces) and back.
New components are placed outside the board outline while renew PCB from Schematic.
Speed optimizations and UI improvements.

Version 2.1 (February 10, 2010)

New high-class shape-based auto-router.
Dimensions in PCB Layout and Pattern Editor (horizontal, vertical, free, radius, pointer).
Saving all settings with project file.
Placing board cutout, copper objects and route obstacles in Pattern Editor.
Changing shape line width in pattern editor.
Placing polylines and polygons in pattern editor.
Converting polygons to pads and back in pattern editor.
DXF import was improved in pattern editor ("all layers" and "fill closed areas").
TrueType for pin names/pin numbers/net names in Schematic (option).
Removing similar holes in drill files.
Searching and displaying holes by size.
Rectangle with rounded corners board outline in board points dialog box.
View/Objects tab on the design manager panel. "Copper Pours" item has been added.
Redesigned Print Preview in PCB Layout.
Resizable pin manager and attached pattern dialog boxes in component editor.
Quick buttons on component properties panel in component editor.
Changing font of pin names in component editor or schematic.
Pin Properties dialog box in Schematic.
Changing grid size with "Ctrl+" and "Ctrl-". "+" and "-" are used for scale in all programs. "R" or Space for rotating in all programs.
"IC - 4 sides" component type in component editor.
Only x position of horizontal pins is changed when you change width, and y position of vertical pins if change height of IC. Other properties are not changed.
Rectangle and Zig-Zag pattern types in pattern editor.
Lock properties button in component and pattern editors.
Displaying library of component and "Place into Current Position" button in Search window of Component and Pattern editors.
Block Delete (select several components and delete) and Block Insert (right click/Insert Components from library) components/patterns in Component and Pattern Editors.
Library verification features in Component and Pattern Editors.
Finding component in active/opened library (all programs).
Sorting pins in pin manager by name, number and position.
Repositioning pins by name or number in component editor.
Group Rotate and Flip features in Component Editor (pin submenu; Shift+R, Shift+F hot-keys).
Internal connections are red and can be removed by repeated creation - in Component Editor/Attached Pattern
Displaying pad numbers in Pattern Editor, Pcb and Component Editor.
Default Net Width check while updating pcb from schematic, saving net properties from pcb (route mode, hidden connections, etc.).
Data and document files were moved to AppData and MyDocuments. Does not write anything to Program Files (Vista/Win 7 compatibility).
P-CAD ASCII, PADS Import/Export Improved
P-CAD ASCII, Eagle Script libraries import improved
OrCAD MIN Interchange Import/Export in PCB Layout
Origin can be placed by object key-points.
"Change Symbol Type" feature in Component Editor (automatic making 2sided/4sided symbol from existing one).
Making busses by pin names in Component Editor.
"No thermal for vias" and separate thermal settings for SMD in copper pour properties (no need to use pad/via custom thermal settings).
Printer calibration in PCB Layout.
Exclude some objects from panelizing, saving panelizing settings with layout file.
Dimensions are displayed for pattern types in pattern editor.
It is possible to change type properties for rotated pattern in Pattern Editor.
RefDes numeration for hierarchy changed (U1_1, U1_2, etc.).
Additional check if attached patterns are correct for multipart components while exporting net-list or saving file.
ArcMode is turned off automatically after placing arc in board outline.
Placing pattern markings over pads/vias/traces.
Graphics speed in PCB Layout, Component and Pattern Editors was optimized.
Recovery options (number of steps between auto-savings and enabling/disabling recovery).
Text type (RefDes, Name. Value) in Pattern Editor.
Copper pour fill counts internal copper pours.
UI polishing.
16000+ new components, existing libraries were redesigned by new standards.

Version 2.0 (February 17, 2009)

Properties panel in PCB Layout and Schematic
Display/Hide layers in PCB Layout
Design Manager
Fanout
Hierarchical Schematic
Custom color for the net
Direction arrows for wires in Schematic
Thermal support in DXF Edge function
Arc traces in PCB Layout
Text in pattern editor
Unroute line command in PCB Layout
Make connection from trace end while routing (D3d and OpenGL modes).
Lock net structure in PCB Layout
Manual routing improved
Copy/paste works between instances
Internal connections in component pattern.
Panelizing of different PCBs on the same panel.
P-CAD ASCII Import/Export in Schematic and PCB Layout.
PADS ASCII 2005 Import/Export in PCB Layout.
8000+ new components

Version 1.50 (March 6, 2008)

DirectX/OpenGL support (faster drawing on large Schematics/PCBs)
Vector font
Panelizing
Copper pour island removal (internal, unconnected).
"Snap copper pour to board outline" option.
"Black and White only" print option.
Selecting/Deselecting objects by type, layer, etc.
Displaying hidden wires in schematic.
Connect shape to net in PCB Layout (DRC, copper pours, etc.)
Copy/Paste shortcuts in component/pattern editor component properties panel.
Change incorrect polygonal pads automatically.
Traces box in DXF export dialog box.
"Fill closed areas" option for DXF import (+using embedded polygons as cutouts).
Shift to make shapes orthogonally.
Converting cutout shapes to board outline option.
Bulk connection for pads/vias in PCB Layout.
Correct trace/connection alignment for center-free polygonal pads
Forbid jumpers under components option for auto-router.
Hide table borders option.
Redesigned grid view for small scale.
"Different grid step for Y" option.
Highlight optimization (reducing CPU time).
Row number and total quantity in BOM.
Forcing correct extension while saving files.
"Do not display hint" option.
Scaling schematic and titles to page while printing.
Multiple edge passes option in DXF Export.
Changing width of components/patterns panel.
"Disable automatic wire routing" option in Schematic.
9000+ new components.

Version 1.40 (May 23, 2007)

Component placement by list, arrangement in PCB Layout
Auto-placement
Spice options in Schematic and component editor, exporting net-list for LT Spice.
File formats extending (floating point values are more accurate, etc)
Library path in component/pattern properties, automatic update
Custom colors for printing
Creating traces and wires from empty area
Route/Unroute traces for selected components
Create list of additional fields in PCB Layout or Schematic
Unlimited number of grids
Assembly options
Snap components to grid by origin
SMD pads on both sides for the same component
Pattern can have Mask, Paste, Assy shapes on both sides
Top side is invisible while editing inner layer
Changing pattern name in schematic without attaching pattern (for net-lists).
Changing default line width for shapes in PCB and Schematic
Selecting traces separately in PCB Layout
Selecting of visible objects only for box selection
Menu (Warning) when trying to change net structure
Displaying net names above the wires
Export All option in Gerber dialog box
DRC - control min ring size and max drill size
Automatic Text flip for Bottom side option
Import Schematics and PCBs from Eagle
String Grids can be edited directly (additional fields, pin numbers, etc).
Export Drill files for through and blind holes separately
OrCad TAP drill files export
Updating PCB from related schematic in one click (+ key shortcut)

Version 1.30 (October 25, 2006)

Customizing colors (black background, etc.)
Layer changing in copper pour sub-menu.
Zoom extents/center tool for print preview.
Gerber import.
Electra/Specctra Integration (DSN export, SES import). Electra is available from DipTrace web-site.
Netlist Export in Schematic (Tango, PADS, Accel, Allegro, P-CAD, etc.)
Netlist Import in PCB.
Unlimited user defined fields for components and patterns (texts or links).
Exporting Schematic to DXF.
Titles were added to DXF export in PCB.
DipTrace ASCII format (import/export in all programs).
Component rotation by a desired (non-90) angle.
Moving selected objects using arrow keys.
Double click to open object properties.
Using mouse wheel for zooming and scrolling project.
Lock/Unlock objects.
Enter to OK / Esc to Cancel in dialog boxes.
Separate "Via" object in PCB layout (Static Via).
Editing Paste/Mask layers separately (shapes, custom settings for pads).
Shift for orthogonal moving, esc to cancel moving.
Both component and marking highlight while move mouse over component or marking in F10 mode.
Keyboard shortcuts to change layers.
"Traces" box in Gerber export.
Changing board outline width (Line Width dialog box).
Board cutouts (shape property).
Trace length measurement.
Using "Ctrl+1..0" to change layers in PCB Layout.
Up/Down keys to switch between pins in pin manager (Component Editor).
Blind/buried pads/static vias.
Many minor improvements.

Version 1.23 (April 4, 2006)

Custom thermals for pads.
Sorting in Component and Pattern Editors.
"Zoom Extents" tool in Schematic and PCB.
Separate scale and position for Schematic pages.
Checking net connectivity in PCB Layout.
"Save to File" button in schematic comparison dialog box.
"Paste sub-menu" by right click in design area.
Text vectorization for gerber was improved.
Unlimited zoom in Gerber and N/C drill preview.
Separate selection of each wire of net or bus in Schematic.
Moving vias and "add node" features were improved.
Renaming and Deleting nets in connection manager.
Pop-Up menu when trying to merge nets in PCB.
Returning origin to default position feature.
Editing wire nodes in Schematic was improved.
Printing negative in PCB Layout.
"R" or "Space" to rotate part text while moving (F10).
"Apply to" options for pad properties dialog box.
Selection of overlapping objects by repeated clicks.
Import P-CAD PDIF in Schematic and PCB.
Import Eagle Script and P-CAD ASCII library formats.

Mar 20, 2013 — version 2.3.1

Oct 19, 2012 — version 2.3

Aug 2, 2012 — version 2.2.9 b

Sep 7, 2011 — version 2.2

Mar 12, 2011 — version 2.1.9 b

DipTrace breaks the traditional mold for schematic capture and layout CAD software by being super-intuitive and simple to learn, while still providing all the capabilities of design packages costing 10 times as much.

Jim Carstensen
Director of Engineering
Alcorn McBride, Inc.

more user opinions...