How to Create Custom KEEPOUT Areas

[IanDRiley]

What is a KEEPOUT area, and why would you need a custom one in PCB design? A KEEPOUT area is a designated zone on your PCB where components, traces, or copper pours are not allowed. Creating a custom KEEPOUT helps prevent interference, ensures proper spacing, and protects sensitive components.

Have you ever needed to leave space for mechanical parts or connectors? That’s when a custom KEEPOUT is essential. Most PCB design tools let you define the shape, size, and location of these zones easily.

What steps should you follow to make sure your KEEPOUT area works as intended? By carefully planning and applying these areas, you can avoid layout mistakes and improve the overall reliability of your PCB.

Thank you so much

[Serg]

Route keepout is an area on the board where no copper is allowed. The autorouter does not draw traces there, and the program will report errors if you draw them manually in the keepout area.
On the toolbar, select the shape-drawing tool and, in the drop-down menu, specify the layer for the shape → Route Keepout. Place the shape in the required area of the design. Enable DRC checking to detect errors (main menu: Verification → Design Rules → Options → Check Route Keepouts).