Autodesk’s AutoCAD EAGLE is a popular software tool used for designing printed circuit boards (PCBs). If you are new to the world of PCB design, one of the burning questions you might have is, “Is AutoCAD EAGLE free?” In this article, we will explore the pricing and licensing options for AutoCAD EAGLE and help you understand if it fits your budget.
AutoCAD EAGLE Pricing Options
AutoCAD EAGLE offers different pricing tiers to cater to a wide range of users. Let’s take a closer look at these options:
- Free Version: Yes, there is a free version of AutoCAD EAGLE available. With the free version, you can create PCB designs with up to 2 signal layers and a maximum board size of 160 × 100mm. This version is suitable for hobbyists, students, and small-scale projects.
- Premium Version: If you require more capabilities, you can opt for the premium version of AutoCAD EAGLE. The premium version offers unlimited signal layers and allows for larger board sizes.
It also provides access to advanced features such as schematic linking and real-time design synchronization. The premium version is available as a subscription at an affordable price.
- Standard Subscription: In addition to the free and premium versions, AutoCAD EAGLE also offers a standard subscription plan. This plan provides access to additional features like managed libraries and cloud-based collaboration tools. The standard subscription plan is ideal for professional designers who work on complex projects or collaborate with teams.
Licensing Options
Now that we have explored the pricing options let’s discuss how licensing works for AutoCAD EAGLE:
- Free Version: The free version of AutoCAD EAGLE is available for personal, non-commercial use. This means that you can use it for your personal projects, educational purposes, or hobbyist endeavors. However, if you intend to use AutoCAD EAGLE for commercial purposes, you will need to upgrade to a paid version.
- Premium Version: The premium version of AutoCAD EAGLE requires a subscription.
You can choose between monthly and annual subscriptions based on your needs. With the premium version, you gain access to additional features and support from Autodesk.
- Standard Subscription: Similar to the premium version, the standard subscription plan requires a subscription as well. This plan provides additional features and benefits tailored towards professional designers and teams.
Conclusion
In summary, AutoCAD EAGLE offers a range of pricing options to suit different user requirements. The free version is an excellent starting point for beginners or those working on small-scale projects. If you need more advanced features or are working on commercial projects, upgrading to the premium or standard subscription plans would be beneficial.
Remember that while the free version may have limitations in terms of board size and signal layers, it still provides ample capabilities for most hobbyist or educational projects.
So, whether you are just starting out with PCB design or looking for a professional-grade toolset, AutoCAD EAGLE has options that cater to various needs and budgets. Choose the plan that aligns with your requirements and start designing your next PCB masterpiece today!