Pattern Editor Help - DipTrace

© 2021 Nowarm Software

Pattern Editor Help

All rights reserved. No parts of this work may be reproduced in any form or by any means - graphic, electronic, ormechanical, including photocopying, recording, taping, or information storage and retrieval systems - without thewritten permission of the publisher.

Products that are referred to in this document may be either trademarks and/or registered trademarks of therespective owners. The publisher and the author make no claim to these trademarks.

While every precaution has been taken in the preparation of this document, the publisher and the author assume noresponsibility for errors or omissions, or for damages resulting from the use of information contained in thisdocument or from the use of programs and source code that may accompany it. In no event shall the publisher andthe author be liable for any loss of profit or any other commercial damage caused or alleged to have been causeddirectly or indirectly by this document.

Printed: May 2021 in (whereever you are located)

Pattern Editor Help

© 2021 Nowarm Software

3Contents

3

Table of Contents

Foreword 0

Part I Package Overview 8

................................................................................................................................... 81 Introducing DipTrace

................................................................................................................................... 102 Formats

................................................................................................................................... 113 DipTrace on the Web

Part II Pattern Editor 14

................................................................................................................................... 141 User interface

.......................................................................................................................................................... 14Main w indow

.......................................................................................................................................................... 15Toolbars

.......................................................................................................................................................... 17Library Manager panel

.......................................................................................................................................................... 18Status Bar

.......................................................................................................................................................... 18Main menu

......................................................................................................................................................... 18Library

......................................................................................................................................................... 19Pattern

......................................................................................................................................................... 20Edit

......................................................................................................................................................... 21View

......................................................................................................................................................... 22Objects

......................................................................................................................................................... 22Tools

......................................................................................................................................................... 23Help

.......................................................................................................................................................... 23Objects submenus

......................................................................................................................................................... 23Pad

......................................................................................................................................................... 24Shape

......................................................................................................................................................... 24Text

......................................................................................................................................................... 25Mounting hole

......................................................................................................................................................... 26Fiducial

......................................................................................................................................................... 26Dimensions

.......................................................................................................................................................... 27Modes of operation

.......................................................................................................................................................... 28Hotkeys

................................................................................................................................... 302 Working with libraries

.......................................................................................................................................................... 30General properties

.......................................................................................................................................................... 30Library groups

.......................................................................................................................................................... 30Library setup

.......................................................................................................................................................... 31Create

.......................................................................................................................................................... 32Open

.......................................................................................................................................................... 32Save

.......................................................................................................................................................... 32Templates

.......................................................................................................................................................... 33Search patterns

.......................................................................................................................................................... 34Search at SnapEDA

.......................................................................................................................................................... 34Working with patterns

.......................................................................................................................................................... 36Verification

.......................................................................................................................................................... 36Import/Export

......................................................................................................................................................... 36DipTrace ASCII import

......................................................................................................................................................... 36Altium ASCII import

......................................................................................................................................................... 37Eagle import

......................................................................................................................................................... 37P-CAD import

Pattern Editor Help4

......................................................................................................................................................... 37PADS import

......................................................................................................................................................... 37DXF Import

......................................................................................................................................................... 38KiCAD import

......................................................................................................................................................... 39DipTrace ASCII export

......................................................................................................................................................... 39Eagle XML export

................................................................................................................................... 393 Designing a pattern

.......................................................................................................................................................... 39Review, properties

.......................................................................................................................................................... 41Pattern Generator

......................................................................................................................................................... 41Review

......................................................................................................................................................... 42Generating Surface Mount Package

......................................................................................................................................... 42BGA

................................................................................................................................... 42Draw ing Data

................................................................................................................................... 43Component Options

................................................................................................................................... 45Terminal Options

................................................................................................................................... 46Design Rules

................................................................................................................................... 473D Model

......................................................................................................................................... 48Chip

................................................................................................................................... 48Draw ing Data



................................................................................................................................... 52Design Rules

................................................................................................................................... 533D Model

......................................................................................................................................... 54QFN w ith Tab

................................................................................................................................... 54Draw ing Data



................................................................................................................................... 58Design Rules

................................................................................................................................... 593D Model

......................................................................................................................................... 60QFP

................................................................................................................................... 60Draw ing Data



................................................................................................................................... 65Design Rules

................................................................................................................................... 663D Model

......................................................................................................................................... 67SON w ith Tab

................................................................................................................................... 67Draw ing Data



................................................................................................................................... 71Design Rules

................................................................................................................................... 723D Model

......................................................................................................................................... 73SOP, SOIC

................................................................................................................................... 73Draw ing Data



................................................................................................................................... 78Design Rules

................................................................................................................................... 793D Model

......................................................................................................................................... 80SOT23

................................................................................................................................... 80Draw ing Data



................................................................................................................................... 84Design Rules

................................................................................................................................... 853D Model

......................................................................................................................................................... 86Generating Through Hole Package

......................................................................................................................................... 86Axial

5Contents

5

................................................................................................................................... 86Draw ing Data



................................................................................................................................... 90Design Rules

................................................................................................................................... 913D Model

......................................................................................................................................... 92DIP

................................................................................................................................... 92Draw ing Data



................................................................................................................................... 96Design Rules

................................................................................................................................... 973D Model

......................................................................................................................................................... 98Pad Dimensions

......................................................................................................................................................... 98Setting Component Name

......................................................................................................................................................... 99Manufacturer

......................................................................................................................................................... 101Add to Pattern Properties

.......................................................................................................................................................... 102Additional fields

.......................................................................................................................................................... 102Common pad properties

.......................................................................................................................................................... 103Pads

......................................................................................................................................................... 103Create

......................................................................................................................................................... 104Edit

......................................................................................................................................................... 105Properties

......................................................................................................................................................... 106Pad array numbers

......................................................................................................................................................... 106Mask and paste

.......................................................................................................................................................... 107Shapes

......................................................................................................................................................... 107Create

......................................................................................................................................... 108Line

......................................................................................................................................... 109Arc

......................................................................................................................................... 110Rectangle/ Filled Rectangle

......................................................................................................................................... 111Obround/ Filled Obround

......................................................................................................................................... 112Polyline/ Polygon

......................................................................................................................................................... 113Edit

......................................................................................................................................................... 114Properties

......................................................................................................................................... 115Line

......................................................................................................................................... 116Arc

......................................................................................................................................... 117Rectangle/ Filled Rectangle

......................................................................................................................................... 118Obround/ Filled Obround Prop

......................................................................................................................................... 119Polyline/ Polygon

.......................................................................................................................................................... 120Text

......................................................................................................................................................... 120Create

......................................................................................................................................................... 121Edit

......................................................................................................................................................... 121Properties

.......................................................................................................................................................... 123Mounting hole

.......................................................................................................................................................... 123Fiducial

.......................................................................................................................................................... 123Dimensions

.......................................................................................................................................................... 1243D model

.......................................................................................................................................................... 127Align objects

.......................................................................................................................................................... 128Edit pattern

.......................................................................................................................................................... 128Placement setup

.......................................................................................................................................................... 129Insert from library

.......................................................................................................................................................... 130Import from DXF

................................................................................................................................... 1314 View functions

.......................................................................................................................................................... 131Scaling/Panning

.......................................................................................................................................................... 132Line Width

.......................................................................................................................................................... 132Precision


.......................................................................................................................................................... 133Grid

.......................................................................................................................................................... 134Origin

.......................................................................................................................................................... 134Pad numbers

................................................................................................................................... 1345 Working with layers

.......................................................................................................................................................... 134Review

................................................................................................................................... 1376 Edit functions

.......................................................................................................................................................... 137Select objects

.......................................................................................................................................................... 138General functions

.......................................................................................................................................................... 138Undo/Redo

.......................................................................................................................................................... 138Move/Rotate objects

.......................................................................................................................................................... 138Align objects

Part

I


1 Package Overview

1.1 Introducing DipTrace

DipTrace PCB Design Environment includes four program modules:

1. PCB Layout – PCB design with easy-to-use manual routing tools, high-speed and differential pairnets, shape-based autorouter, advanced verification procedures, 3D Preview with STEP export andmanufacturing output.

2. Schematic – create multi-sheet and multi-level hierarchical schematic and convert it to PCB.

3. Pattern Editor – create package footprints (patterns) and attach 3D models.

4. Component Editor – draw schematic symbols and attach patterns, thus creating new components.

DipTrace provides the following features:

Easy-to-learn user interface

No need for extensive learning, intuitive, unified and easy-to-use. Select and place components on theschematic and connect them together visually and logically (wires and buses). Software modules areintegrated parts of a single working environment. Cross-module library management, Convert schematicto PCB, Update PCB from schematic and back annotate. Various highlight options, customizablehotkeys, as well as a step-by-step tutorial, allow the user to get started.

Smart manual and powerful automatic routing

DipTrace software includes two automatic routers: Grid Router (for simple projects with jumper wires)and Shape Router – a modern shape-based automatic router with a wide range of settings and features.DipTrace Shape Router is one of the best on the market today.

Intelligent manual routing tools allow the designer to create and edit tracks by 90-, 45-, 30-, 15-degreeangles or without limitations, different routing modes and track segments, smart highlight and panningoptions, length matching tools. Through, blind or buried vias support. Unlimited board size. Real-timeDRC reports errors before actually making them.

Multi-sheet and multi-level hierarchical circuit

The Schematic module has multi-sheet and multi-level hierarchical structure. These features allow foreasy and convenient design. Each sheet of the schematic can be converted to hierarchy block. Blockscan be inserted into the main sheet and into each other. PCB Layout allows the user to groupcomponents to blocks directly on the circuit board and automatically apply placement and routing fromone block to another.

High-speed signals and Differential pairs

Length-matching rules and convenient meanders for high-speed nets and buses. Create and editdifferential pairs for low-noise high-speed connections. Double or single-track routing, phase tune, andadvanced routing constraints.

Package Overview 9

Smart project structure

Create and adjust layers, Net classes, Via styles, Class-to-Class Rules, different templates, and designrules. This allows for smart management not only inside one project but also for different projects.

Advanced verification procedures

Schematic and PCB design modules have various verification procedures that help to control projectaccuracy on different design stages: ERC in the Schematic shows possible errors in pin connectionsand allows the designer to correct errors step-by-step. DRC verification in the PCB Layout modulechecks clearances between the design objects, differential pair parameters and minimum sizes of tracksand drills. Real-time DRC verifies each user's action in real time and shows errors while routing thetraces, moving or editing objects. Errors are displayed graphically and can be fixed easily. NetConnectivity Check verifies if all nets of the PCB are electrically connected. This feature uses traces,copper pour areas, and shapes to control connectivity and reports broken and merged nets with areadetails. Comparing to Schematic verifies if routed circuit board is identical to the source schematic.

Import/Export features

Exchange schematics, layouts, and libraries (DXF, Altium, Eagle, P-CAD, PADS, OrCAD, KiCAD).DipTrace supports netlists of Accel, Allegro, Mentor, PADS, P-CAD, Protel and Tango formats. Import/Export STEP/IGES, VRML and 3DS files.

Manufacturing output

DipTrace provides comprehensive control over the stack of PCB layers and allows for ODB++, GerberRS-274X/Gerber X2, and Excellon N/C Drill export. These file formats are the most popular among PCBmanufacturers all over the world. Manufacturing export supports TrueType fonts, Unicode symbols, andraster images. IPC-D-356A electrical test netlist and DXF exports are available. DXF file can serve as anintermediate format to get the G-Code for CNC drilling machines (milling method).

Real-time 3D PCB preview with STEP/IGES and VRML 2.0 export

In the 3D preview module, you can rotate the circuit board in three axes, zoom in and out in real timeand adjust color settings. DipTrace supports *.wrl, *.step, *.iges and *.3ds files as component models.More than 10,000 3D models are available for free. STEP and VRML export allows for quick and reliableexchange with mechanical CAD programs.

Simulation (SPICE)

Schematic Capture and Component Editor allows the user to specify SPICE settings or attach SPICEmodels to components. When a circuit is done, you can export the *.cir netlist of the schematic to LTSpice or another simulation software.

Cross-module library management

DipTrace has two separate software modules to manage component libraries: Component Editor andPattern Editor. All libraries are sorted by standard, custom and auto-generated library groups forcomfortable design. The software instantly updates any changes in the library structure made in any of


the software modules.

Standard component libraries

DipTrace package includes component and pattern libraries with 170,000+ components from differentmanufacturers designed up to IPC-7351 Standard.

1.2 Formats

DipTrace package has four specific file formats:

1. PCB Design (*.dip) – can be created with PCB Layout module. It contains information about patterns(footprints), nets, traces, board, layers, shapes, texts, etc.

2. Schematic (*.dch) – can be created with Schematic module and opened in the PCB Layout. Itcontains information about components, wires, buses, shapes and schematic sheets. PCB Layoutopens schematic file as component footprints (patterns) and logic connections between the pads.

3. Pattern library (*.lib) – can be created with Pattern Editor and opened with PCB Layout to placepatterns, with Component Editor and Schematic – to attach patterns to components and with PatternEditor – to create and edit patterns.

4. Component library (*.eli) – can be created with Component Editor. These files can be opened in theSchematic and PCB Layout to place components to the design/principal circuit.

Supported file formats:

1. DipTrace ASCII – universal DipTrace text data format.2. Netlist – import/export of different netlist formats.3. Autorouter DSN and Autorouter SES – Electra/Specctra data exchange formats for externalautorouters.4. Gerber RS–274X/Gerber X2 – export/import in the PCB Layout.5. N/C Drill – export and import in the PCB Layout module.6. ODB++ – export from the PCB Layout.7. IPC-D-356A – export from the PCB Layout.8. Mach 2/3 Drill G-code – export from the PCB Layout.9. DXF – export from the PCB Layout and Schematic/import to PCB Layout and Pattern Editor.10. Pick and Place – export from the PCB Layout.11. P-CAD ASCII – export/import in the PCB Layout and Schematic, import in Component and Patterneditors.12. P-CAD PDIF – import in the PCB Layout and Schematic.13. PADS ASCII – export/import in the PCB Layout, import in Schematic, Component and Patternseditors.14. Altium ASCII – import in all DipTrace modules.15. OrCAD MIN Interchange – export/import in the PCB Layout.16. OrCAD EDIF Schematic – import in the Schematic.17. OrCad TAP Drill – export from the PCB Layout.18. KiCAD - import in Schematic, PCB Layout, Component and Pattern Editors. 19. EAGLE XML – import/ export files in Schematic, PCB Layout, Component and Pattern 20. EAGLE Script – import in Component Editor and Pattern Editors (via ULP and script files, availablein the "DipTrace \ Utils" folder).

Package Overview 11

21. BSDL – import in the Component Editor.22. IGES – import 3D models in the PCB Layout and Pattern Editor. 23. STEP – export/import in the PCB Layout, import in Pattern Editor (3D models).24. VRML 2.0 – export/import in the PCB Layout, import in the Pattern Editor (3D models).25. 3DS – import 3D models in the PCB Layout and Pattern Editor.

1.3 DipTrace on the Web

DipTrace official website: https://www.diptrace.com

Order DipTrace: https://diptrace.com/buy/online-store/

Tutorial: https://www.diptrace.com/books/tutorial.pdf

Tech. Support email: [email protected]

Sales email: [email protected]

Forum: https://www.diptrace.com/forum/

Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/DipTrace/

Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsShjGMkGNkPBSTEVjZMn3Q

Part

II


2 Pattern Editor

2.1 User interface

2.1.1 Main window

The Pattern Editor's main screen includes the pattern design area, the main menu, toolbars, LibraryManager, Pattern Properties panel, pattern layers panel and the status bar.

On the pattern design area you can create and edit pattern objects (pads, shapes, mounting holes,etc.).

Access to all common functions of the program via the main menu. There are the following items in themain menu: Library, Pattern, Edit, View, Objects, Tools, Help.

Other interface elements are:

Standard Toolbar – tools to work with files, cut/copy/paste objects, change scale and the grid size.

Objects Toolbar – tools to switch to the default mode, create and edit pads, mounting holes anddimensions.

Drawing Toolbar – tools to draw shapes and create texts.

Library Manager panel – pattern and pattern library management tools, sort libraries by library groups,user libraries, etc. Select library from the list and then select pattern for editing from the list right below.Set up the libraries, add/edit/delete library groups, manage search filters, verify libraries, etc.

Pattern Properties panel – all basic instruments and parameters to edit/build patterns. Templates,

Pattern Editor 15

styles, define name, RefDes, value, datasheet, additional fields connect 3D model to the footprint anddefine default pad properties. The panel is located in the pattern design area. It is possible to show/hidethe Pattern Properties panel or minimize it.

Layers panel – allows switching layers and managing the way the list of the layers is displayed in thecurrent project (move/hide layers, change layer display mode). It's located on the right side of thescreen. All layers or only the list of user-defined priority layers can be displayed. You can open Layer

Priority and Order dialogue ( button) to select priority layers and change their order in the list. Useblue check marks to show/hide the layer, and color rectangle to change the layer color. Double-click onthe layer name to make a layer active. Define Display Mode by selecting the desired option from thedrop-down.

2.1.2 Toolbars

The program has three main toolbars, the Library Manager panel, Pattern Properties panel and patternlayers panel:

Standard Toolbar

This panel contains the following buttons:

New – create a new pattern library. In case the previous one was not saved, the software will offer to dothis. Only one library can be opened at a time.

Open – open existing pattern library (*.lib) file. If library is not in connected yet, it will be automaticallyadded to Other Libraries library group.

Save – save current pattern library. If library has never been saved, a special dialog box will offer to saveit. If library already has the corresponding *.lib file, it will be saved automatically into that file. This tool isactive only for unsaved changes.

Cut – move selected object/s to the clipboard.

Copy – copy selected object/s to the clipboard.

Paste – paste object/s from the clipboard.

Undo – one editing step backwards.

Redo – one editing step forward. It is activated after using the Undo tool. If you edit pattern after usingUndo tool, the Redo becomes inactive.

Zoom Window – set current scale and pan pattern design area to the mouse-defined box.

Undo Zoom – return to the previous scale and panning.


Scale – change design area scale (from 25% to 800% or type in a new value). Changing the scale isalso possible with the mouse wheel, plus sign (+) and minus sign (-) default hotkeys or from the mainmenu.

Grid Size – selection of current grid size from the drop-down list or by typing in a new value.

Objects Toolbar

The panel contains tools to switch to the default mode, measure distances (the ruler), define origin,create pads (single, pad line, pad rectangle, pad circle), create a mounting hole, a fiducial, placedimensions, select current side for placing objects. The number of pads to be placed, diameter of themounting holes and some other settings depend on the parameters set in the Placement Setup dialogbox.

Drawing Toolbar

The panel contains tools to create shapes and text objecys. It is also possible to select shapeplacement layer with a drop-down list.

Pattern Properties panel

This panel allows the user to change properties of the pattern. It has allnecessary tools for creating a typical pattern, plus the buttons for mostbasic and necessary features: Attach 3D Model, Additional Fields, andDefault Pad Properties.

There are 8 pattern styles: Free, IPC-7351, Circle, Lines, Square,Matrix, Rectangle and Zig-Zag. Different pattern types have differentparameters. When you change the size, all shapes are resizedautomatically. Use this panel to define pattern name, add name

description and unique name ( button), reference designator, value,manufacturer, datasheet, additional fields, connect 3D model, launchPattern Generator with IPC-7351 style selected, and define default padproperties.

It is possible to create patterns, using patterns as templates.

Pattern Layers panel

Pattern Editor 17

This panel allows changing layers andmanaging the way the list of the layers isdisplayed in the current project (move/hidelayers, change layer display mode). It'slocated on the right side of the screen. Thelist of all layers or only of user-defined prioritylayers can be displayed. You can open Layer

Priority and Order dialogue by clicking button to select priority layers and changetheir order in the list. Use blue check marksto show/hide the layer, and color rectangle tochange the layer color. Double-click on thelayer name to make it active. Define DisplayMode by selecting the desired option fromthe drop-down.

2.1.3 Library Manager panel

The Library Manager panel provides access to all necessary library and patternmanagement tools. This panel consists of two lists and three buttons.

Library list

Select library from the list and all patterns from the library will be available in thePattern list right below.

(<Current Library Group>) – change current librarygroup, edit pattern and component library groups in the Library Setup dialog box.Default groups: Patterns, User Patterns, and Other Libraries (auto-generated librarygroup for storing pattern templates and separate library files).

Library Setup (add/delete libraries to/from the library groups, add/delete newlibrary groups). Library management is cross-module – all groups and librariescustomized in other DipTrace software modules (Schematic, PCB Layout, andComponent Editor) will be available for editing here. Pattern Editor works only withpatterns, not with components.

– all necessary instruments to create, manage, verifyand edit current library. Name and hint of <current library>, Sort Patterns in<current library>, Check <current library>, Add Library to "User Patterns", Copy<current library> to Another Library Group, Move <current library> to anotherGroup, Delete <current library>. Available options depend on selected librarygroup.


– find patterns, insert new patterns into current library or another library,move patterns up and down the list, copy and move patterns between the libraries, duplicate and deletethem.

Pattern list

All patterns of selected library.

Hide the Library Manager by pressing a small arrow near the "Select Pattern" text. Left-click on thepattern to open it on the design area or right-click it to open the submenu with all Pattern Tools.

To adjust the width of the Library Manager panel hover over its right border and drag it.

2.1.4 Status Bar

Status bar is located in the bottommost part of the Pattern Editor window.

It shows the following information:

Hint - standard hint containing information about the selected object on the design area.

Mode - shows the current mode (Default, Place Pins, Place Shape, etc.).

Grid Snap - the current Snap to Grid status.

X, Y - coordinates of the current position of the cursor or selected element.

2.1.5 Main menu

2.1.5.1 Library

New – create a new pattern library and define its library group. DipTrace offers to create a new library inthe User Patterns library group by default. If current library has unsaved changes, the program will offerto save it.

Open – open existing pattern library (*.lib) file.

Open Recent – last five pattern libraries.

Save – save current pattern library. If library has never been saved, a special dialog box will offer to dothat. DipTrace offers to save user libraries into "Documents\DipTrace\My Libraries" folder by default. Iflibrary already has the corresponding *.lib file, it will be saved automatically into that file. This tool isactive only when there are unsaved changes.

Save as – save pattern library into the file, select location and name of the file.

Import – import libraries from other formats.

Pattern Editor 19

Export – export libraries to other formats.

Library Setup – add/delete/copy/move libraries to/from the library groups, add/delete new librarygroups. Library management is cross-module, hence all groups and libraries customized in otherDipTrace modules (Schematic, PCB Layout, and Component Editor) will be available for editing here.

Name and hint of <current library> – define name and hint for active library.

Sort Patterns in <current library> – sort components of current library by name.

Check <current library> – general library information (total number of patterns and pads) verification forpossible errors and error report in the same dialog box.

Open Templates – open pattern templates library.

Save Templates – save current library as pattern template library.

Exit – close the Pattern Editor.

2.1.5.2 Pattern

Find Pattern – search patterns by name, datasheet, additional fields, value, manufacturer etc.

Search Parts at SnapEDA – search SnapEDA libraries directly from within DipTrace.

Add New to <current library> – add new pattern to the library.

Insert New to <current library> – insert new pattern to the library (into current position).

Insert from Another Library – insert new pattern from another pattern or component library into currentposition.

Duplicate Selected – duplicate selected patterns.

Import from DXF – import pattern drawing from the DXF file.

Move Up – move current pattern up in the library pattern list.

Move Down – move current pattern down in the library pattern list.

Move to the end – move current pattern to the end of the library pattern list.

Copy to Another Library – copy selected pattern to another library.

Move to Another Library – move selected pattern to another library.

Clear <current pattern> – delete all content of selected pattern.

Delete from Library – delete current pattern from the library.

Standard Pad Properties – change default pad properties for the pattern.


IPC-7351 Pattern Generator – launch Pattern Generator to create footprints and 3D models to IPCStandard based on entered parameters.

Standard Pad Mask/ Paste - define default paste and mask settings for the pads.

Standard Pin terminals – establish default pin terminal shape (obround, rectangle, polygon, D-shape);you can add and use up to 4 shapes to get the desired pin projection. Enter values to define shapesize, X and Y offset relative to the pad shape and rotation angle. The settings can be applied as defaultsto the Standard Pads (the ones to be placed) or All Pads (the ones already placed) of the currentpattern.

Origin Properties – choose how to display the origin shape by default and whether to show it in alllayers and in Courtyard layer in particular.

3D Model – attach 3D model to the pattern (required for the 3D Preview; can be attached in the PCBLayout).

Default Additional Fields – add default additional fields to be shown in pattern properties.

Some items of this menu may vary depending on the selected pattern Style.

2.1.5.3 Edit

Undo – one editing step backwards.

Redo – one editing step forward. It is activated after using the Undo tool. If you edit the pattern afterusing Undo tool, the Redo becomes inactive.



Paste – paste object/s from the clipboard.

Delete – delete selected object/s.

Select All – select all objects of the pattern.

Edit Selection – selecting objects by type, layer, etc. Different modes: new selection, add to selection,remove from selection, keep selected.

Rotate – rotate selected objects 90 degrees counter-clockwise.

Rotate Group – rotate selected objects as a group.

Flip Group – flip selected objects as a group horizontally or vertically.

Align Objects – align selected object horizontally or vertically and distribute them equally.

Group – group selected objects.

Pattern Editor 21

Ungroup – ungroup selected objects.

Lock Selected – lock moving and editing of selected objects.

Unlock Selected – unlock moving and editing of all selected objects, if they were previously locked.

Center Pattern – center current pattern with respect to the zero point

Rotate Pattern – rotate current pattern 90 degrees clockwise with respect to the zero point.

Flip Pattern – flip current pattern horizontally or vertically with respect to the zero point.

2.1.5.4 View

Toolbars – show/hide the toolbars.

Display Hint – display standard or detailed hint (with pad/hole dimensions) for the objects on the designarea. Notice that hint is always shown in the bottom-left corner of the screen.

Pattern Style Dimensions – display dimensions for the component on the design area (if pattern stylewas selected on the Pattern Properties panel).

Pad Numbers – show/hide the pad numbers and change their font.

Scale – change the scale. The mouse wheel or plus sign (+) and minus sign (-) hotkeys can be used tozoom in/out.

Units – change the measurement units (mm, mil or inches).

Display Side – change display mode (contrast, current side only or both). Current side can be selectedwith a drop-down list on the Objects toolbar. Useful tool when drawing edge connectors or other double-sided patterns.

Scale – change the scale. The mouse wheel or plus sign (+) and minus sign (-) hotkeys can be used tozoom in/out.

Line Width – set default width of the lines for shapes in different layers (Silk, Component Outline,Courtyard, Board Cutout, Other Layers).

Units – change the measurement units (mm, mil or inches).

Display Origin – show/hide the origin.

Define Origin – define the origin visually with the mouse pointer or by coordinates (incremental toexisting origin point).

Axis Color – change axis color for the origin.

Grid – show/hide the grid.

Snap to grid – enable/ disable snap to grid option, when the grid is on.


Grid Size – change the grid size (standard and custom).

Y Grid Size – separate grid step for the vertical axis.

Customize Grid – edit grid sizes.

2.1.5.5 Objects

Place Pads – Place Pads submenu.

Place Shape – Place Shape submenu.

Place Text – place text object.

Place Mounting Hole – place mounting hole.

Place Fiducial – place fiducial.

Placement Setup – Placement Setup dialog box (define default pad placement settings and defaultmounting hole diameter).

Place Dimension – place dimensions and pointers.

Measure – the ruler tool for measuring any sizes/distances directly on the design area.

Precise Pad Placement – Place Pads by entering its parameters coordinates.

Precise Hole Placement – place mounting hole by entering its parameters coordinates.

Precise Shape Placement – Place Shape by entering its parameters coordinates.

Place Outline – automatically create pattern outline based on the outer edges of its elements; you canselect outline shape type, layer and set clearances from other pattern elements.

Remove Silk from Pads – remove silk, ensuring predefined spacing from Pads, Holes and MaskOpenings.

2.1.5.6 Tools

HotKey Settings – define keyboard shortcuts for dialogs and tools.

Component Editor – launch the Component Editor.

PCB Layout – launch the PCB Layout.

Schematic – launch the Schematic.

Pattern Editor 23

2.1.5.7 Help

Pattern Editor Help – Pattern Editor help file.

DipTrace Tutorial – DipTrace tutorial in PDF format. Request Support – DipTrace technical support portal.

Library Design Service – online request form for library design service (performed by experiencedengineers).

DipTrace Home Page – DipTrace official website.

About – information about current version and edition.

2.1.6 Objects submenus

2.1.6.1 Pad

Right-click on any pad to open this submenu:

Pad Number – change pad number.

Pad Array Numbers – automatically rename/renumber all selected pads at a time according toselected template. For example, the BGA matrix (from A1–A30, to Y1–Y30 etc.).

Convert to Shape – convert polygonal pad to shape object for easy editing, back conversion ispossible.

Lock Selected – lock moving and editing of all selected objects.


Mask/Paste Settings – custom solder mask swell and paste mask shrink settings for particular pads.

Change Side – change side of the pad (Top or Bottom).


Align Objects – align selected objects horizontally or vertically and distribute them equally.

Snap to Grid – snap selected pads to the grid, when the grid is on, but Snap to Grid option is disabledfor the overall project.

Mask/Paste Settings – custom solder mask swell and paste mask shrink settings for particular pads.

Pin Terminal – establish pin terminal shape (obround, rectangle, polygon, D-shape); you can add anduse up to 4 shapes to get the desired pin projection. Enter values to define shape size, X and Y offsetrelative to the pad shape and rotation angle.The settings can be applied to the Current Pad, SimilarPads, Selected Pads or All Pads of the current pattern.







Properties – change the pad properties for selected pads.

2.1.6.2 Shape

Right-click on any shape to open this submenu:

Convert to Pad – convert a polygonal shape on the signal layer to a polygonal pad.



Insert Point – insert point to the polyline or polygon.

Delete Point – delete point from the polyline or polygon.



Snap to Grid – snap selected shape/s to the grid, when the grid is on, but Snap to Grid option isdisabled for the overall project.






Properties – change shape properties.

2.1.6.3 Text

Right-click on any text object to open this submenu:

Edit text – change the text. Object size is changed automatically.

Pattern Editor 25

Show – change the state of the text object. It is possible to automatically display user-defined text orthe Name, Unique Name, RefDes, Value, Manufacturer, Datasheet of the pattern, no need to type it inmanually.

Font Type – select the font type for the text object (Vector or TrueType). Unicode is supported only inthe TrueType mode.

Font – change font of the text. Text object is scaled automatically.





Snap to grid – snap text object to the grid, when the grid is on, but Snap to Grid option is disabled forthe overall project.






Properties – adjust the properties of a text object, such as line spacing, alignment, font type, layer,angle of rotation, location and coordinates of anchor point and font settings (size, line width, text width).

2.1.6.4 Mounting hole

Right-click on a mounting hole to open the submenu:





Snap to grid – snap mounting hole to the grid, when the grid is on, but Snap to Grid option is disabledfor the overall project.

Cut – move selected object to the clipboard.

Copy – copy selected objects to the clipboard.


Delete – delete selected objects.



Properties – change mounting hole position and diameters of the Hole and Keepout.

2.1.6.5 Fiducial

Right-click on a fiducial to open the submenu:

Fiducial Name – enter fiducial name. Fiducial name is not displayed in the design area. Lock Selected – lock moving and editing of all selected objects.


Change Side – change side of the fiducial (Top or Bottom).


Snap to grid – snap fiducial to the grid, when the grid is on, but Snap to Grid option is disabled for theoverall project.

Pad Mask/ Paste Settings – define custom paste and mask settings for the fiducial.

Cut – move selected object to the clipboard.

Copy – copy selected objects to the clipboard.

Delete – delete selected objects.



Properties – change fiducial name, position and diameters of exposed copper and keepout.

2.1.6.6 Dimensions

Right-click on dimension object on the design area to open the submenu:

Connect – connect dimension to object's key points.

Disconnect – disconnect dimension from the object's key points.

Lock Selected – lock moving and editing of selected objects.

Pattern Editor 27

Unlock Selected – unlock moving and editing of selected objects, if they were previously locked.






Font Type – change font type to Vector or TrueType. Unicode is supported only in TrueType mode.

Font – change font settings (size, scale, line width, etc.).

Properties – change layer, arrow size and units display parameters.

2.1.7 Modes of operation

There are several modes of operation in the Pattern Editor:

Default mode. It's active by default. To activate this mode from any other mode, you need to right-click

on empty area or press button on the Objects toolbar. Default mode allows designer to:– Select and move objects.– Change size of shapes and texts.

Measure mode. Select measuring tool from the main menu ("Objects/ Measure") or press on theObjects toolbar. Left-click in the starting point and move the mouse pointer to the end point keeping leftbutton pressed. The length will be displayed in the bottom-left corner, in the hint area. Define Origin mode. Select Define Origin tool from the main menu (View/ Define Origin/ By Mouse

Pointer) or press on the Objects toolbar. Left-click in the design area to establish a new Originpoint. Place Pads mode. Select pad placement tool from the main menu (Objects/ Place Pads from the main

menu) or press on the Objects toolbar. It is possible to place a single pad, pad line, rectangle or acircle of pads. Pad-to-pad spacing is defined in the Placement Setup dialog box ("Objects \ PlacementSetup"). If you are not satisfied with visual placement, select precise placement mode ("Objects/Precise Pad Placement" from the main menu).

Place Mounting Hole mode. Select Objects/ Place Mounting Hole from the main menu or press button on the Objects toolbar. Left-click on the design area to place a mounting hole. Its parameters arepredefined in the Placement Setup dialog box. If you are not satisfied with visual placement, selectprecise placement mode (Objects \ Precise Hole Placement from the main menu).

Place Fiducial mode. Select Objects/ Place Fiducial from the main menu or press button on theObjects toolbar. Left-click on the design area to place a fiducial. Its name, position coordinates, andcopper/ keepout diameters can be set in the Properties dialogue launched via right-click submenu. Place Dimension mode. Select Place Dimension tool from the main menu (Objects/ Place Dimension/


<Dimension type>) or press on the Objects toolbar. Object’s key points are highlighted, and youcan attach dimension to any of these points, attached dimensions are automatically moved andrecounted when you move/edit the objects.

Place Shapes mode. Select shape placement tool from the main menu (Objects/ Place Shape andselect appropriate shape) or select shape on the Drawing toolbar. Specify the key points on the patterndesign area in order to place the shape. Shape/Text layer can be selected from the drop-down list on theDrawing toolbar. If you are not satisfied with visual shape placement, select precise placement mode(Objects/ Precise Shape Placement from the main menu).

Place Text mode. Select text placement tool from the main menu (Objects/ Place Text) or press button. Left-click on the design area and type a text. DipTrace supports multi-line text placement. SelectEdit Text item from the right-click submenu to change the text, line spacing and alignment. Use TextProperties dialogue, launched by selecting Properties item from the right-click submenu, to adjust othertext properties: font, layer, text angle, anchor point location, etc.

2.1.8 Hotkeys

DipTrace features customizable hotkeys in all software modules. To open the HotKey Settings dialogbox, proceed to "Tools \ HotKey Settings" from the main menu in any of DipTrace modules: Schematic,PCB Layout, Component and Pattern Editors. The designer can view or assign custom keyboardshortcuts for various tools, actions and dialog boxes by left clicking in the corresponding field andpressing a keyboard combination.

Pattern Editor 29

If the combination is already in use, a warning message pops up. Notice that certain shortcuts arereserved by the program and are not customizable. Press OK to apply changes. To restore defaultconfiguration press Set Default Hotkey Configuration.

Hotkeys reserved by the system:

Ctrl ShiftShift +mouse EnterEscLeft arrowRight arrowUp arrowDown arrowShift + SAlt+any key

– hold down to invert selection;– hold down to add objects to selection;– orthogonal moving of selected objects;– complete action;– cancel action;– move object left, pan left while routing/building;– move object right, pan right while routing/building;– move object up, pan up while routing/building;– move object down, pan down while routing/building;– enable disable auto-panning;– reserved by the system.


2.2 Working with libraries

2.2.1 General properties

In DipTrace a typical electronic component consists of a schematic symbol, a PCB footprint (pattern)and possibly a 3D model. All these entities represent a single component at various design stages.Pattern editor is the tool to create and edit component footprints and connect 3D models to patterns. Inthe Component Editor the designer connects a schematic symbol to a pattern to create a completecomponent, which is stored in the component libraries (files with *.eli extension).

DipTrace stores patterns separately from schematic symbols in the pattern libraries (files with *.libextension on your computer).

Library has two basic string parameters: name and hint. Select "Library / Library Name and Hint" fromthe main menu to change them. Name is displayed on the Place Component panel in the PCB Layoutand other software modules (10 characters max. recommended).

2.2.2 Library groups

Library groups are very easy means of organizing libraries. There are three default library groups:Patterns, User Patterns, and Other Libraries (auto-generated library group for storing pattern templatesand separate library files).

Press to change active library group or open the Library Setup dialog box tocreate and edit library groups and connect separate libraries from the files.

Press to change move/copy/delete pattern libraries between the librarygroups.

2.2.3 Library setup

To manage the library groups, select "Library \ Library Setup" from the main menu or press

and select Library Setup from the submenu.

It's possible to create as many library groups as needed and add/delete/libraries to the groups in the Library Setup dialog box regardless of their type and active DipTrace module. The Library Setup dialogbox is the same in the PCB Layout and all other software modules.

Pattern Editor 31

Press Add to add a new library group, type in the name into the field below and select the group type,depending on what libraries you are going to store in this group. Components Only allows for addingonly component libraries (*.eli files) to the group, Patterns Only – only patterns (*.lib files),Components and Patterns – both.

To add a new library to the library group, press Add Library or Add Folder buttons and select thelibrary directly from the file on your computer.

The user can not edit the standard library groups: Components and Patterns library groups.

2.2.4 Create

When you launch the Pattern Editor (no command prompt), the last edited library will open by default.To create a new library, select "Library \ New" from the main menu or press the corresponding button onthe Standard toolbar or on the Library Manager panel. Library group for the library should be defined.DipTrace offers User Patterns library group by default, but you can select another library group.


Go to Library Setup to create and manage library groups.

If current library is not saved and you try to create another library, the program will offer to save currentlibrary first. Notice that DipTrace does not allow you to modify standard libraries and library groups.

2.2.5 Open

To open a certain library, select it on the Library Manager panel. If the library is not in the list on the Library Manager panel, select "Library/ Open" from the main menu or press the corresponding button onthe Standard toolbar and select a pattern library file (*.lib). The library will be automatically added toOther Libraries group. Use Library Setup dialog box to add this library to the required library groups.

2.2.6 Save

There are two items in the main menu to save a library: "Library/ Save" and "Library/ Save as". For thefirst option there is a corresponding tool on the Standard toolbar.

Select "Library/ Save" from the main menu or press the corresponding button on the Standard toolbar tosave a library. If pattern library has never been saved, DipTrace will offer to create a new file for it. Alluser libraries are saved in the "Documents/ DipTrace/ My Libraries" folder by default. The program doesnot allow the user to modify standard libraries and library groups.

To save library into a different file, select "Library/ Save As" from the main menu.

2.2.7 Templates

It is much easier to create patterns using templates. When creating a new pattern, just selectappropriate example pattern from the Template drop-down list on the Pattern Properties panel.

To edit the template library, select "Library \ Open Templates" from the main menu or select the Templates library in Other Libraries group on the Library Manager panel. You can add/edit/deletepatterns to/from the Templates library like to a regular library with the same tools. To save certain libraryas a template, select "Library \ Save Templates" from the main menu.

Pattern Editor 33

2.2.8 Search patterns

To open Search Patterns dialog box, select "Pattern/ Find Pattern" from the main menu or "PatternTools/ Find Pattern" on the Library Manager panel.

In the pop-up dialog box select a search area (active library, library group or all libraries). Specify nameor part of the pattern's name as well as other pattern parameters. Press + button to add additionalsearch filter parameters which allow the user to search patterns by manufacturer, datasheet, RefDesetc. (use the drop-down lists).

Click Find Patterns to start searching. Results will appear in the corresponding list. Preview selectedpattern.

Press Save to Library in order to save the pattern to a new library. Press Open Pattern to open thelibrary and the pattern for editing.


2.2.9 Search at SnapEDA

To look for the required components in SnapEDA libraries, go to "Pattern \ Search Parts at SnapEDA".

In the pop-up, register or log-in, if necessary, then enter data in the Search field and press button.

Select a component from the search results, its symbol and pattern will appear in the preview field, ifavailable.

Press Save to Library button to add the component to the existing user library or to a newly-createdone.

Download 3D Model button gets active, if a 3D model is available for the selected component. Press itto download the .step file to your computer. The model will be automatically attached to the respectivepattern.

2.2.10 Working with patterns

The functions to work with the patterns of the current library can be accessed from the Pattern andLibrary menus as well as from Library Manager panel by pressing Pattern Tools and Library Toolsbuttons.

Pattern Editor 35

There are the following functions to work with patterns of the current library:

Find Pattern – open the Search Patterns dialog box to find required pattern in the libraries.

Add New Pattern to <current library> – add a new pattern to the library. This function can also beaccessed via "Pattern/ Add New to <current library>" in the main menu.

Insert New Pattern to <current library> – insert new (blank) or existing pattern from another libraryinto current position of an active library. This function can also be accessed via "Pattern/ Insert ..." fromthe main menu.

Insert Patterns from another library – get pattern from another pattern or component library into thecurrent position of an active library. Select "Pattern/ Insert New from Another Library" from the mainmenu.

Duplicate patterns – select pattern in the list, press Pattern Tools, and choose Duplicate Patterns fromthe submenu. The copy of the pattern will appear right below the original one.

Move Patterns Up – move current pattern up in the library. Select "Pattern/ Move Up" from the mainmenu.

Move Patterns Down – move current pattern down in the library. Select "Pattern/ Move Down" from themain menu.

Move Patterns to the End – move current pattern to the end of the library.

Copy Patterns to Another Library – copy selected patterns to another library.

Move Patterns to Another Library – move selected patterns to another library.

Delete Patterns – delete selected patterns from the library. This function can also be accessed via"Pattern/ Delete from Library" from the main menu.

Sorting patterns in <current library> – automatically sort patterns by name in the selected library.Select "Library Tools/ Sort Patterns in <current library>" from the main menu. Clear Pattern – delete all pads, shapes and mounting holes of the pattern. Select "Pattern/ Clear<current pattern>" from the main menu.

Inserting a group of patterns from another library – select position in the patterns list, right-clickand choose Insert Patterns from Another Library. Select library and patterns you need in the pop-updialog box (use Ctrl and Shift keys for multiple selection). Then press Insert to insert patterns intoexisting library. Deleting a group of patterns from the library – select patterns in the patterns list (move mouse tothe first pattern, hold down the left mouse button, move mouse pointer to the last pattern and releasebutton) then press Pattern Tools or right-click on the patterns table and select Delete Pattern from thesubmenu.


2.2.11 Verification

Library Verification feature checks the number of patterns and pads in the library and displays possibleerrors: patterns with similar names (the library should be sorted), similar pad numbers and through padswithout holes (this may happen if you think you've created an SMD pad, but set the hole size close tozero).To display the library verification dialog box, select "Library/ Check <current library>" from the mainmenu.

2.2.12 Import/Export

2.2.12.1 DipTrace ASCII import

DipTrace allows you to save/open data in the textual DipTrace ASCII format. This format has beendeveloped to allow for data transferring from/to other EDA packages and for forward compatibilitybetween the DipTrace versions.

To import DipTrace ASCII-formatted library file, select "Library/ Import/ DipTrace ASCII" then select file,and click OK.

2.2.12.2 Altium ASCII import

DipTrace allows the user to import pattern libraries from Altium, using Altium ASCII format (*.lia).

Launch Altium, select PCB library, then go to "File/ Save copy as" from the main menu, select ExportP-CAD V16 PCB Library (*.lia) File Type in the pop-up dialog box, and press Save. Now launchDipTrace Pattern Editor, select "Library/ Import/ P-CAD/Altium ASCII (*.lia)" from the main menu, selectAltium PCB library, and press Open.

Pattern Editor 37

2.2.12.3 Eagle import

There are two ways to import pattern libraries from the EAGLE software: Eagle Script and EAGLE XMLformats.

EAGLE XML Import (recommended)Select "Library/ Import/ EAGLE XML" from the main menu in the Pattern Editor, and select an EAGLElibrary file (*.lbr) that you want to import.

EAGLE Script importTo create a script file, launch EAGLE software, select "Library/ Export/ Script" from the main menu.Save EAGLE library as an *.scr file. Now close the EAGLE software and open DipTrace Pattern Editor,select "Library/ Import/ Eagle Script (*.scr)" from the main menu and select that *.scr file.

2.2.12.4 P-CAD import

DipTrace allows designers to import pattern libraries from P-CAD using P-CAD ASCII format (*.lia).

In order to create an ASCII library in P-CAD, open P-CAD Library Executive, select "Library/ Translate"from the main menu, select "From: P-CAD Binary", "To: P-CAD ASCII" in the pop-up dialog box, specifythe library files, and press Translate.

Now close P-CAD Library Executive and open DipTrace Pattern Editor, select "Library/ Import/ P-CADASCII (*.lia)" from the main menu and open a *.lia file.

2.2.12.5 PADS import

DipTrace allows the user to import pattern libraries from PADS, using PADS ASCII format.

In PADS schematic symbols, pattern footprints and so called "logic" of a single component library aresaved in separate files (*.p – parts, *.c – "logic" files, *.d – footprints), we recommend to start importinga component library by importing the footprint library in the Pattern Editor.

To import a footprint library from PADS, select "Library/ Import / PADS ASCII (*.p, *.d)" from the mainmenu in the Pattern Editor. Select a PADS library file (*.d) and press Open.

Some PADS footprint libraries (*.d - files) import with incorrect pad numbers (mostly BGA footprints). Ifyou have imported a PADS footprint library with wrong pad numbers, select "Library \ Import \ PADSASCII (*.p, *.d)" from the main menu in the Pattern Editor and import a respective *.p - file to fix padnumbers of the patterns.

2.2.12.6 DXF Import

DipTrace allows the designer to import a whole component pattern or its part from a DXF file.

To import DXF file, select "Pattern/ Import from DXF" from the main menu in the Pattern Editor, thenselect and open existing DXF file.


In the pop-up dialog box you can preview selected DXF file and specify connections between the DXFand DipTrace PCB layers. To set connection between DXF and PCB layers, select layer from the DXFlayers list, and a corresponding DipTrace layer in the Convert to drop-down list.

To show/hide different layers of the DXF file, click on the first column of the Layers table (blue checkmarks).

Notice that import feature has recognition options, i.e., for example, if you have pad shapes in one DXFlayer and all drills (including the mounting holes) in another layer, then specify "Pads" for the first layerand "All Holes" for the second layer. You will get through-hole pads with holes inside pad shapes,surface pads without holes and mounting holes (without shapes).

DipTrace can Fill Closed Areas and recognize polygons embedded, check respective check boxes inthe Import DXF dialog box.

2.2.12.7 KiCAD import

DipTrace allows the user to import pattern libraries from KiCAD. In DipTrace Pattern Editor, select "Library / Import / KiCAD Dir" from the main menu, select KiCADlibrary folder.

Pattern Editor 39

In the pop-up window type-in the Library name, hint and choose a Library Groop (User Pattern or Otherlibraries). Press OK.

Some KiCAD libraries may have patterns with repeated pad numbers. DipTrace does not allow repetitionin pad numbering, therefore, a warning message will appear when importing a library containing suchfootprints.

To be able to use patterns imported with incorrect pad numbering, launch Library check (Library/ Check<current library> in the Main Menu) to find such patterns and renumber their pads.

2.2.12.8 DipTrace ASCII export

DipTrace Pattern Editor allows the user to save/open data in the textual ASCII format. This format hasbeen developed to allow data transfer from/to other EDA packages and for forward compatibility.

To export library file to DipTrace ASCII format, select "Library \ Export \ DipTrace ASCII", then define thefilename, and click OK.

2.2.12.9 Eagle XML export

DipTrace Pattern Editor allows the user to save library in Eagle XML format to enable data transfer toEagle for forward compatibility with this EDA tool. To export library file in Eagle XML format, select "Library \ Export \ Eagle XML (*.lbr)", then define thefilename, and click OK.

2.3 Designing a pattern

2.3.1 Review, properties

Component pattern (footprint) consists of pads, shapes and can also include mounting holes andfiducials. Patterns are united into pattern libraries (files with *.lib extension).Pattern has the following properties: name (including unique name and name description), RefDes, value,


manufacturer and several user-defined fields. All properties can be changed on the Pattern Propertiespanel.

DipTrace has 11 different styles of patterns (8 types are selected from the drop-down list on PatternProperties panel in the Pattern Editor and 3 pattern modes in the PCB Layout):

1. Free – does not depend on pattern parameters. All pads can be placed anywhere.

2. IPC-7351 – launches Pattern Generator that allows creating footprints and 3D models to IPCstandards. 3. Circle – pads form a circle. This mode depends on number of pads and pad-to-pad spacing.

4. Lines – pads form lines. This mode depends on four parameters: number of lines, number of pads,pad-to-pad spacing and line-to-line spacing.

5. Square – four lines of pads which form a square. This mode depends on three parameters: number ofpads, pad-to-pad spacing and line-to-line spacing.

6. Matrix – pattern's pads form a matrix. This mode depends on the number of columns, number ofrows, column spacing and row spacing.

7. Rectangle – four pad lines form a rectangle. This mode depends on 5 parameters: horizontal pads,vertical pads, pad spacing, width and height.

8. Zig-Zag – pads form a zig-zag. This mode depends on 3 parameters: number of pads, pad-to-padspacing and line-to-line spacing.

9. Fiducial - a pattern comprises only one fiducial. It is created directly in the PCB Layout using PlaceFiducial tool.

10. Pad – one-pad patterns. These are created directly in the PCB Layout with the Place Pad tool.

11. Mounting Hole – a pattern has only one mounting hole. It is created directly in the PCB Layoutusing Place Mounting Hole tool.

Pads can be through-hole or surface (SMD). For through-hole pads you can define hole dimensions, holeshape and X/Y offset of the pad shape from the hole center. Surface pads can be located on Top orBottom side (inverted when pattern is placed to the bottom side of the board). Ellipse, obround,rectangle, D-shape and polygon shapes are available for pads. You can define width and height for allpads, for rectangle pads you can additionally set corner radius to get rounded corners, and for polygonalpads - set key points (it is possible to create regular or free polygons).

Right-click on a pad, and select Properties from the submenu to change pad properties for selected pad/s. If you want to change all pattern pads (default settings), use Standard Pad Properties dialog box("Pattern \ Standard Pad Properties" from the main menu) or press Standard Pad Properties button onthe Pattern Properties panel.

There are 9 shape types for drawing: line, arc, rectangle, filled rectangle, obround, filled obround,polyline, polygon and text object. Such shapes as line, polyline and polygon are defined by key points;arcs - by key points and curve radius; (filled) rectangle and (filled) obround shapes - by key points, widthand height parameters. To change shape's properties, right-click on a shape, and select Properties from

Pattern Editor 41

the submenu.

If you resize a pattern by changing numerical or spacing parameters, shape size is changedautomatically. Shape can be located on any board layer. With a drop-down list on the Drawing toolbaryou can predefine a layer for new shapes to be placed to. You can also change layer of the shapes thatare already placed on the design area – go to Shape Properties dialog box (right-click on the shape,and select Properties from the submenu).

A mounting hole is defined by two parameters: hole and keepout area diameters. To set the parametersof a mounting hole, use the Placement Setup dialog box in the Pattern Editor.

A fiducial is defined by two parameters: copper and keepout area diameters. To set the parameters of afiducial, use Fiducial Properties dialog accessed via right-click submenu.

2.3.2 Pattern Generator

2.3.2.1 Review

Pattern Generator helps create footprints with 3D models based on the key package parameters. IPC-7351 Standard is used for generation.

To launch Pattern Editor select IPC-7351 Style on Pattern Properties panel; IPC-7351 Pattern Generator

button will appear right below. Press it to open Pattern Generator.

In the Pattern Generator dialog, select whether you want to create a package for a Surface Mount orThrough Hole device and specify Family.


Press Show Details button to see more information about each Family.

Select Density Level – this setting is common for all tabs (Component Options, Terminal Options,Design Rules) in Surface Mount Families. You can create footprints of different sizes that can be usedfor various soldering types. This setting, depending on the Family, may define Pad Sizes, Silk,Courtyard and Fiduсials.

Set the units (mm/ inch/ mil) at the bottom of the dialog window.

The content of the tabs for defining package parameters change depending upon the selected family(see description for the most frequently-used families here: BGA; Chip; SOP, SOIC; QFP; SOT23; SON;QFN; Axial; DIP). Enter all the required values to create a footprint with a 3D model. Set Pattern Name,Pattern Properties.

Press Recalculate button and then OK.

2.3.2.2 Generating Surface Mount Package

2.3.2.2.1 BGA

2.3.2.2.1.1 Draw ing Data

To Generate a BGA package, select Surface Mount device type, BGA family.

Check the images to find the required parameters in the datasheet.

Fill in the red cells in the Drawing Data tab. DipTrace inserts calculated values in the non-required greycells. Note that Required values can also be calculated based on the values in the non-required greycells of the same line.

Pattern Editor 43

Select pin numbering pattern (by Row or by Column) and terminal type (Collapsing Ball/ Non-CollapsingBall).

Press Example button to see sample values.

Press Clear button to clear all cells.

2.3.2.2.1.2 Component Options

In Component Options tab you can adjust a number of parameters.


General:- Pin 1 Orientation (Left, Up, Right, Down)- Pattern Origin (Center, Pin 1)

Silk:- With Include Silk option activated the software will create Silk Screen shapes for

the pattern. Select Package dimensions to be used (min., nom., max.) and set theline width.

- You can also choose to include Pin 1 Marker Dot. It’s size is set by Terminal Widthvalue.

Assembly:- You can choose to include or not the Assembly layer. If included, you can select

Package Dimensions (maximum, nominal, minimum) and set the Line Width. - Add or remove Polarity Marker.

Courtyard:- You can choose to include or not the Courtyard layer. If included, you can set the

Line Width for the Courtyard shape; Shape Dimensions are set based on Courtyardto Maximum Package size value from the Design Rules.

- Add or remove Origin Cross for the shapes in the Courtyard layer.

Pattern Editor 45

- Add or remove Origin Target for the shapes in the Courtyard layer.Outline:

- You can choose to include or not the Component Outline. If included, you can setthe Line Width for the Outline shape; the shape will be drawn by Nominal Valuesfrom Drawing Data.

Fiducial:- You can choose to include or not a Fiducial. If included, you can set the maximum

pitch size, for which fiducial is added, as well as pad, solder mask and keepoutdiameters.

Note that DipTrace remembers the parameters set for the previous package of the same family. You canenter new values or press Set Values by Default button to reset defaults for the given tab.

2.3.2.2.1.3 Terminal Options

In the Terminal Options section you can define the following parameters of the pads: custom solder

mask swell, custom paste mask shrink, the way to display pads in assembly layer (don’t show/ contour/

filled shape); you can choose to include or not the Terminal Outline.


Note that DipTrace remembers the parameters set for the previous package of the same family. You can

enter new values or press Set Values by Default button to reset defaults for the given tab.

2.3.2.2.1.4 Design Rules

Clearance values for the footprint elements (pad to pad, silk to pad) are set in the Design Rules tab.

Pattern Editor 47



2.3.2.2.1.5 3D Model

In 3D tab you can adjust parameters for 3D model generation.


In Pattern Generator, footprints are created with 3D models. Those models are generated based on IPC-

7351 Recovery Code in 3D preview mode both in Pattern Generator and PCB Layout modules.

2.3.2.2.2 Chip


To Generate a Chip package, select Surface Mount device type, Chip family.


Pattern Editor 49

Select device SubFamily (Antenna, (Polarized/ Non-Polarized) Capacitor, (Polarized/ Non-Polarized)Diode, Ferrite Bead, Filter, Fuse, Non-Polarized Inductor, LED, Resistor, Thermistor, Varistor).










- You can also choose to include Pin 1 Marker Line and/ or Dot with defined diameterfor polarized subfamilies.



Courtyard:

Pattern Editor 51

- You can choose to include or not the Courtyard layer. If included, you can set theLine Width for the Courtyard shape; Shape Dimensions are set based on Courtyardto Maximum Package size/ to Pad value from the Design Rules.

- Add or remove Origin Cross for the shapes in the Courtyard layer. - Add or remove Origin Target for the shapes in the Courtyard layer.

Outline:- You can choose to include or not the Outline. If included, you can set the Line

Width for the Outline shape; the shape will be drawn by Nominal Values from theDrawing Data.

Fiducial:- Placing fiducial is not applicable for this Family.

DipTrace remembers the parameters set for the previous package of the same family. You can enter newvalues or press Set Values by Default button to reset defaults for the given tab.


In the Terminal Options section you can define all the parameters of the pads: their shape (rounded

rectangle, rectangle), pad corner radius for Rounded Rectangle pad shape, cathode and anode

numbering for polarized components, custom solder mask swell, custom paste mask shrink, the way to

display pads in assembly layer (don’t show/ contour/ filled shape); you can also choose to include or not

the Terminal Outline.


DipTrace remembers the parameters set for the previous package of the same family. You can enter new

values or press Set Values by Default button to reset defaults for the given tab.



Pattern Editor 53



2.3.2.2.2.5 3D Model





2.3.2.2.3 QFN w ith Tab


To Generate a QFN with Tab package, select Surface Mount device type, “QFN with Tab” family.


Pattern Editor 55

Select Lead shape from the drop-down (rectangle, D-shape).







General:- Pin 1 Orientation (Left, Up, Right, Down).- Pattern Origin (Center, Pin 1).



- You can also choose to include Pin 1 Marker Line and/ or Dot. Assembly:

- You can choose to include or not the Assembly layer. If included, you can selectPackage Dimensions (maximum, nominal, minimum) and set the Line Width.

- Add or remove Polarity Marker. Courtyard:

- You can choose to include or not the Courtyard layer. If included, you can set theLine Width for the Courtyard shape; Shape Dimensions are set based on Courtyardto Maximum Package size/ to Pad value from the Design Rules.

Pattern Editor 57


Outline:- You can choose to include or not the Component Outline. If included, you can set

the Line Width for the Outline shape; the shape will be drawn by Nominal Valuesfrom the Drawing Data.




In the Terminal Options section you can define all the parameters of the pads: their shape (D-shape,

obround, rounded rectangle, rectangle), the shape of the first pad (obround, rounded rectangle,

rectangle), pad corner radius for Rounded Rectangle pad shape, custom solder mask swell, custom

paste mask shrink, the way to display pads in assembly layer (don’t show/ contour/ filled shape); you

can also choose to include or not the Terminal Outline.




Clearance values for the footprint elements (pad to pad, pad to thermal tab, silk to pad) are set in the

Design Rules tab.

Pattern Editor 59


2.3.2.2.3.5 3D Model





2.3.2.2.4 QFP


To Generate a QFP package, select Surface Mount device type, QFP family.


Pattern Editor 61







Pattern Editor 63




- You can also choose to include Pin 1 Marker Line and/ or Dot with defineddiameter.





Line Width for the Courtyard shape; Shape Dimensions are set based on Courtyardto Maximum Package size value from the Design Rules.



the Line Width for the Outline shape; the shape will be drawn by Nominal Valuesfrom Drawing Data.

Fiducial:- You can choose to include or not a Fiducial. If included, you can set the maximum

pitch size, for which fiducial is added, as well as pad, solder mask and keepoutdiameters.

Note that DipTrace remembers the parameters set for the previous package of the same family. You canenter new values or press Set Values by Default button to reset defaults for the given tab.


In the Terminal Options section you can define all the parameters of the pads: their shape, custom

solder mask swell, custom paste mask shrink, the way to display pads in assembly layer (don’t show/

contour/ filled shape); you can choose to include or not the Terminal Outline.

Pattern Editor 65








2.3.2.2.4.5 3D Model


Pattern Editor 67



2.3.2.2.5 SON w ith Tab


To Generate a SON with Tab package, select Surface Mount device type, “SON with Tab” family.



Select Lead shape from the drop-down (rectangle, D-shape). Fill in the red cells in the Drawing Data tab. DipTrace inserts calculated values in the non-required greycells. Note that Required values can also be calculated based on the values in the non-required greycells of the same line.

Pattern Editor 69







the pattern. Select Package dimensions to be used (min., nom., max.) and set the


line width. - You can also choose to include Pin 1 Marker Line and/ or Dot.




Line Width for the Courtyard shape; Shape Dimensions are set based on Courtyardto Maximum Package size/ to Pad value from the Design Rules.







In the Terminal Options section you can define all the parameters of the pads: their shape (D-shape,

obround, rounded rectangle, rectangle), the shape of the first pad (obround, rounded rectangle,

rectangle), pad corner radius for Rounded Rectangle pad shape, custom solder mask swell, custom

paste mask shrink, the way to display pads in assembly layer (don’t show/ contour/ filled shape); you

can also choose to include or not the Terminal Outline.

Pattern Editor 71



Clearance values for the footprint elements (pad to pad, pad to thermal tab, silk to pad) are set in the

Design Rules tab.



2.3.2.2.5.5 3D Model


Pattern Editor 73



2.3.2.2.6 SOP, SOIC


To Generate a SOP, SOIC package, select Surface Mount device type, “SOP, SOIC” family.




Pattern Editor 75













Pattern Editor 77









rectangle, rectangle, obround), the shape of the first pad (rounded rectangle, rectangle, obround), pad

corner radius for Rounded Rectangle pad shape, custom solder mask swell, custom paste mask shrink,

the way to display pads in assembly layer (don’t show/ contour/ filled shape); you can also choose to

include or not the Terminal Outline.






Pattern Editor 79



2.3.2.2.6.5 3D Model





2.3.2.2.7 SOT23


To Generate a SOT 23 package, select Surface Mount device type, SOT 23 family.


Pattern Editor 81

Fill in the red cells in the Drawing Data tab. DipTrace inserts calculated values in the non-required grey

cells. Note that Required values can also be calculated based on the values in the non-required grey

cells of the same line.









Pattern Editor 83













rectangle, rectangle, obround), the shape of the first pad (rounded rectangle, rectangle, obround), pad

corner radius for Rounded Rectangle pad shape, custom solder mask swell, custom paste mask shrink,

the way to display pads in assembly layer (don’t show/ contour/ filled shape); you can also choose to

include or not the Terminal Outline.






Pattern Editor 85



2.3.2.2.7.5 3D Model





2.3.2.3 Generating Through Hole Package

Enter topic text here.

2.3.2.3.1 Axial


To Generate an Axial package, select Through Hole device type, Axial family.


Pattern Editor 87

Select SubFamily from the drop-down (polarized/non-polarized capacitor, polarized/non-polarized diode,fuse,non-polarized inductor, resistor).

Fill in the red cells in the Drawing Data tab. DipTrace inserts calculated values in the non-required grey

cells. Note that Required values can also be calculated based on the values in the non-required grey

cells of the same line.






General:- Pin 1 Orientation (Left, Up, Right, Down).- Pattern Origin (Center, Pin 1).



- You can also choose to include Pin 1 Marker Line and/ or Dot for polarizedsubfamilies.


Package Dimensions (maximum, nominal, minimum) and set the Line Width. - Add or remove Polarity Marker for polarized components.


Pattern Editor 89








In the Terminal Options section you can define all the parameters of the pads: their shape (round,

square, rounded square), the shape of the first pad (round, square, rounded square), pad corner radius

for Rounded Square pad shape, cathode-anode pad numbers for polarized components, custom solder

mask swell, the way to display pads and holes in the assembly layer (don’t show/ contour/ filled shape);

you can also choose to include or not the Terminal Outline.





Clearance values for the footprint elements (silk to pad, courtyard to pad) are set in the Design Rules

tab.

Pattern Editor 91



2.3.2.3.1.5 3D Model





2.3.2.3.2 DIP


To Generate a DIP package, select Through Hole device type, DIP family.


Pattern Editor 93










- You can also choose to include Pin 1 Marker Line and/ or Dot with user-defineddiameter.


Package Dimensions (maximum, nominal, minimum) and set the Line Width. - Add or remove Polarity Marker for polarized components.


Pattern Editor 95








In the Terminal Options section you can define all the parameters of the pads: their shape (round,

square, rounded square), the shape of the first pad (round, square, rounded square), pad corner radius

for Rounded Square pad shape, custom solder mask swell, the way to display pads and holes in the

assembly layer (don’t show/ contour/ filled shape); you can also choose to include or not the Terminal

Outline.





Clearance values for the footprint elements (silk to pad, courtyard to pad) are set in the Design Rules

tab.

Pattern Editor 97



2.3.2.3.2.5 3D Model



In Pattern Generator, footprints are created with 3D models. Those models are generated based on

IPC-7351 Recovery Code in 3D preview mode both in Pattern Generator and PCB Layout modules.

2.3.2.4 Pad Dimensions

Use Calculated Pattern Dimensions - select this option to use of the dimensions of the padscalculated by the software algorithm.

Pattern Dimensions Recommended by Manufacturer - select this option to enter the valuesrecommended by the device vendor.

Check Terminal View images to find the corresponding values in the datasheet.

2.3.2.5 Setting Component Name

Select Use Standard Pattern Name to call a pattern using standard nomenclature.

Pattern Editor 99

Choose Use Unique Pattern Name to give a pattern a customized name. If you select this option, you

should also specify a Manufacturer, otherwise the software will not create the component.

2.3.2.6 Manufacturer

If you want to add the information about the device manufacturer to the pattern properties, choose a

Manufacturer from the default list.

If there’s no required vendor or you want to create your own list of manufacturers, press

button - the following dialog will pop-up:


Press button to add a new list. Press Rename button to give Name to the list.

Pattern Editor 101

To delete a list, select it from the drop-down and press Delete button.

Use buttons at the bottom of the window to manage the list:

Add Row – create a row at the end of the list.

Insert Row – create a row above the selected line. Delete Row – remove a row from the list.

Move Row Up – move a row above the previous one.

Move Row Down – move a row below the next one.

2.3.2.7 Add to Pattern Properties

Tick the following items, if you want them to appear in Pattern Properties.


Name Description – add Name Description name to Pattern Properties.

Unique Name – add unique pattern name to Pattern Properties; you should select Use Unique PatternName and define it first.

Manufacturer – specified device manufacturer will be added to Pattern Properties. 3D Model Height – with this item checked the value Amax from Drawing Data tab will beautomatically added to 3D model dialogue, as Model Height for the By Component Outline option.

2.3.3 Additional fields

Pattern has three standard fields (RefDes, Value, Manufacturer and Datasheet). Besides, you can adda name description and unique name as well as include unlimited number of additional fields forconvenience. There are 2 types of additional fields: Texts and Links. Text may contain any textualinformation and can be used in the same way as standard fields in the PCB Layout (or as search tags).Links may include links to websites. Just right-click on the pattern in the PCB Layout, select Links andopen any of pattern internet links.

To add/change default additional fields, which will be applied to all patterns, select "Pattern \ DefaultAdditional Fields" from the main menu in the Pattern Editor, type in the field name, select its type, pressAdd button, then press Add to All. If you need to apply additional fields only to new patterns, then donot press Add to All button, and close the dialog box to finalize.

To edit/change additional fields of a current pattern, click Additional Fields button on the PatternProperties panel.

2.3.4 Common pad properties

Select "Pattern \ Standard Pad Properties" from the main menu or press Standard Pad Propertiesbutton on the Pattern Properties panel to change common pad properties.

Pattern Editor 103

Here you can change properties of the pattern's pad. The parameters are applied to all pads, which usedefault pattern pad properties.

There are 5 pad shapes: ellipse, obround, rectangle, polygon and D-shape. Pad size is defined by thewidth and height, you can also specify corner radius for rectangular pads and key points for polygonalpads (press Points button). Through-hole or surface pad type can be selected. For through-hole pad youcan define hole shape (round, obround), it’s diameter or width and height as well as X/Y offset of the padshape from the hole center.

It is possible to set pad properties with a template, just select it from the drop-down list.

To edit templates, press button next to the Template drop-down. Then in the pop-up dialog box youcan add a new template with current parameters or edit existing one. To show parameters of existingtemplate, just double click it.

2.3.5 Pads

2.3.5.1 Create

There are 3 ways to create pattern pads:

1. Select pattern style on the Pattern Properties panel (recommended).

2. Placing pads with the mouse: select pad placement tool (single, pad line, pad rectangle or padcircle) from the main menu ("Objects \ Place Pads") or on the Objects toolbar and place them in thedesign area. Pad-to-pad spacing and pad shape are predefined in the Placement Setup dialog box,select "Objects \ Placement Setup" to open it.

3. Precise placement: select "Objects \ Precise Pad Placement" from the main menu.


Define "X" and "Y" pad-to-pad spacing, pad shape (single, line, rectangle, or circle), top-left pointcoordinates, "X" and "Y" number of pads to the bottom-right point, and press OK. All pads will belocated in the same signal layer (Top or Bottom).

Pads are created on the current side, selected from the drop-down list on the Objects toolbar. To switchlayers you can double-click on the required one in the list on the Layers panel or use T (for Top) and B(for bottom) hotkeys.

2.3.5.2 Edit

There are several pad editing actions:

Moving – change position of the pad (selected pads, shapes, mounting holes and other objects) in thedefault mode left-click on the pad, and drag it to another location. Alternatively, you can move selectedobjects using arrow keys of the keyboard.

Aligning objects – select several objects, right-click on one of them and select Align objects from thesubmenu. In the pop-up, define, how you want the objects to be aligned relative to each other(horizontally or vertically, by top/center/bottom or distributed equally).

Rotation – rotate a pad, right-click it, and select Rotate from the submenu or select pad, and press Ror Space. All selected pads will be rotated 90 degrees counter-clockwise. To set a different rotationangle, double-click on a pad or right-click on it and select Pad Properties from the submenu. In Number/Position tab of the pop-up, type-in Pad Angle value.

Changing Mask/ Paste Settings for individual pads – pads can have custom properties in the solder

Pattern Editor 105

mask and paste layers. Right-click on the pad, and select Mask / Paste Settings to change custom padsolder mask/paste properties.

Defining individual Pin Terminal parameters – right-click on a pad and select Pin Terminal from thesubmenu; define pin terminal shape type (obround, rectangle, polygon, D-shape), its size, X and Y offsetrelative to the pad shape and rotation angle for the Current Pad, Similar Pads, Selected Pads or AllPads of the current pattern.

Changing side – change the side of selected pads, right-click on one of them, and select ChangeSide from the submenu.

Deleting – delete pad, right-click it, and select Delete from the submenu or select pad, and press Delkey. All selected objects will be deleted.

2.3.5.3 Properties

To change pad properties, right-click on the pad, and select Properties from the submenu. The followingdialog will appear:

Here you can change pad number, note, coordinates, and orientation. If you export schematic to PCB orplace pattern in the PCB Layout, component pin names become pattern's pad notes.

Use Pattern's Standard Pad Properties box means that default pad settings from the Standard PadProperties dialog box are applied to this pad automatically. Uncheck this item to allow for customsettings.

Pad properties templates can be used. Use Standard Pad Properties dialog box to create and edittemplates.

Pads can be through-hole or surface, for through-hole pads you can define the hole type anddimensions. There are 5 pad shapes: ellipse, obround, rectangle, polygon and D-shape. Pad size isdefined by the width and height, you can also specify corner radius for rectangular pads and key points


for polygonal pads (press Points button). For through-hole pad you can define hole shape (round,obround), it’s diameter or width and height as well as X/Y offset of the pad shape from the hole center.

2.3.5.4 Pad array numbers

Automated pad renumbering feature (applied with pattern types) allows the designer to create correctcomplex footprints in few seconds.Select all pads of the pattern, right-click on the first pad (first pad is important for contour numeration, i.e. for any DIP/SOIC or QUAD type footprints), choose Pad Array Numbers from the submenu, thefollowing dialog box will pop up:

Here you can select type of the numeration: Linear matrix, Contour and BGA Matrix. Each type of numeration has its own parameters displayed below the type field. You can preview resultsof the future numeration in the Example field.

For contour type numeration it is important that you click on the pad that should be the first when calledthis dialog box.

2.3.5.5 Mask and paste

Default solder mask and paste settings for all pads on the circuit board are defined in the Gerberexport dialog box in the PCB Layout. However, pads can have custom properties in the solder mask

Pattern Editor 107

and paste layers. Right-click on the pad, and select Mask / Paste Settings to change custom padsolder mask/paste properties.

Select the state of the top/bottom solder mask/paste of the pad, using respective drop-down lists in the State section of the dialog box.

Common state – apply default solder mask and solder paste parameters to the pad;Open – pad not covered with solder mask regardless of the default parameters;Tented – pad covered with solder mask regardless of the default parameters;Solder – apply solder paste to the pad regardless of the default parameters;By Paste Mask – solder mask will match Paste Mask;No Solder – do not apply solder paste to the pad regardless of the default parameters;Segments – a useful option for big pads, which allows splitting paste into segments instead of filling theentire pad area. With this option selected you can define fill percent, min. segment side, min.segmentgap and nominal edge gap for the paste mask segments.

If you need custom solder mask swell and paste mask shrink settings for the pad/s, check therespective check boxes and enter custom values (negative numbers are supported).

Changes can be applied to the current pad, to all similar pads, or to selected pads.

2.3.6 Shapes

2.3.6.1 Create

There are two ways to add shape to the footprint drawing:


1. Place with the mouse pointer: select the shape placement tool from the main menu ("Objects \Place Shape") or select it on the Drawing toolbar and specify key points on the pattern design area. Tofacilitate shape placement DipTrace displays shape’s dimensions during drawing.

2. Precise Placement: select "Objects/ Precise Shape Placement" from the main menu, define shapetype, placement layer, line width, dimensions, start and end points (for lines and arcs), key points (forpolylines and polygons), and anchor point locations, then press OK.

Shape placement layer can be predefined with the drop-down list on the Drawing toolbar. However, youcan change the layer of existing shape in the Shape Properties dialog box selected from the shape'sright-click submenu.

Text object is similar to a shape but has slightly different properties in the right-click submenu (Font,Font Type, Show etc.).

2.3.6.1.1 Line

To place a line, press button on the Objects Toolbar. Left-click to anchor the starting point and the endpoint. When drawing the line, it’s dimensions will be displayed by DipTrace.

Alternatively, you can use Precise Shape Placement dialog, launched from the Objects menu or bypressing Ctrl + F hotkeys. Select Line from the Shape Type drop-down.

Pattern Editor 109

Choose the Layer, where you want a Line to be placed to. If Top or Bottom layer is selected from thelist, All Signal Layers checkbox becomes active; tick it if you want a shape to be placed both on Topand Bottom layer. You can choose to use Default Line Width for the selected layer or type-in a custom

value in the respective cell. You can define Start and End Points by X and Y coordinates or use button to set them by Mouse Pointer. Next, type-in line dimensions by X and/or Y axis. Click Place.

2.3.6.1.2 Arc

To place an Arc, press button on the Objects Toolbar. There are three modes for Arc placement inDipTrace. Left-click to anchor the starting point, then right-click to select the mode:

Start - Center - Angle - with this mode selected an arc with a certain angle is built based on a circlewith defined radius. Anchor the starting point, the center point of a circle will appear; the radius of thecircle is equal to the distance between the starting point and the center point. Move the center pointaway from the starting point to get a circle with desired parameters. Next left-click and adjust the angleof the arc. Left-click to anchor the end point of the arc. Start - End - Radius - in this mode an arc of desired radius is built between the Start and End points.Place the Start and End Points and move the mouse pointer to adjust the radius of the arc. Left-clickwhen done. Start - End - Middle Point - in this mode an arc is built based on three points. Place Start and Endpoint, the third point will appear on the line between them. Move the point to get an arc with desiredparameters.

Choose Clockwise or Counter-Clockwise from the right-click submenu to set the concavity direction ofthe curve.

Select Cancel from the right-click submenu to cancel the arc placement.

When drawing an arc, it’s key parameters (radius, deg.) will be displayed by DipTrace.

Alternatively, you can use Precise Shape Placement dialog, launched from the Objects menu or bypressing Ctrl + F hotkeys. Select Arc from the Shape Type drop-down.


Choose the Layer, where you want an Arc to be placed to. If Top or Bottom layer is selected from thelist, All Signal Layers checkbox becomes active; tick it if you want a shape to be placed both on Topand Bottom layer. You can choose to use Default Line Width for the selected layer or type-in a customvalue in the respective cell.Select an Arc placement mode. And type-in all the required values. Note that points can be defined by X

and Y coordinates or set by Mouse Pointer upon pressing . Press Place button.

2.3.6.1.3 Rectangle/ Filled Rectangle

To place a Rectangle/ Filled Rectangle, press or button respectively on the Objects Toolbar.Left-click to anchor the starting point, draw the shape and left-click in the end point. When drawing theshape, it’s dimensions will be displayed by DipTrace.

Alternatively, you can use Precise Shape Placement dialog, launched from the Objects menu or bypressing Ctrl + F hotkeys. Select Rectangle/ Filled Rectangle from the Shape Type drop-down.

Pattern Editor 111

Choose the Layer, where you want a Rectangle/ Filled Rectangle to be placed to. If Top or Bottom layeris selected from the list, All Signal Layers checkbox becomes active; tick it if you want the shape to beplaced both on Top and Bottom layer. You can choose to use Default Line Width for the selected layeror type-in a custom value in the respective cell.

Next, you can choose the position of an anchor point and type-in its coordinates. Define shapedimensions and press Place button.

2.3.6.1.4 Obround/ Filled Obround

To place a Obround/ Filled Obround shape, press or button respectively on the ObjectsToolbar. Left-click to anchor the starting point, draw the shape and left-click in the end point. Whendrawing the shape, it’s dimensions will be displayed by DipTrace.

Alternatively, you can use Precise Shape Placement dialog, launched from the Objects menu or bypressing Ctrl + F hotkeys. Select Rectangle/ Filled Rectangle from the Shape Type drop-down.


Choose the Layer, where you want a Obround/ Filled Obround shape to be placed to. If Top or Bottomlayer is selected from the list, All Signal Layers checkbox becomes active; tick it if you want the shapeto be placed both on Top and Bottom layer. You can choose to use Default Line Width for the selectedlayer or type-in a custom value in the respective cell.

Next, you can choose the position of an anchor point and type-in its coordinates. Define shapedimensions and press Place button.

2.3.6.1.5 Polyline/ Polygon

To place a Polyline/ Polygon, press or button respectively on the Objects Toolbar. Left-click toanchor the starting point, draw the shape, left-click to anchor points, right-click in the end point andselect Enter form the submenu. When drawing the shape, it’s dimensions will be displayed by DipTrace.

Alternatively, you can use Precise Shape Placement dialog, launched from the Objects menu or bypressing Ctrl + F hotkeys. Select Polyline/ Polygon from the Shape Type drop-down.

Pattern Editor 113

Choose the Layer, where you want a Polyline/ Polygon to be placed to. If Top or Bottom layer isselected from the list, All Signal Layers checkbox becomes active; tick it if you want the shape to beplaced both on Top and Bottom layer.You can choose to use Default Line Width for the selected layer ortype-in a custom value in the respective cell.

Next, you can choose the position of the anchor point and type-in its coordinates. Define Polyline/Polygon key points by pressing Polyline Points/ Polygon Points button respectively.

Press Place button to create a shape.

2.3.6.2 Edit

There are the following functions for editing shapes:


Moving – change shape position in the default mode. Hover over the shape (not over its key points) withthe mouse, and drag it.

Aligning objects – select several objects, right-click on one of them and align objects respectively toeach other horizontally or vertically.

Changing the size – change shape size, hover over the key point of the shape with the mouse, anddrag it to a new location. You can change shape size in the Shape Properties dialog boxes (right-clicksubmenu / Properties).

Rotation – rotate shape 90 degrees counter-clockwise, right-click on the shape, and select Rotate fromthe submenu or select the shape, and press R.

Changing layer – right-click on a shape, and select Properties from the submenu. Then make changesin the Layer drop-down list.

Deleting – delete shape or text, right-click it, and select Delete from the submenu or just select shape,and press Del key. All selected objects will be deleted. It is possible to delete objects by completelydeleting a logical layer containing them.

2.3.6.3 Properties

Right-click on the shape, and select Properties from the submenu to open the Shape Propertiesdialog box:

Pattern Editor 115

Here you can change shape's type (Top Assy, Top Silk, Top Mask, Top Paste, Top, Bottom, RouteKeepout, Bottom Paste, Bottom Mask, Bottom Silk, Bottom Assy or Board Cutout), shape pointcoordinates and line width.

2.3.6.3.1 Line

Right-click on a line, and select Properties from the submenu to open Shape Properties dialog box:


Here you can change the shape Layer. If Top or Bottom layer is selected from the list, All Signal Layerscheckbox becomes active; tick it if you want the shape to be placed both on Top and Bottom layers.

You can choose to use default line width for the selected Layer; or customize it for the given shape.

Start and End Points can be adjusted by changing X and Y coordinates or by using button to setthem by Mouse Pointer.

Finally, you can edit Line Dimensions, just type-in new values for Horizontal (dX) and Vertical (dY) tangent.

2.3.6.3.2 Arc

Right-click on an Arc, and select Properties from the submenu to open Shape Properties dialog box:

Pattern Editor 117



Select an Arc Edit mode: Center+Start/End Angle+Radius or Start/ End Point+Radius or angle. Type-inall the required values. Note that points can be defined by X and Y coordinates or set by Mouse Pointer

upon pressing .

Finally, you can change arc Radius and Angle.

2.3.6.3.3 Rectangle/ Filled Rectangle

Right-click on a Rectangle/ Filled Rectangle, and select Properties from the submenu to open ShapeProperties dialog box:




Next, you can change the position of an anchor point and type-in its coordinates.

Finally, you can edit shape dimensions.

2.3.6.3.4 Obround/ Filled Obround Prop

Right-click on an Obround/ Filled Obround shape, and select Properties from the submenu to openShape Properties dialog box:

Pattern Editor 119

Here you can change the shape Layer. If Top or Bottom layer is selected from the list, All Signal Layerscheckbox becomes active; tick it if you want the shape to be placed both on Top and Bottom layers. You can choose to use default line width for the selected Layer; or customize it for the given shape.

Next, you can change the position of an anchor point and type-in its coordinates.

Finally, you can edit shape dimensions.

2.3.6.3.5 Polyline/ Polygon

Right-click on a Polyline/ Polygon shape, and select Properties from the submenu to open ShapeProperties dialog box:



You can choose to use default line width for the selected Layer; or customize it for the given shape. Next, you can change the position of an anchor point and type-in its coordinates.

Finally, you can edit shape dimensions by clicking on Polyline Points/ Polygon Points button.

2.3.7 Text

2.3.7.1 Create

A multiline text can be placed in DipTrace. Go to Objects/ Place Text or press button on Objectstoolbar.

Left-click on the design area and type the text.

Use Enter key to move to the next line.

Right-click in the on a free spot of the design area to return to default mode.

Note that tilde (~) before and after text is reserved by the software for placing a line over the pin name,which implies inversion; if you want a tilde symbol to appear as it is, you should place it twice: ~text~/~~text

Pattern Editor 121

2.3.7.2 Edit

To edit, double click on the text object or right-click on it and select Edit Text. The following dialog willappear:

Here you can change the text, line spacing and alignment. Press Show All Text Properties button toaccess Text Properties (link Pattern Editor > Designing the pattern > Text > Properties) dialog thatallows for adjusting more text object parameters.

Hover over a text object and drag it to another location.

To delete a text, right-click it, and select Delete from the submenu.

2.3.7.3 Properties

To open Text Properties dialog, right-click on the text object and select Properties from the submenu.


In the pop-up dialogue you can set line spacing, text alignment and font, define its type, and choose a90-fold angle from the drop-down or just type-in the required value to rotate the text.

The location of the Anchor Point of the text box is set by ticking the respective circle. Anchor Point isdisplayed as a cross. You can also set the coordinates of the Anchor point.

Press Font Settings button to open Font dialog (it can also be accessed by selecting Font in the textright-click submenu):

Here you can set the font size, select the Line Width from Thin, Normal, Bold or Customize it, and alsodefine the Text Width.

Pattern Editor 123

2.3.8 Mounting hole

Mounting hole is defined only by 2 parameters: hole (inner) diameter and outer (keepout area) diameter.

There are two ways to place mounting holes:

1. With the mouse pointer, select "Objects \ Place Mounting Hole" from the main menu or press button on the Objects toolbar, and left-click on the pattern design area.

2. Precise Placement, select "Objects \ Precise Hole Placement" from the main menu, define thecoordinates, diameters, and press OK.

To define mounting hole diameters before placement, use Placement Setup dialog box.

To change the diameter of existing hole, right-click it, and select Properties from the submenu. Thisdialog box also allows the user to precisely change the hole's position.

Hover over the mounting hole and drag it to another location.

To delete a mounting hole, right-click it, and select Delete from the submenu.

2.3.9 Fiducial

A fiducial is defined by two parameters: copper and keepout area diameters.

To place a Fiducial select "Objects/ Place Fiducial" from the main menu or press button on theObjects toolbar. Left-click on the design area to place a fiducial.

Fiducial name, position coordinates, and copper/ keepout diameters can be set in the Propertiesdialogue launched via right-click submenu.

Hover over the fiducial and drag it to another location.

To delete a fiducial, right-click it, and select Delete from the submenu.

2.3.10 Dimensions

You can place four types of dimensions (horizontal, vertical, free, radius) and a pointer (displays pointcoordinates or any custom text).Dimensions or pointer can be attached to any object's key points. It is moved/resized automaticallywhen editing or moving an object.


Select "Objects \ Place Dimension \ <Dimension Type>" from the main menu or press button onthe Objects toolbar, then left-click on the first point (key points are highlighted automatically) or arc (ifyou measure the radius), and then left-click on the second point (if necessary), and choose thedimension's position.

Dimensions can be disconnected or connected from/to the key points with the right-click submenu. Youcan change/display dimension's units and change other properties in the "right-click submenu \Properties" item.

2.3.11 3D model

DipTrace allows the user to preview circuit boards in three dimensions with all components installed. Inorder to see components on the circuit board, patterns should have attached 3D models. You canconnect 3D models in PCB Layout, but we recommend doing this in Pattern Editor to have a completecomponent.

Press 3D model button on Pattern Properties panel or select "Pattern/ 3D Model" from the main menuto access 3D Model dialog.

There three ways to add a 3D model to a component package.

1. Load 3D Model file. Press All Models >> button to open the list of all available 3D models in activelibrary. Select model from the list, and preview it immediately (3D models in the list are organized bypattern libraries).

VRML and STEP 3D models are in different categories with the same title.

Press button, and select any 3D model file on your computer, or type in its address, and pressLoad Model button. DipTrace supports *.3ds, *.wrl, *,step, and *.iges 3D model files which are oftenavailable online on the manufacturers' websites.

Pattern Editor 125

Use 3D Model Properties section of this dialog box to adjust 3D model's location respective to thefootprint by changing shift, angle and scale by each axis (enter new values into the corresponding fields).

2. IPC-7351 Model Generator. This option is available only if Pattern Generator was used to make afootprint.


3. Create a 3D model by Component Outline. To use this option, an outline has to be placed first.Go to Objects/ Precise Shape Placement and place a shape in the Top Outline layer (the size shouldbe equal to or a bit smaller than the silk screen shape). Specify the model height and DipTrace willgenerate a 3D shape to mimic a device. This option can also be used if there is no 3D model for afootprint designed in the generator.

Pattern Editor 127

For a better preview, change a color of the background, pads or silk layer (just click on thecorresponding color rectangle).

To rotate/move/zoom electronic component in the preview area:1. Hold down the left mouse button to rotate around X or Y axis. Hold down the mouse wheel (middlebutton) to rotate around Z axis.2. Hold down the right mouse button to pan.3. Mouse wheel Up or Down to Zoom In/Out.

Rotate and Zoom is also possible with the tools on the right side of the screen.

2.3.12 Align objects

Select objects on the design area, then go to "Edit \ Align Objects" from the main menu, or right-click onone of the objects and select Align Objects from the submenu.


Select the alignment direction, then select how to align objects in the row or column (left, center or right)and set distribution settings by objects' boundaries or equally with a custom spacing.

You need to select at least two objects to have the Align tool available, because the alignment isrelative.

2.3.13 Edit pattern

Pattern Editor has the following general editing functions for patterns:

Center pattern with respect to the origin point. Select "Edit \ Center Pattern" from the main menu orpress Ctrl+Alt+C.

Rotate pattern 90 degrees clockwise. Select "Edit \ Rotate Pattern" from the main menu or pressCtrl+Alt+R.

Flip pattern vertically with respect to X axis. Select "Edit \ Vertical Flip" from the main menu or pressCtrl+Alt+V.

Flip pattern horizontally with respect to Y axis. Select "Edit \ Horizontal Flip" from the main menu orpress Ctrl+Alt+H.

2.3.14 Placement setup

To change default pad and mounting hole parameters before placement, select "Objects \ PlacementSetup" from the main menu. The following dialog box pops up:

Pattern Editor 129

Here you can change X and Y pad-to-pad spacing for pad shapes.For the mounting hole it is possible to define hole (inner) and outer (keepout area) diameters.

2.3.15 Insert from library

To insert pattern from the pattern or component library, select "Pattern \ Insert from Another Library"

or press Get from Library ( ) button on the Pattern Properties panel.


In the pop-up dialog box, select a library and component in the corresponding lists. Use library groupsand search filters for convenience. Press Library Setup button to edit the library groups. Preview fieldavailable.

2.3.16 Import from DXF

DipTrace allows the designer to import a whole component pattern or its part from a DXF file.

To import DXF file, select "Pattern \ Import from DXF" from the main menu in the Pattern Editor, thenselect and open existing DXF file.

Pattern Editor 131

In the pop-up dialog box you can preview selected DXF file and specify connections between the DXFand DipTrace PCB layers. To set connection between DXF and PCB layers, select layer from the DXFlayers list, and a corresponding DipTrace layer in the Convert to drop-down list.

To show/hide different layers of the DXF file, click on the first column of the Layers table (blue checkmarks).

Notice that import feature has recognition options, i.e., for example, if you have pad shapes in one DXFlayer and all drills (including the mounting holes) in another layer, then specify "Pads" for the first layerand "All Holes" for the second layer. You will get through-hole pads with holes inside pad shapes,surface pads without holes and mounting holes (without shapes).

DipTrace can Fill Closed Areas and recognize polygons embedded, check respective check boxes inthe Import DXF dialog box.

2.4 View functions

2.4.1 Scaling/Panning

There are several ways to change the scale of design area:

1. Mouse wheel – you can decrease or increase the scale in very wide limits.


2. Drop-down list on the Standard toolbar (from 25% to 800%).

3. "View \ Scale" from the main menu. It is possible to select from 25% to 800%, zoom in, zoom out orspecify custom scale.

4. Pressing the Plus sign (+) key to zoom in or Minus sign (-) key to zoom out.

5. Zoom window tool on the Standard toolbar allows for zooming to the box defined with the mousepointer.

Current scale is always displayed in the drop-down list on the Standard toolbar.

Pan design area with the right mouse button (hold down and move) or by arrow keys while creating theshape etc.

2.4.2 Line Width

In the fly-out window you can set the default width of the lines for the shapes placed in different layers(Silk, Component Outline, Courtyard, Board Cutout, Other Layers).

The width of the lines of individual shapes can be customized in Shape Properties dialogue accessedby selecting Properties from the right-click submenu.

2.4.3 Precision

DipTrace allows adjusting the precision rate for project values and the grid.

Select View/ Precision… to open the following dialogue-box:

Pattern Editor 133

Configure the precision level by defining the number of decimal places (up to ten) for all the values usedin the project by units.

You can also set the minimum grid size and grid precision for the current units. Those values areconverted, when measurement units are changed.

Please note that high precision rates are used only at designing stage. When the project is saved into afile, precision up to 0.001 mil is applied.

2.4.4 Grid

DipTrace Pattern Editor allows the user to create and edit objects free or according to the grid.

To show/hide the grid, select "View \ Grid" from the main menu or press F11 hotkey.

Select "View \ Snap to Grid" from the main menu, or press Alt+F11 hotkey (by default) to activate/deactivate snap to grid, when the grid is on.

If Snap to Grid option is disabled, objects are no longer snapped to the grid, but you can leave the gridvisible.

When Snap to Grid option is disabled for the entire project, you can choose to snap to grid individualelements of your pattern (pad, shape, text, image, etc.) by selecting Snap to Grid item from the right-click submenu of those elements, when the grid is on.

Select "View \ Grid Size" from the main menu to open the grid size submenu. You can select standardor specify custom grid size.It is possible to select grid size from the list on the Standard toolbar or just press Ctrl + Plus sign (+),Ctrl + Minus sign(-) hotkeys to change the grid.


To change the list of predefined grid sizes, select "View \ Customize Grid" from the main menu.

Select "View \ Y Grid Size" from the main menu to set a separate grid step for the vertical axis.

2.4.5 Origin

Origin is customizable, you can change its position at any moment while creating and editing a footprint.Select "View / Display Origin" from the main menu or press F1 hotkey.

Origin can be defined with the mouse pointer or by coordinates (incremental to existing origin). To defineit with the mouse, select "View / Define Origin / By Mouse Pointer" from the main menu or press thecorresponding button on the Objects toolbar, then define a new origin with a left-click on the design area.To change the origin by coordinates, select "View / Define Origin / By Coordinates" from the main menu.

To return origin to default position (center of the design area) select "View / Define Origin / DefaultPosition".

To change the origin display parameters, select Pattern/ Origin Properties.

To change the color of the axis, select "View / Axis Color" from the main menu.

2.4.6 Pad numbers

In the Pattern Editor you can display pad numbers and even define their font. To display pad numbers,select "View \ Pad Numbers \ Show" from the main menu.

Font can be assigned automatically, based on the pad size or set manually by selecting "View \ PadNumbers \ Font" from the main menu.

2.5 Working with layers

2.5.1 Review

All signal and non-signal layers of the pattern are available on the Layers panel on the right side of thescreen.

Pattern Editor 135

To select a layer, double-click it in the list.

To show/hide a layer on the design area, click on the corresponding blue check mark in the list. Tochange layer color, left-click on the color rectangle. Notice that the color of the pattern constituentsdepends on the layer color.

By default all layers are sorted from the top side of the pattern to the bottom. However, you can arrangethem in the order you prefer and choose priority layers to be displayed in the list, with all other layers

hidden. Press button to open Layer Priority and Order dialog.

Tick the layers you want to be displayed in priority list; use and buttons to change theirorder in the list.


Press Show Priority Layers Only button to display only pre-established priority layers. Press Show All Layers button to display all layers.

Use Display Mode drop-down to choose among the following layer display modes:

1. Current Only – only the active signal layer is visible. Double-click on the layer in the Layers tab toselect an active layer.2. All Layers – all signal layers are visible. We recommend setting different colors for the layers.3. Contrast – only active layer is at full contrast, other PCB layers are visible with reduced contrast. Goto "View \ Layer Display \ Contrast Level" or press button on the Layers tab to adjust the contrast level.

Press to adjust contrast levels applied in the Contrast display mode.

Pattern Editor 137

2.6 Edit functions

2.6.1 Select objects

Objects should be selected if you want to edit or remove them. DipTrace has several ways to selectobjects or edit existing selection:

Way 1. Click on the object with any of the mouse buttons. Use the left mouse button to select anobject, and the right mouse button to open the object's submenu.

Way 2. In the Default mode hold down the left mouse button on an empty area and move themouse cursor – selection box will appear. All objects inside this box will be selected when you releasethe mouse button.

To invert object selection, press Ctrl key, and select objects. To add objects to the selection, use theShift key.To select all pattern objects, go to "Edit \ Select All" from the main menu.

Way 3. Edit Selection dialog box allows the user to select objects by type and parameters. Severalmodes are available: new selection, add to selection, remove from selection, keep selected.

Choose "Edit \ Edit Selection" from the main menu.

In the pop-up dialog box select objects and define the selection mode. The following modes aresupported:1. New Selection – deselect all previously selected objects and create a new selection, based on yourchoice;2. Add to Selection – add specified objects to existing selection;3. Remove from Selection – remove specified objects from existing selection;4. Keep Selected – select objects by type and area. Use box selection and Ctrl key to define a


selection area (see Way 2), then select Keep Selected to remove unspecified objects from theselection. Only the objects specified in this dialog box will remain selected on the exact area.

2.6.2 General functions

There are the following general editing functions: Delete, Cut, Copy, and Paste.Select objects before applying these functions.

To apply one of these functions to objects, select the corresponding sub-item from the main menu("Edit"). It is possible to use hotkeys: Cut (Ctrl+X), Copy (Ctrl+C), Paste (Ctrl+V), and Delete (Del).

2.6.3 Undo/Redo

To cancel the last editing step and return to the previous state, select "Edit \ Undo" from the main menuor press the corresponding button on the Standard toolbar.

It is also possible to recover canceled steps. Choose "Edit \ Redo" from the main menu or press thecorresponding button on the Standard toolbar. If you edit symbol after using the Undo tool, Redo toolbecomes inactive.

2.6.4 Move/Rotate objects

To change location of some objects select them, and drag to a new location.

To rotate objects counter-clockwise, select them first, then press R key or select "Edit \ Rotate" fromthe main menu.

Rotate or flip several objects as a group with Shift+R and Shift+F hot keys respectively.

2.6.5 Align objects

Select objects on the design area, then go to "Edit \ Align Objects" from the main menu, or right-click onone of the objects and select Align Objects from the submenu.

Pattern Editor 139

Select the alignment direction, then select how to align objects in the row or column (left, center or right)and set distribution settings by objects' boundaries or equally with a custom spacing.

You need to select at least two objects to have the Align tool available, because the alignment isrelative.