DKRed and PCB Builder

[b.hollingsworth]

Hi, I wanted to see if there is free software that I can use to design a simple two-sided circuit board (top and bottom layer only). I need something that will be compatible with the DKRed and PCB Builder service when I finish the design. Thanks.

[Verna_1353]

Hello,

Welcome to the Digi-Key Technical Forum. You should be able to use the KiCad EDA tool. Here is the link : https://www.digikey.com/en/resources/design-tools/kicad?_ga=2.237566921.815038075.1664383094-1846503222.1664383094

This will work with the DKRed and PCB builder.

[Kristof_2649]

If you choose to use Kicad, after you’ve gotten your board designed instructions on how to generate the design files for DKRed are located here:

Tutorial for Generating KiCad Design Files (Gerbers) for DKRed

So we’ve designed a circuit board within KiCad, now we want it submitted and have it made through the Digi-Key DKRed custom printed circuit board service. Let’s go through a few simple steps to output the design files, in this case, what we call ‘Gerber’ and Drill files from within KiCad. Within KiCad PCB Editor, to start generating design files, hit File > Plot [PLOT_BUTTON] Make sure these file types/layers are selected, the drill files get generated by a second step: [INCLUDE_THE…