PCB design editors / #9
Horizon EDA
Rigorous and capable for its size, but a niche choice.
19/35Ranked #9 in pcb design editors
Last reviewed
- Who it is for
- Experienced engineers who like a rigorous parts system and an open-source tool, and do not need a large community.
- Made by
- The Horizon EDA project (open source)
- Runs on
- Linux, Windows
- Cost
- Free and open source.
- Poor fit for
- Beginners and teams that need broad file exchange.
Strengths
- Free and open source.
- A strict parts pool that keeps symbols, packages and parts consistent.
- Interactive router based on KiCad's push-and-shove router.
Limits
- Small community and fewer tutorials.
- Check horizon-eda.org for supported platforms.
- Few other tools import its files.
Scores and the reasons for them
| Criterion | Score | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Cost and licensing | 5/5 | Free and open source. |
| Learning curve | 2/5 | Rigorous model with less learning material. |
| Library and part support | 2/5 | A curated pool, smaller than the big libraries. |
| Board complexity | 3/5 | Capable interactive routing for typical multilayer boards. |
| Output for fabrication | 3/5 | Gerber, drill and related outputs. |
| File portability | 2/5 | Open format, but few other tools import it. |
| Collaboration | 2/5 | The parts pool can be shared with Git; no built-in review. |