The details regarding our upgrade policy are located at the bottom of the Ordering Page. This page is intended to the existing users of WinQcad who might want to update their product in order to be up to date. More important updates are listed in bold blue.
HandRoute > Object > Place Mass > Copper Pour: The copper pour algorithm treated clearance violations as shortcuts. As a result, it shortcutted nets too close to the net being poured. The DRC test, of course, reported such errors and the manual stated that all clearance violations should have been corrected before copper pours were placed. However, it might not have been enough to avoid the risk. To provide more security, it is now possible to place copper pours safely, even if there are clearance violations in the design. However, it is still recommended to correct all DRC errors beforehand as it's inconvenient to do it later when everything is surrounded by copper pours. Of course, unconnected pins to be routed to split planes are excepted because their routing is finalized by placing pours over the planes.
HandRoute > File > Engrave Board: In some cases, when a PCB outline is defined as a set of line segments instead of a continuous polyline, the outline CNC file was not produced correctly and a crash was reported. It is now fixed. The users of existing projects, having this problem with "Engrave Board", should just go to "PcbEdit > Outline > Edit complex board outline" and save the file.
HandRoute > Place Copper Pour: Copper pours are completely redesigned. They are looking much better, especially with off-grid objects and pads and lines at any angle. There are also more options in the copper pour dialog box to provide additional choices for clearance and thermal isolation for vias. Here is an example of the VoltReg layout with GND pour.
SchEdit, PartEdit, HandRoute, PcbShape, SilkEdit: Toolbars with object images, text and tooltips added. Here is an example from HandRoute..
HandRoute, PcbShape, SilkEdit: Right-Click offers all choices in the case of object overlapping (e,g, via + endpoint + testpoint).
AutoRoute > Preview: Useful in early phases of PCB layout development (when various component arrangements are checked). Available functions are "Cycle Layers", "Zoom In/Out" , and "Find Unconnected Pins".
PackEdit > Package > Edge Connector > Create Bottom Side Automatically: Now it is possible to define a complex double sided edge connector just by defining its top side.
SchEdit > Right-Click over an off-page connector > Find Net: Check the enclosed project CPU68376 which is a flat design with 6 pages and many off-page connectors. This function provides for fast inter-page navigation.
PcbEdit > Outline > Import Board Outline (DXF). This function is useful when the whole mechanical system is to be modeled with Autocad, Solidworks or a similar program before the actual PCB layout commence.
PartEdit: Gate and transistor libraries are completely redesigned.
PartEdit > Block > Modify: All pins in a selected block are modified in one operation.
SchEdit, PartEdit, PcbEdit, PackEdit: A status bar added to each of these programs.
All PCB Programs: Fast toggling between mil and millimeter units ('mil <> mm' menu item added to the end of each menu bar).
PartEdit > Object > Place Body Rectangle: The body rectangle (if any) can be created several times faster than with the more general 'Place Polyline' function.
PartEdit > Product > Edit: The product description, infinite number of default packages, the source of information, and infinite number of user properties are added. Almost all products with 14, 16, 20, 24, and 28 pins have the corresponding packages already associated.
SchEdit > Part > Place/Modify: When the user selects a package that is not in the set of default packages (defined in PartEdit > Product > Edit), that package is automatically added to the part library making all subsequent package selections much faster.
SchEdit > File > Create Netlist: The user properties are in the form 'Name = Value' and they are not in the BOM yet. However, The Bill of Material file BOM.CSV (spreadsheet program) is now added in addition to BOM.TXT. BOM.CSV can be edited by the SUN's OpenOffice program which is free. This is useful for adding user properties (defined in PartEdit > Product > Edit).
PcbPrint: The user can now remove out of board items including layer identification text and/or 3 alignment targets. These options should be used with caution and only if the PCB manufacturer has an alternate way to define these items.
All Programs: The help system is completely redesigned. That was necessary because of a bug in Internet Explorer 7. For example, "iexplore file:///C:\WinQcad\language\English.html#WinQcad_Tutorial" did not work, making the old WinQcad help system difficult to use with Windows Vista and other operating systems running Internet Explorer 7.
SchEdit > Object > Add/Remove T Junctions: Cross type junctions are rare, T type junctions are unnecessary. It is more difficult to edit the schematic if T type junctions are present. One solution is not to place junctions at T type connections because they are unnecessary (except for the improved readability). The other solution is to remove T type junctions (if any) before editing is started and add them later when editing is finished. For this purpose, the user can automatically add or remove all T type junctions that belong to the current page or the current schematic.
SchEdit > File > Resize Current Page: The user can now resize the current page in one step. It is no longer necessary to use a complex and error prone combination including 'Create New Page', Copy, Paste, and 'Delete Old Page'.
AutoRoute: A wide line entering a narrow SMT pad is now narrowed to match the pad. The narrowing is done at a small distance, just 2 grid units before the line enters the pad. This and other changes eliminate clearance violations that existed before.
AutoRoute > Use 'N' CPUs for routing: The PCB auto-router can run much faster if there are several CPUs on the motherboard (or if there is a dual-core processor). If N available CPUs are selected, the auto-router will run N times faster. Microsoft Windows XP 32/64 supports up to 32/64 physical or logical microprocessors.
SchEdit > Place Wire/Bus: Wires and busses can be placed semi-automatically. The user just clicks at a staring point and the program performs auto-routing while the user moves the cursor to any ending point. The path created has the minimal length and the minimal number of turns (around obstacles). The algorithm performs complete rerouting on the fly (on each successive 100 mil mouse movement).
SchEdit > Right-click > Modify: When a part is modified, there is an option to perform global package name replacement (throughout the whole design).
SchEdit > File > Import Orcad Library: Import is now redesigned and there is an option to perform package name replacement based on a reusable list of package pairs editable in a text editor.
SchEdit > File > Export Orcad Library: Export is completely redesigned and there is an option to perform package name replacement based the same reusable list of package pairs.
SchEdit > File > Create Design Library: This function can be used to create a single library (Design) that contains only the devices used in the current project. This might be useful when dealing with older projects for which the corresponding library definitions no longer exist.
SchEdit > File > Export Orcad Design: The whole WinQcad schematic design can be exported in Orcad format. This update is useful when the final design (required by the client) should be in Orcad Capture format. It runs with all versions of Orcad..
SchEdit > File > Import Orcad Design: The whole Orcad Capture design can be imported. This was implemented earlier but now it is completely redesigned and one error regarding the placement of rotated or mirrored parts (imported from Orcad) is corrected.
SchEdit > File > Create Netlist: Besides being created in the PCB programs, the "Bill of Material" file "Report.bom" is now also created when the netlist is created in the schematic editor. To view the BOM file properly, the user should select a fixed pitch font, like Courier, and "No Wrap" from the Notepad Format menu.
SchEdit > File > Export > PDF: It is now possible to export a single multi-page PDF file making it easier to handle by a PDF viewer.
PcbEdit > Board > Set Routing parameters: It is now possible to instruct the auto-router to avoid or forbid placing lines over any 2 signal layers (not only Mid1 and Mid2 as before).
SchEdit : The program facilitates selection of overlapping objects by performing the right-click hit test within a complex (not rectangular) part outline (e.g. when a part label is far away from the part body).
Autoroute : The autorouter moves vias away from pads, thus eliminating small clearance violations that existed before.
SchEdit > Right-click > Modify Wire/Bus : It is now possible to move the endpoints of a selected wire or bus segment and to reposition a net label (Modify button).
PcbEdit > File > Specctra Interface : Cadsoft Eagle users can now use the WinQcad autorouter. For details, please read the usage section at the beginning of the winqcad.ulp file. In addition, package silk drawings are imported together with pad footprints. This is now implemented in all DSN imports.
HandRoute > View > Measure Clearance : In addition to the Measure Distance function, it is now possible to measure the minimal clearance (gap) between any two objects (lines, vias, pads, etc.) with extreme precision. The error is smaller than 1 nanometer (0.001 micron) regardless of the zooming factor. It is especially useful in conjunction with the 'Test All Files' function when there is a lot of clearance violations detected
All PCB Programs : The schematic pin names (like CATHODE), not just the pin numbers, are displayed in PcbEdit, PcbShape and HandRoute status bar (as a part of Ref/Pin info). This is not of interest to those who use foreign schematic editors because these editors do not provide schematic pin names as part of the netlist.
Schedit > View > Set Graphics Grid : It is no longer necessary to toggle between the electrical grid (100 mil) and the graphical grid (user defined). The feature is also implemented in PartEdit.
HandRoute > Via > Place One Via : The user can place just one via without leaving the current mode (e.g. the Place Line mode).
HandRoute > Mass > Place Copper Pour : New copper pours are completely redesigned. They look and work better.
All Programs: WinQcad now works smoothly with Linux under Wine.
HandRoute > Via > Place Breakaway Tab : The user can define breakaway tabs along the board outline. When the board is replicated, these tabs are also replicated. The breakaway tabs are designed to support the weight of the board and components through the reflow or wave soldering while still being relatively easy to break.
HandRoute > Via : It is now possible to create non-plated vias. For example, non-plated vias are used to create breakaway tabs. The DRC test reports an error if a non-plated via is connected to a net. The Gerber files for signal layers no longer include pads for non-plated component pads and vias.
PcbEdit > Outline : When PcbEdit is called from HandRoute in the 'Preserve Current Routing" mode, no restrictions are imposed on the new outline.
SchEdit > Object > Find Net : The user can search for a specific net throughout the whole design (including schematic files, schematic instances, and schematic pages).
SchEdit > Place Hierarchical Block : The user can define either hierarchical pins for a hierarchical block or hierarchical ports for the attached schematic. It is no longer necessary to do both. The pins are generated from the corresponding ports and vice versa.
MetaMake : The format of the Report.pik file is now compatible with most Pick and Place machines. Protel uses the same format.
HandRoute : When entering HandRoute for the first time after autorouting, most of the routes in the vicinity of off-grid pads are automatically corrected.
HandRoute > TearDrop : It is now possible to achieve a smooth transition between a via (or a circular pad) and the entering line segment. This feature is useful for RF circuits, Pb free soldering, and whenever the width of the annular ring around a hole is smaller than 5 mils.
HandRoute > Text : After calling PcbEdit from HandRoute and returning back, the label placement and modifications previously made on the TopPrint and BotPrint layers were not preserved. After a long time, this is now corrected.
HandRoute > Testpoint : It is now possible to place, move, delete and modify testpoints. Testpoints can be placed over vias. This is not always the best solution because the vias overlapped by the testpoints are left unprotected. The vias are marked by the 'X' sign and the testpoints are marked by the '+' sign. In the case of overlapping, both marks are displayed. PcbPrint generates up to two testpoint files: TopTestP.txt (for the top side) and BotTestP.txt (for the bottom side).
PartEdit > Object > Place Multi Power Pin : Some devices have dozens of GNDs, VCCs, NCs, etc, making them huge and awkward on a schematic page. It is now possible to gather all power pins for a given device and a given signal (like GND) into a single pin symbol (like GNDx5). It is also possible to create a 'Multi NC Pin' (like NCx15). The corresponding pin numbers are hidden by default. By eliminating the repetition, more parts can be placed on a single schematic page.
PcbEdit > Element > Modify Pad(s) : It is now possible to modify pads in PcbEdit without affecting the package library. It is possible to perform multiple modifications in one operation.
PackEdit & PCB libraries : Package creation wizards and the corresponding PCB libraries are completely redesigned. The new wizards automatically create land patterns based only on a few data available in any footprint catalog. The new libraries (created by these wizards) are smaller but contain all real footprints. These footprints are defined more precisely. The redesigned libraries include DIP, SOJ, SOP, SOP_THIN, QFJ (former PLCC), QFP, PGA and BGA.
PcbEdit > Board > Set Routing Parameters : It is now possible to specify up to two internal layers (Mid1 and Mid2) as split planes (one more than before). Split planes (as well as copper pours) can reduce the number of the dedicated power planes required.
SchEdit & PartEdit : Pins of non-zero length are now displayed together with arrows showing the direction of the signal flow. Input pins include 1 arrow, Output pins (as well as Open Collector and Open Emitter ones) also include 1 arrow but in the opposite direction. Bi-directional pins (as well as Tri State ones) include 2 arrows (one for each direction). Passive, Power, and zero length pins do not include arrows.
SchEdit & PartEdit > View > Show/Hide Hidden Pins :
It is now possible to toggle
the visibility of the hidden pins. Hidden pins are mainly related to power
pins..
PartEdit > Object > Find Pin : It is
now possible to list all pins belonging to a part. The list can be used to verify the
pinout against the data book, or just to find a specific pin.
PcbEdit > File > Import NetList : The forward annotation is performed completely automatically. After the netlist is exported in SchEdit and imported in PcbEdit, the PCB design is completely re-annotated. After some changes have been made in SchEdit, it is no
longer necessary to manually create the new elements (or delete the obsolete ones) again in PcbEdit. The new elements are automatically placed beside the board, the replaced elements are deleted, and the rest of the PCB layout is preserved. Finally, the nets are imported as before.
All Programs : In addition to the standard method of zooming (by right-clicking), the user can now define a rectangular area to be zoomed in (by clicking and dragging).
All PCB Programs : It is now much easier to place and modify circular arcs.
HandRoute > File > Engrave Board : The program provides tool radius compensation for the PCB outline and cutout regions. That means, the user can define a PCB outline and cutout regions as if the routing bit diameter is zero. The program takes the actual tool diameter specified by the user and adjusts all line/arc coordinates automatically by "moving" the outline coordinates slightly outwards, and the cutout coordinates slightly inwards. This saves money because G-code interpreters that provide tool radius compensation are relatively expensive.
HandRoute > File > Engrave Board : Great news for those who want to make prototype boards promptly. WinQcad generates Isolation Milling, Drilling, and Routing files for CNC machines. WinQcad is the only program that can generate G-code for CNC machines directly.
PcbEdit > Element > Set Rotation Angle : Any component can be rotated by any angle. The main changes, however, have not been made in PcbEdit, but in AutoRoute to make it properly handle oblique pads. In addition, any pad can be separately rotated by any angle in PackEdit.
PcbPrint : Autocad DXF files and Acrobat PDF files can be generated for each layer. For example, the 'Mechanic' layer can be post-edited in Autocad. Also, some inexpensive CNC machines for mechanical milling (etching), drilling, and routing of prototype boards (like MaxNC) support DXF files only (not Gerber).
PcbEdit & PackEdit > View > Measure Distance : The upgrade is self-explanatory. This function is later implemented in all PCB programs.
PcbEdit > File > Update Packages : The package definitions are now embedded within the PCB files (in the same way the part definitions are embedded within the schematic files). That means, the user can now change package libraries, and even delete them, without affecting the existing PCB files. As the updates are no longer performed automatically, the user can explicitly specify the above update function. To provide compatibility with the existing projects, the program still reads old format PCB files but saves them in the new format.
All Programs : It is now possible to Undo and Redo a virtually unlimited number of editing actions in ALL WinQcad programs. This was also possible in WinQcad 27.0 but only for schematic programs.
AutoRouter: & PcbEdit > Board > Set Routing Parameters: The user can now tell the auto-router to use a smaller via size to route up the whole board promptly and to enlarge the vias wherever possible in the optimization phase. The smaller size does not apply to high current and high voltage or sensitive nets. After running the optimization long enough, almost all vias get enlarged.
SchEdit: IMPORTANT: If the user placed a fragmented wire (a long wire segment as several concatenated sub-segments, like '----'), there would be some hidden 'T' connections and the program would generate an incorrect netlist. To avoid this situation, before creating the netlist, the program now defragments all wire segments automatically. The users of the older versions can examine '+' type crossings by clicking over the corresponding wires at the cross point to see if the wires are fragmented (making hidden T type connections instead of 'no connect' crossings).
PackEdit > File > Create Package > Can: With the help of this new wizard, it is now possible to create any circular pad arrangement quickly.
SchEdit > Edit > Undo/Redo : It is now possible to Undo and Redo a virtually unlimited number of editing actions, both in the schematic editor and the part editor.
SchEdit : Location markers (like those on maps) are now placed along the border of every schematic page.
PcbEdit : Component outlines are now visible in PcbEdit and small elements can be placed under a big element (pads can't overlap).
SchEdit > Object > Find Part : The scope for the search is the whole design (schematic files, schematic instances, and schematic pages).
SchEdit : Cut, Copy, and Paste operations are now implemented as standard Windows clipboard operations (by using the global memory). That means, the user can open 2 instances of WinQcad to copy a part of a schematic page from one instance to another. Another news is that any pin can be moved in SchEdit without affecting the part library.
AutoRoute :An additional speed gain (up to 500%) is achieved for multi-layer boards (those with more than 2 signal layers).
AutoRoute : On average, the new auto-router is about 4 time faster than the previous one. The auto-router tries to avoid routing over the areas it used to successfully route other nets in the previous iteration but still waiting to be routed in the current iteration. It is also important that the auto-router achieves this speed in a fine grid mode which makes it virtually gridless.
PcbEdit > View > Show Opposite Side : Now it is possible to see SMT pads (and obstacles) residing on the the opposite side (without flipping the board). The same function is implemented in PcbShape.
PcbEdit > File > Export PCB Routes : This function works in conjunction with the function 'Import PCB Design' (released on July 31, 2003). Now it is possible to export PCB routes back to the host PCB program, It makes WinQcad auto-router fully compatible with Specctra.
HandRoute > View > Show/Hide Ratsnest : In the case of pure manual routing, it was possible to determine the pads to be interconnected into a net by using the Highlight Net function. The ratsnest, now introduced, eliminates the necessity to zoom out or scroll the window to see all those pads simultaneously.
PcbEdit > File > Import PCB Design : New users can now import their unrouted PCB designs from any program that provides an interface for the Specctra Autorouter. There are many such programs, including Orcad, Allegro, Protel, Pcad, Pads, Mentor, etc. The purpose is to allow the users of other EDA programs (with or without Specctra) to try WinQcad autorouter and to compare the quality.
SilkEdit & PcbShape: While placing lines in SilkEdit (package outline editor) and PcbShape (board outline editor), the line segment length is now displayed. It is also displayed while the cursor is just being moved over the existing lines.
PackEdit & PcbEdit: The pads in PackEdit and elements in PcbEdit are now moved and rotated in the same way as the pins in PartEdit and parts in SchEdit, providing for clearer visual feedback. The same applies to blocks.
SilkEdit & PcbShape: While placing lines in SilkEdit (package outline editor) and PcbShape (board outline editor), the line segment length is now displayed. It is also displayed while the cursor is just being moved over the existing lines.
PartEdit : In addition to Orcad Capture libraries, it is now possible to import the latest Protel DXP schematic libraries. Protel DXP trial version, available from www.protel.com, is fully functional for 30 days.
HandRout > File > Replicate Board : With the help of break-off tabs, it is now possible to produce a lot of identical boards for less money. No cutting, just a little bit of sanding.
AutoRout : If a net is defined as 'High Current' and some of its connections cannot be routed by using wide lines, they are now routed by using narrow lines. It is better to have them routed this way, than not routed at all. However, Autoroute tries to avoid decreasing the specified line width as much as possible (especially in the optimization phase). As a result, usually, only those 'High Current' connections that can't be routed theoretically (e.g. those entering small SMT pads) remain narrowed. The same applies to 'High Voltage' or 'Sensitive' nets, except that the line space, instead of the line width, can be decreased in this case. Regular nets are not affected.
PcbPrint : With just one click, it is now possible to generate all CAM files (Gerber and NC drill) and the 'ReadMe' file (notes for the manufacturer) in a separate subfolder of the project folder. With another click, the user can choose to replace all these files by a single zip file (to be submitted to the manufacturer).
All Programs : A consistence user interface is provided for all interactive programs. The objects are placed, moved, rotated, flipped, modified, and deleted in the same way in all programs. Block operations (involving several objects) are now also consistent (e.g. in HandRoute). Together with uniform implementation of general functions (like zooming and scrolling) there is much less to learn. For example, once the user knows how to use SchEdit, they also know how to use PartEdit, PcbEdit, PcbShape, PackEdit, SilkEdit, and HandRoute.
All PCB Programs > View Menu : In addition to absolute coordinates, now there are relative coordinates, consistently implemented in all interactive PCB programs (PcbEdit, PcbShape, PackEdit, SilkEdit, HandRoute). They are useful for measuring distances. Also, more information is displayed in the corresponding status bars.
PcbEdit>Edit Board Outline : While the board outline is being edited, the program now displays the whole board (including elements and obstacles).
Al l Programs : In the case of a huge library, it may be time consuming to search for a specific schematic device or a PCB package. Now, if you know the number of pins, which is usually the case, you can perform a "Narrow Search" by using the revised part and package selector.
Al l Programs : Microcad Bulletin Board is set up to allow WinQcad users (both registered and not registered) to exchange their experience with the software.
HandRout : To apply the same operation on multiple objects, it is still the best choice to select the corresponding menu item. However, if you do not want to change the current operation mode, it is now possible to right-click over any object you want to Move, Delete, or Modify and select the required operation from the shortcut menu.
HandRout > File > Test All Files: DRC test gets 5 times faster and the circular arcs are also tested.
HandRout > Find: Several operations are provided, the most important is 'Find Error' that works in conjunction with the DRC test.
HandRout > Text: It is now possible to edit the character size and boldness.
AutoRout: The routing modes (Fast and Fine) get more compatible, providing for higher routability during the transition.
PcbEdit > File > Annotate Design: The complete design can be re-annotated, both manually or semi/fully automatically. The PCB design is re-annotated and the corresponding Schematics design is back-annotated.
Al l Programs : 'Custom Zoom' is provided, and, in addition to 'Fit Whole', you can now select ‘Fit X Size’ or ‘Fit Y Size’ keeping the drawing visible in one direction only.
AutoRout : For the same design rules, it is now possible to obtain a finer, virtually gridless routing. This mode is somewhat slower, but eliminates the need to fine-adjust on-grid lines in the vicinity of off-grid pads. You have a choice to use only one auto-routing mode (fast or fine) or you can make a trade-off between speed and precision by running the auto-router twice, first in fast mode, then in fine mode.
PcbEdit > Board > Outline : An improved tool has been designed for implementing complex outlines and cut-out regions.
HandRout > File > Call PcbEdit : By calling PcbEdit from new HandRout, it is now possible to make some changes in PcbEdit while preserving the current routing.
AutoRout : It is now possible to perform hand-routing before and/or after auto-routing. In addition, manually pre-routed nets do not need to be completely routed (this feature is not supported by Spectra auto-router).
HandRout > File > Replicate Board : It is now possible to arrange several identical boards as one composite board. This feature can save customers some money on manufacturing.
MetaMake : The Pick and Place file is generated.
MetaEdit > File > Test All Files: With the power planes now verified, the complete design rule check is performed, including all signal layers, power planes, and copper pours.
MetaEdit > View > Highlight Net: Net highlighting, now provided, includes a whole net (not just pads). The net to be highlighted can be selected either by its name or by a mouse click. This function is very useful in conjunction with the "Test All Files" function. Also, the name of the net corresponding to any object under the mouse cursor (not just a pad) is displayed in the status box.
MetaEdit > Line > Set Line: Lines can be placed at any angle, or (by default) only at angles which are multiples of 45 degrees. By using the latter method, it is now easier to maintain line parallelism, even in the presence of a visible grid.
MetaEdit > Via: This menu has been completely redesigned. Instead of just copying a via, now it is possible to define an arbitrary pad stack and, if necessary specify the power plane the via should be connected to.
MetaEdt > Mass > Place Copper Pour: Automatic generation of multiple copper pours, now supported, is extremely useful for high speed circuits. As an example, instead of using separate power planes, you can just pour copper connected to GND over one side of the board and VCC over the opposite side – so called “multi layer simulation”. Even if you have separate power planes, extra shielding is highly recommended.
AutoRout: Autorouter now supports virtually unlimited number of layers (up to 240 signal layers and up to 240 power planes). In addition to high current nets (requiring wider traces), Autorouter now supports sensitive or high voltage nets (requiring wider clearance). More importantly, Autorouter is completely redesigned. Both the line width and the line space is now one half (instead of one quarter) of the grid size. As a result, two times smaller grid size can be used providing two things: the board is more routable (without reducing the line width and space) and the on-grid lines produced by Autorouter enter off-grid pads more precisely.
SchEdit > Print Current Page: A large schematic page can be printed in any scale by using one or more sheets of paper..
SchEdit > Export: Adobe Acrobat PDF format is included
PartEdit > Manage Libraries: Aliases (alternate product names) are included.
PackEdit > New Package: A specialized creation template is provided for each class of PCB components. For example, to create a square BGA (Ball Grid Array), it is only necessary to specify the number of rows, pitch, and (optionally) a few other parameters. The new library includes over 10,000 PCB components (created by using the above templates).
SchEdit > File > Export_Page: Autocad ™ DXF and Windows EMF files are supported.
WinQcad > Backup_Project: The standard zip format is used.
SchEdit > File > Export_Page: Autocad ™ DXF and Windows EMF files are supported.
SchEdit > File > Import_Page: Orcad ™ SDT IV format is directly supported.
SchEdit > File > Import_Page: Orcad ™ SDT 386+ format is directly supported.
HandRout > Line > Move : The corresponding interface is included. Any line can be moved (dragged in a rubber-band fashion) without being electrically disconnected.
PcbEdit > Block > AutoPlacement > Redesign : An upgraded interface provides for the definition of a Destination (Target) Area (different from the initial Source Area) where the selected components can be placed.
MetaEdit > Line > Move : The corresponding interface is completely redesigned. Any line segment can be moved (dragged in a rubber-band fashion) without being electrically disconnected.
MetaEdit > Pad : This new menu includes 2 menu items: Center Lines Entering Pad and Center Line Between Pads. These functions are extremely important as the main purpose of MetaEdit is to correct on-grid lines, produced by the routers, to match possibly off-grid pads.
AutoRout : The AutoRouter is significantly redesigned. Power planes are routed fully automatically (without adding artificial via pads). The overall routability is improved (especially in the case of Larger Vias).
All PCB Programs : The internal resolution is enhanced to 1 nanometer (0.001 micron), resulting in more precise photo-plotting and NC drill output. Both Metric (mm) and Imperial (mil) measuring system are supported.