How to Use EasyEDA to design PCB Schematic Step By Step
Introduction to EasyEDA and PCB Schematics
EasyEDA is a powerful, web-based PCB design tool that allows you to create professional-quality PCB schematics and layouts with ease. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced designer, EasyEDA provides a user-friendly interface and a wide range of features to help you bring your electronic projects to life.
In this article, we’ll walk you through the step-by-step process of using EasyEDA to design a PCB schematic. We’ll cover everything from creating a new project and adding components, to wiring up your schematic and running design rule checks. By the end of this guide, you’ll have a solid understanding of how to use EasyEDA to create professional-quality PCB schematics.
What is a PCB Schematic?
Before we dive into the specifics of using EasyEDA, let’s briefly discuss what a PCB schematic is and why it’s important. A PCB (printed circuit board) schematic is a graphical representation of the electrical connections and components in an electronic circuit. It shows how the various components are connected together and helps to document the design of the circuit.
Creating a clear and accurate PCB schematic is crucial for several reasons:
- It serves as a blueprint for the PCB layout process
- It helps to identify and troubleshoot issues with the circuit design
- It provides a clear and concise way to communicate the design to others
Now that we have a basic understanding of what a PCB schematic is and why it’s important, let’s get started with EasyEDA.
Getting Started with EasyEDA
Creating an Account
To use EasyEDA, you’ll first need to create an account. Navigate to the EasyEDA website and click on the “Sign Up” button in the top right corner of the page. You can sign up using your email address, Google account, or GitHub account. Once you’ve created an account and logged in, you’re ready to start designing.
The EasyEDA Interface
When you first log in to EasyEDA, you’ll be greeted with the main interface. The interface is divided into several key areas:
- The top menu bar, which provides access to various tools and settings
- The left sidebar, which contains the libraries and design management tools
- The main canvas, where you’ll create your schematic
- The right sidebar, which provides access to component properties and design rule checks
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with the interface and the location of the various tools you’ll be using.
Creating a New Project
To create a new project in EasyEDA, follow these steps:
- Click on the “File” menu in the top left corner of the interface
- Select “New Project” from the dropdown menu
- Enter a name and description for your project
- Click the “Create” button
Your new project will now appear in the left sidebar under the “Projects” tab.

Adding Components to Your Schematic
Now that you have a new project created, it’s time to start adding components to your schematic. EasyEDA provides a vast library of components that you can use in your designs. To add a component to your schematic, follow these steps:
- Click on the “Libraries” tab in the left sidebar
- Browse or search for the component you want to add
- Drag and drop the component onto the main canvas
- Repeat steps 2-3 for each component you want to add
Customizing Component Properties
Once you’ve added a component to your schematic, you can customize its properties by selecting it and using the properties panel in the right sidebar. Some common properties you may want to customize include:
- Reference designator (e.g., R1, C2, U3)
- Value (e.g., resistance, capacitance, IC part number)
- Footprint (the physical package of the component)
To edit a property, simply click on it in the properties panel and enter the desired value.
Wiring Up Your Schematic
With your components added to the schematic, it’s time to start wiring them together. EasyEDA provides several tools to help you create neat and accurate wiring.
The Wiring Tool
The most basic way to create a wire is to use the wiring tool. To use the wiring tool, follow these steps:
- Click on the “Wire” button in the top toolbar (or press “W” on your keyboard)
- Click on the first component pin you want to connect
- Click on the second component pin you want to connect
- Repeat steps 2-3 for each additional pin you want to connect
EasyEDA will automatically route the wire for you, but you can click and drag the wire to customize its path if needed.
The Bus Tool
For more complex designs, you may want to use the bus tool to create groups of related wires. To use the bus tool, follow these steps:
- Click on the “Bus” button in the top toolbar (or press “B” on your keyboard)
- Click on the first component pin you want to connect
- Click on the second component pin you want to connect
- Repeat steps 2-3 for each additional pin you want to connect
EasyEDA will create a bus between the selected pins, which you can then use to connect individual wires.
The Net Label Tool
To help keep your schematic organized and readable, you can use the net label tool to assign names to your wires. To use the net label tool, follow these steps:
- Click on the “Net Label” button in the top toolbar (or press “N” on your keyboard)
- Click on the wire you want to label
- Enter the desired net name
- Press Enter to create the label
Using descriptive net names can make it much easier to understand the purpose of each wire in your schematic.
Running Design Rule Checks
Before finalizing your schematic, it’s important to run design rule checks (DRCs) to ensure that your design meets the necessary electrical and manufacturing requirements. EasyEDA provides several built-in DRCs that you can run with just a few clicks.
To run a DRC, follow these steps:
- Click on the “Design” menu in the top toolbar
- Select “Design Rule Check” from the dropdown menu
- Select the desired DRC from the list (e.g., “Schematic DRC”)
- Click the “Run” button
EasyEDA will scan your schematic and report any issues or violations it finds. You can then go back and make the necessary changes to your schematic to resolve the issues.
Exporting Your Schematic
Once you’re satisfied with your schematic design, you can export it in various formats for use in other tools or for documentation purposes. To export your schematic, follow these steps:
- Click on the “File” menu in the top toolbar
- Select “Export” from the dropdown menu
- Choose the desired export format (e.g., PDF, PNG, SVG)
- Customize the export settings if needed
- Click the “Export” button
Your schematic will now be exported in the selected format, ready for use in other tools or for sharing with colleagues.
FAQ
Q: Can I use EasyEDA for free?
A: Yes, EasyEDA offers a free plan that provides access to most of its features and libraries. However, there are also paid plans available that offer additional features and benefits.
Q: Is EasyEDA only for PCB design, or can I use it for other types of projects?
A: While EasyEDA is primarily focused on PCB design, it can also be used for other types of electronic design projects, such as creating schematics for circuits that will be built on breadboards or stripboards.
Q: Can I import designs from other tools into EasyEDA?
A: Yes, EasyEDA supports importing designs from a variety of other PCB design tools, including Eagle, Altium, and KiCad. Simply use the “File” menu to select the desired import format.
Q: How do I share my designs with others using EasyEDA?
A: EasyEDA provides several options for sharing your designs with others. You can invite collaborators to work on your project with you in real-time, or you can export your designs in various formats for sharing via email or other methods.
Q: What if I need help or have questions while using EasyEDA?
A: EasyEDA provides several resources to help you get the most out of the tool. The EasyEDA website includes extensive documentation and tutorials, and there is also an active user community forum where you can ask questions and get help from other designers.
Conclusion
Designing a PCB schematic can seem like a daunting task, but with the right tools and a step-by-step approach, it’s a skill that anyone can learn. EasyEDA provides a powerful and user-friendly platform for creating professional-quality PCB schematics, and by following the steps outlined in this guide, you’ll be well on your way to bringing your electronic projects to life.
Remember to take your time, double-check your work, and don’t be afraid to experiment and learn from your mistakes. With practice and patience, you’ll soon be designing complex PCB schematics with ease using EasyEDA.









