Convert Eagle & Altium Projects to EasyEDAConvert Eagle & Altium Projects to EasyEDA (And Vice Versa)

Over my fifteen years designing PCBs professionally, I’ve accumulated projects across nearly every major EDA platform. Eagle files from 2012, Altium projects for corporate clients, and now increasingly, designs in EasyEDA for JLCPCB production. The ability to convert between Eagle to EasyEDA, manage EasyEDA Eagle workflows, and handle EasyEDA to Altium migrations has become essential to my practice.

This guide covers practical conversion methods in all directions—importing legacy Eagle designs into EasyEDA, bringing Altium projects over for quick prototyping, and exporting EasyEDA designs back to these professional tools when needed.

Why Convert Between These Platforms?

Before diving into the technical details, let’s understand why Eagle to EasyEDA and Altium conversions matter.

Common Conversion Scenarios

Scenario	Direction	Typical Reason
Legacy project revival	Eagle → EasyEDA	Eagle files from discontinued version
Quick prototyping	Altium → EasyEDA	JLCPCB’s one-click ordering
Corporate handoff	EasyEDA → Altium	Client requires Altium deliverables
Library migration	Eagle → EasyEDA	Moving established component libraries
Team collaboration	Any direction	Different team members use different tools
Cost reduction	Altium → EasyEDA	Eliminating expensive software licenses

Platform Strengths Comparison

Feature	Eagle	Altium Designer	EasyEDA
Cost	$15-100/month	$7,000+ perpetual	Free
Installation	Required	Required	Browser-based
Learning curve	Moderate	Steep	Gentle
Component library	Good	Excellent	Massive (LCSC)
Manufacturing integration	Limited	Manual	One-click JLCPCB
Collaboration	Limited	Good	Cloud-native
Advanced features	Good	Excellent	Basic-moderate

Understanding these differences helps you decide when to convert and which tool to use for each project type.

Eagle to EasyEDA: Complete Import Guide

EasyEDA provides native support for importing Eagle files, making Eagle to EasyEDA conversion relatively straightforward.

Supported Eagle Versions

Eagle Version	EasyEDA Support	Notes
v6.0+	Full support	Direct import
v7.x	Full support	Recommended
v9.x	Full support	Best compatibility
Pre-v6.0	Not supported	Binary encrypted format
Fusion 360	Full support	Export as Eagle first

Important: Eagle files prior to version 6.0 use encrypted binary formats that EasyEDA cannot read directly. If you have older files, open them in a newer Eagle version (or Fusion 360) and save as v7.x format before importing.

Step-by-Step Eagle to EasyEDA Import

For EasyEDA Standard:

1. Log into EasyEDA
2. Go to File → Import → Eagle
3. Select your Eagle file (.sch for schematic, .brd for PCB)
4. Choose import options:
   1. “Import File Only” – imports design without extracting libraries
   1. “Import File and Extract Libs” – imports and saves components to your library
5. Wait for processing (may take 30-60 seconds for complex designs)
6. Review the imported project

For EasyEDA Pro:

1. Open EasyEDA Pro
2. Go to Start Page → Quick Start → Import Other → Import EAGLE
3. Or use: Top Menu → File → Import → EAGLE
4. If using older files, first save as v7.x in Eagle
5. Use the Format Converter tool for batch imports

Post-Import Checklist for Eagle Projects

Task	Why It Matters
Check all footprints	Some may not convert perfectly
Verify net connectivity	Run DRC to catch issues
Review design rules	Rules don’t transfer automatically
Inspect copper pours	May need rebuilding
Check text/silkscreen	Font differences cause shifts

Common Eagle Import Issues

Problem	Cause	Solution
“Unsupported file type”	Pre-v6.0 Eagle file	Open in Fusion 360, save as v7.x
Missing components	Library not embedded	Use “Import and Extract Libs” option
Garbled text	Character encoding	Open Eagle file, resave with UTF-8
Package errors	Footprint mismatch	Manually assign correct footprints
Import fails completely	Corrupted file	Try exporting from Eagle again

Altium Designer to EasyEDA Import

Importing Altium projects into EasyEDA enables you to leverage the LCSC component library and JLCPCB manufacturing integration for existing Altium designs.

Preparing Altium Files for Import

Altium files require preparation before EasyEDA can import them:

1. Open your project in Altium Designer
2. Go to File → Save As
3. Select “Altium Advanced Schematic ASCII (*.SchDoc)” for schematics
4. Select “PCB ASCII File (*.PcbDoc)” for PCB layouts
5. Compress the exported files into a ZIP archive

Critical: The ASCII format is essential. EasyEDA cannot read Altium’s default binary format for all versions.

Altium to EasyEDA Import Process

Using EasyEDA Standard:

1. Go to File → Import → Altium Designer
2. Select your ZIP file containing ASCII exports
3. Wait for conversion (large files may take several minutes)
4. Review imported design

Using EasyEDA Pro Format Converter (Recommended):

1. Download the EasyEDA Pro Format Converter
2. Open the converter application
3. Select Altium Designer as source format
4. Upload your ZIP file
5. Convert and download the EasyEDA format
6. Import into EasyEDA Pro via File → Import → EasyEDA (Professional)

Altium Import Limitations

Element	Import Support	Notes
Schematic symbols	Yes	Minor position shifts possible
PCB footprints	Yes	Irregular pads convert to composite
Copper pours	Partial	May need manual rebuild
Design rules	No	Must recreate in EasyEDA
3D models	No	Re-assign from LCSC library
Multi-channel designs	Partial	May require manual adjustment
Inner layer planes	Partial	Reconstruction often needed

EasyEDA to Altium Export

When clients or employers require Altium deliverables, EasyEDA supports direct EasyEDA to Altium export.

Export Process

For Schematics:

1. Open your schematic in EasyEDA
2. Go to File → Export → Altium
3. Click “Download” to generate .schdoc file

For PCB:

1. Open your PCB layout in EasyEDA
2. Go to File → Export → Altium
3. Click “Download” to generate .pcbdoc file

Critical Post-Export Steps in Altium

After opening the exported file in Altium Designer, you must complete these steps:

Step	Action	Why
1	Cancel DXP Import Wizard dialog	Normal on first open
2	Repour all polygons	Copper areas don’t export with fills
3	Clean and show nets	Run Design → Netlist → Clean All Nets
4	Verify inner layers	Plane zones may need reconstruction
5	Check footprints	Some may require adjustment

Copper Pour Rebuild: In Altium, go to Tools → Polygon Pours → Repour All, then save the file.

EasyEDA to Altium Limitations

Element	Export Support	Action Required
Copper fills	No	Repour in Altium
Design rules	No	Recreate manually
Inner electrical layers	Partial	Manual adjustment needed
Images in schematic	No	Re-add in Altium
Some layer mappings	Partial	May export to mechanical layers

Warning: EasyEDA’s Altium export is beta functionality. Always verify thoroughly before manufacturing. Altium version 17 provides best compatibility; version 19+ may have issues.

EasyEDA to Eagle: The Indirect Route

Unlike the other conversions, EasyEDA to Eagle is not directly supported. However, there’s a workaround:

Indirect Conversion Method

1. Export from EasyEDA to Altium format (.schdoc, .pcbdoc)
2. Open the Altium files in Altium Designer
3. Export from Altium to Eagle format

Alternatively, use the Gerber files approach:

1. Generate Gerber files from EasyEDA
2. Import Gerbers into Eagle (limited—layout reference only)

When This Matters

Scenario	Recommended Approach
Sending to Eagle user	Export to Altium, let them convert
Archiving in Eagle	Consider keeping in EasyEDA format
Eagle library needed	Recreate components manually
Manufacturing handoff	Use Gerber files instead

Best Practices for Successful Conversions

After hundreds of cross-platform conversions, I’ve developed these essential practices:

Before Any Conversion

Action	Purpose
Run DRC in source tool	Don’t convert designs with errors
Document component list	Track any special parts
Back up original files	Never work without backups
Note design rules	You’ll need to recreate them
Screenshot critical areas	Reference for verification

During Conversion

Practice	Reason
Import schematic and PCB separately	Better error isolation
Extract libraries during import	Preserves component data
Use latest tool versions	Best format compatibility
Check file size limits	EasyEDA has 100MB limit

After Conversion

Verification	Method
Visual comparison	Open both versions side-by-side
Run DRC	Let target tool catch issues
Check net connectivity	Especially power nets
Verify footprints	Print 1:1 for critical parts
Rebuild copper pours	Almost always needed
Test manufacturing output	Generate and review Gerbers

Essential Resources

Here are the key resources for Eagle to EasyEDA, EasyEDA Eagle, and EasyEDA to Altium conversions:

Resource	URL	Purpose
EasyEDA Eagle Import Guide	docs.easyeda.com/en/Import/Import-Eagle	Official Eagle import documentation
EasyEDA Pro Eagle Import	prodocs.easyeda.com/en/import-export/import-eagle	Pro version guide
EasyEDA Altium Import	docs.easyeda.com/en/Import/Import-Altium-Designer	Altium import documentation
EasyEDA Altium Export	docs.easyeda.com/en/Export/Export-Altium	Export to Altium guide
EasyEDA Pro Format Converter	prodocs.easyeda.com/en/import-export/easyeda-pro-format-converter	Batch conversion tool
EasyEDA Forum	easyeda.com/forum	Community support
Autodesk Eagle	autodesk.com/products/eagle	Eagle download
Altium Designer	altium.com	Altium information

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I import my old Eagle 5.x files into EasyEDA?

Eagle files before version 6.0 use an encrypted binary format that EasyEDA cannot read directly. You’ll need to open these files in a newer version of Eagle (or Autodesk Fusion 360, which now includes Eagle functionality) and save them as version 7.x or later format. After conversion to the newer format, EasyEDA can import them normally. If you don’t have access to newer Eagle software, Fusion 360 offers a free hobbyist license that includes Eagle functionality—use that to convert your legacy files.

Why are my copper pours missing after exporting from EasyEDA to Altium?

This is a known limitation of the EasyEDA to Altium export functionality. Copper area fill data does not transfer during export. After opening the exported file in Altium Designer, you must manually rebuild all polygon pours by going to Tools → Polygon Pours → Repour All. This is an extra step, but the underlying pour boundaries and net assignments are preserved—only the fill rendering needs regeneration. Always verify that pours are correct after rebuilding before manufacturing.

Is there a way to export from EasyEDA directly to Eagle format?

No, EasyEDA does not support direct EasyEDA to Eagle export. The Eagle to EasyEDA path is one-way only. If you need to provide files to someone using Eagle, your best option is to export to Altium format first, then have the recipient convert from Altium to Eagle (Altium supports Eagle export). Alternatively, for manufacturing purposes, simply provide Gerber files instead—these are universally accepted and avoid format conversion issues entirely.

What happens to my LCSC part numbers when I export to Altium?

LCSC part numbers stored in EasyEDA component attributes will export as component parameters in Altium. However, the direct link to LCSC inventory and JLCPCB assembly services is lost—that integration only works within EasyEDA. If you’re exporting specifically for JLCPCB manufacturing, stay in EasyEDA to use the one-click ordering feature. If you must work in Altium, manually verify that component parameters include the LCSC numbers so you can reference them when ordering parts.

Can I convert between EasyEDA Standard and EasyEDA Pro formats?

Yes, EasyEDA Standard and Pro can exchange projects. Export from Standard using File → Export → EasyEDA Source (JSON format), then import into Pro. Going from Pro to Standard, use similar export/import flow, though some Pro-specific features may not translate perfectly to Standard. The EasyEDA Pro Format Converter tool can also help with batch conversions between editions and when migrating from other platforms like Eagle or Altium.

Troubleshooting Conversion Problems

Even with proper preparation, conversions sometimes encounter issues. Here’s how to resolve the most common problems.

Eagle Import Failures

Error Message	Cause	Solution
“Unsupported file type”	Pre-v6.0 format	Convert in Fusion 360 first
“Unexpected error while converting”	Corrupted or incompatible file	Re-export from Eagle, try different version
“Upload file with error: 1”	Large library file	Split library, import in parts
Missing components after import	Libraries not embedded	Use “Import and Extract Libs” option

Altium Import/Export Issues

Problem	Diagnosis	Fix
Chinese characters garbled	Encoding issue	Save as UTF-8 in text editor
Import timeout	File too large (>100MB)	Split into smaller projects
Undefined shapes error	Unsupported primitives	Manually recreate affected elements
Net connectivity lost	Net name mismatch	Check for underscore replacements

General Conversion Problems

Symptom	Common Cause	Resolution
Footprints misaligned	Origin point differences	Adjust placement manually
Traces missing	Layer mapping issues	Check layer assignments
Design rule violations	Rules didn’t transfer	Recreate rules in target tool
3D view empty	3D models not converted	Re-assign from target library

Batch Conversion Strategies

When migrating multiple projects or large component libraries, batch processing saves significant time.

Eagle Library Batch Import

For large Eagle libraries:

1. In EasyEDA, use File → Import → Eagle
2. Select multiple .lbr files at once
3. Choose “Import File and Extract Libs”
4. Libraries appear in your personal component library
5. Organize into folders for easy access

Project Migration Workflow

For migrating an entire project portfolio:

Step	Action	Time Estimate
1	Inventory all projects	1-2 hours
2	Categorize by source version	30 minutes
3	Convert older formats if needed	Variable
4	Import in batches of 5-10	2-3 hours
5	Verify each conversion	15-30 min each
6	Document any issues	Ongoing

Using EasyEDA Pro Format Converter

The Format Converter tool excels at batch operations:

1. Prepare all source files in a folder
2. ZIP each project separately
3. Run converter for each format type
4. Import converted files into EasyEDA Pro
5. Batch verify using DRC

Conclusion

The ability to convert between Eagle to EasyEDA, manage EasyEDA Eagle migrations, and handle EasyEDA to Altium exports gives you tremendous flexibility in your PCB design workflow. You can leverage legacy Eagle libraries, tap into LCSC’s massive component database, take advantage of JLCPCB’s integrated manufacturing, and still deliver Altium files when clients require them.

The key to successful conversions is understanding each platform’s limitations and building verification steps into your workflow. Never trust a conversion blindly—always run DRC, verify critical footprints, rebuild copper pours, and compare against the original before committing to manufacturing.

For new projects, consider where the design will ultimately be manufactured and who needs to access it. If JLCPCB production is the goal, starting in EasyEDA saves conversion hassles. If corporate Altium workflows are required, EasyEDA can still serve as a rapid prototyping tool with export capability.

The PCB design tool landscape continues to evolve, but the need for interoperability remains constant. Master these conversion techniques, and you’ll never be locked into a single platform again.