Altium Designer Tutorial for Beginners: Learn PCB Design Step-by-Step

Learning PCB design can feel overwhelming when you’re staring at a blank schematic for the first time. Trust me, I remember that feeling well. But here’s the good news: Altium Designer makes the process far more intuitive than you might expect, and this Altium Designer tutorial for beginners will walk you through every essential step.

Whether you’re a student tackling your first electronics project, a hobbyist ready to move beyond breadboards, or an engineer transitioning from another EDA tool, this guide covers the complete workflow from project creation through manufacturing output. By the end, you’ll have the confidence to design your own PCBs in Altium Designer.

Getting Started with Altium Designer

Installing and Licensing Altium Designer

Before diving into design, you need the software up and running. Here’s how to get started:

1. Visit the Altium website and create a free account
2. Download the Altium Designer installer from the download page
3. Run the installer and follow the setup wizard
4. Launch Altium Designer and sign in with your Altium account
5. Activate your license through the License Management view

Altium offers a 30-day trial for new users, which gives you full access to evaluate the software. Students can often access extended trials or educational licenses through their institutions.

Understanding the Altium Designer Interface

When you first open Altium Designer, the interface can seem complex. Let’s break down the key elements:

Main Menu Bar: Located at the top, this provides access to all commands organized by category (File, Edit, View, Project, etc.).

Ribbon Interface: Below the menu bar, context-sensitive ribbons display tools relevant to your current activity. The ribbon changes based on whether you’re editing a schematic, PCB, or library.

Projects Panel: Typically docked on the left, this panel shows your project structure including all associated files.

Properties Panel: Displays and allows editing of properties for selected objects.

Design Space: The central area where you create your schematic and PCB designs.

Active Bar: A floating toolbar providing quick access to commonly used placement commands.

Creating Your First PCB Project

Every design in Altium Designer begins with a project. The project file (.PrjPcb) ties together all your design documents—schematics, PCB layout, libraries, and output files.

Setting Up a New Project

Follow these steps to create your first project:

1. Select File → New → Project → PCB Project
2. In the Create Project dialog, enter a name for your project
3. Choose a location to save your project files
4. Click Create to generate the project

Your new project appears in the Projects panel, initially showing “No Documents Added.” We’ll add documents as we progress through the design.

Adding Design Documents

A typical PCB project requires at least two documents:

Schematic Document (.SchDoc): Contains your circuit design with component symbols and electrical connections.

PCB Document (.PcbDoc): Contains the physical board layout with component footprints and copper traces.

To add a schematic:

1. Right-click your project in the Projects panel
2. Select Add New to Project → Schematic
3. Save the schematic with a meaningful name (File → Save As)

To add a PCB document:

1. Right-click your project in the Projects panel
2. Select Add New to Project → PCB
3. Save the PCB with a matching name

Schematic Design Basics

The schematic captures your circuit’s electrical design. This is where you define what components you need and how they connect together.

Placing Components on Your Schematic

Components come from libraries. Altium provides extensive built-in libraries, and you can access millions more through the Manufacturer Part Search or Altium 365.

To place a component:

1. Press P, P (Place Part) or use the Components panel
2. Search for your component by part number or description
3. Click to place the component on your schematic
4. Press Spacebar to rotate the component before placing
5. Press X or Y to flip the component horizontally or vertically
6. Click to confirm placement, or right-click to exit placement mode

When placing multiple identical components, keep clicking to place additional instances. The designator automatically increments (R1, R2, R3, etc.).

Wiring Your Circuit

Once components are placed, you need to connect them electrically:

1. Press P, W to start placing wires
2. Click on a component pin to start the wire
3. Click to add corners as needed
4. Click on the destination pin to complete the connection
5. Right-click or press Escape to exit wire mode

Pro tip: Use net labels for connections that would require long, crossing wires. Press P, N to place a net label. Components sharing the same net label name are electrically connected without visible wires.

Annotating Your Schematic

Before transferring your design to PCB, every component needs a unique designator. While you can manually assign these, Altium’s annotation tool handles this automatically:

1. Select Tools → Annotation → Annotate Schematics
2. Choose your preferred annotation order (typically “Up Then Across” or “Down Then Across”)
3. Click Update Changes List to preview assignments
4. Click Accept Changes to apply the annotations
5. Click Execute Changes to finalize

Running Electrical Rule Checks

Before proceeding to layout, verify your schematic has no electrical errors:

1. Select Project → Compile PCB Project
2. Review any warnings or errors in the Messages panel
3. Double-click an error to jump directly to the problem location
4. Fix issues and recompile until the design is error-free

Common errors include unconnected pins, duplicate designators, and missing power connections.

Transferring Your Design to PCB

With a complete, error-free schematic, you’re ready to create the physical board layout.

Synchronizing Schematic to PCB

Altium uses an Engineering Change Order (ECO) process to transfer design data:

1. Open your schematic document
2. Select Design → Update PCB Document [YourPCB.PcbDoc]
3. The Engineering Change Order dialog appears showing proposed changes
4. Click Validate Changes to check for problems
5. Click Execute Changes to transfer the design
6. Click Close when complete

Your component footprints now appear in the PCB editor, clustered together outside the board outline. Connection lines (ratsnest) show the required connections between pads.

Setting Up Your PCB

Before placing components, configure your board:

Define the Board Shape:

1. Switch to the PCB editor
2. Select Design → Edit Board Shape
3. Click to define corners of your board outline
4. Press Escape to close the shape

Set Up the Layer Stack:

1. Select Design → Layer Stack Manager
2. For a simple two-layer board, the default stack works fine
3. For more complex designs, add layers as needed
4. Save changes with File → Save to PCB

Configure Design Rules:

1. Select Design → Rules
2. Set clearance rules based on your manufacturer’s capabilities
3. Configure routing width rules for signal and power traces
4. Define via sizes appropriate for your fabricator

PCB Layout and Component Placement

Good component placement is crucial. As experienced designers say, PCB design is 90% placement and 10% routing.

Component Placement Guidelines

Follow these principles for effective placement:

Start with fixed-position components: Connectors, mounting holes, and components with mechanical constraints go first.

Place major components next: Microcontrollers, processors, and other central ICs define your layout’s overall organization.

Group related components: Keep bypass capacitors near their associated ICs. Place components that connect together close to each other.

Consider signal flow: Arrange components so signals flow logically across the board, typically left-to-right or input-to-output.

Leave routing space: Don’t pack components so tightly that routing becomes impossible.

Moving and Rotating Components

Basic placement controls:

• Click and drag to move components
• Spacebar rotates by 90° while dragging
• L key flips a component to the opposite layer while dragging
• M, M (Move, Move) selects a component under the cursor for moving

To move components precisely:

1. Select the component
2. Press M then M for Move command
3. Click the component’s reference point
4. Type coordinates or click the destination

Routing Your PCB

Routing connects component pads with copper traces, transforming connection lines into actual electrical paths.

Interactive Routing Basics

To start routing:

1. Press P, T (Place Track) or click the Interactive Routing button
2. Click on a pad to start the route
3. Move the cursor toward the destination
4. Click to place corners
5. Click on the destination pad to complete the route
6. Press Escape to cancel the current route

Essential routing shortcuts:

Routing Tips for Beginners

Route critical signals first: Power, ground, and high-speed signals deserve priority and the most direct paths.

Avoid 90° corners: Use 45° angles or curved corners for better signal integrity and manufacturability.

Maintain adequate spacing: Don’t run traces closer together than necessary. Extra spacing reduces crosstalk.

Use ground planes: For two-layer boards, consider using the bottom layer primarily as a ground plane with signal routing on top.

Check as you go: Run Design Rule Check (DRC) periodically to catch errors early. Press T, D, R to run DRC.

Placing Vias

When you need to switch layers during routing:

1. While routing, press ***** (asterisk) or +/- to change layers
2. A via is automatically inserted at the layer transition
3. Continue routing on the new layer

You can also place vias manually with P, V (Place Via).

Read more about Altium relative articles:

Altium 365 Pricing: Plans, Features & Is It Worth It?

Altium CircuitMaker: Free PCB Design Software Review & Download Guide

Altium CircuitStudio vs Altium Designer: Which One Should You Choose?

Altium Designer & SolidWorks Integration: Complete Setup Guide

Altium Designer 3D View: How to Visualize Your PCB in 3D

Altium Designer Arduino Library: Schematic & Footprint Download

Altium Designer Download: How to Get the Latest Version (2026)

Altium Designer DRC: How to Set Up Design Rule Checks

Altium Designer Git Integration: Version Control Setup Guide

Altium Designer Hierarchical Design: Multi-Sheet Schematic Guide

Altium Designer Libraries Download: Complete Guide to Component Libraries

Altium Designer on Linux: Installation Guide for Ubuntu

Altium Designer on Mac: Can You Run It on macOS? (Solutions)

Altium Designer PCB Design Tutorial: Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners

Altium Designer PCB Design: Complete Beginner’s Guide

Altium Designer Price: Complete Cost Breakdown & Licensing Guide (2026)

Altium Designer Student Version: Free Download & How to Get It

Altium Designer Tutorial for Beginners: Learn PCB Design Step-by-Step

Altium Designer: How to Change Units from Mils to mm

Altium vs KiCad: Which PCB Design Software Should You Choose?

EasyEDA to Altium: How to Import & Convert Your PCB Projects

ESP32 Altium Designer Library: Free Download & Tutorial

How to Convert Altium & Eagle Projects to KiCad (Step-by-Step)

How to Convert Altium Files to KiCad: Complete Migration Guide for PCB Engineers

How to Convert KiCad to Altium (and Altium to KiCad): Complete Migration Guide

How to Convert OrCAD to Altium Designer: Complete Migration Guide

How to Create PCB from Schematic in Altium Designer (Step-by-Step)

How to Export Altium Designer Files to JLCPCB & PCBWay

Raspberry Pi Pico Altium Library: RP2040 Schematic & PCB Footprint

SnapEDA & SamacSys LibrariesHow to Use SnapEDA & SamacSys Libraries in Altium Designer

What is .PcbDoc? Altium Designer PCB Format Explained

What is .PrjPcb? Altium Designer Project File Explained

What is .SchDoc? Altium Schematic File Explained

What is a .PCB File? Complete Protel/Altium PCB Format Guide

Adding Finishing Touches

Before generating manufacturing files, complete these final steps.

Pouring Copper Polygons

Ground planes improve signal integrity and simplify routing:

1. Press P, G (Place Polygon Pour)
2. Define the polygon boundary by clicking corners
3. Right-click to close the polygon
4. In the properties, set the net (typically GND)
5. Click away to pour the polygon

To repour all polygons after making changes, press T, G, A, A.

Adding Silkscreen Text

Silkscreen helps with assembly and identification:

1. Switch to the Top Overlay or Bottom Overlay layer
2. Press P, S (Place String)
3. Type your text in the Properties panel
4. Click to place the text

Ensure silkscreen doesn’t overlap solder pads or extend beyond the board edge.

Running Final Design Rule Check

Before generating outputs, run a comprehensive DRC:

1. Select Tools → Design Rule Check
2. Click Run Design Rule Check
3. Review all violations in the Messages panel
4. Fix any remaining issues
5. Rerun DRC until the design passes

Generating Manufacturing Outputs

With your design complete and verified, generate the files your fabricator needs.

Gerber Files

Gerber files describe each layer of your PCB:

1. Select File → Fabrication Outputs → Gerber Files
2. Configure which layers to include
3. Set appropriate units and format (typically RS-274X)
4. Click OK to generate files

NC Drill Files

Drill files specify hole locations and sizes:

1. Select File → Fabrication Outputs → NC Drill Files
2. Verify units match your Gerber settings
3. Click OK to generate

Bill of Materials

Generate a BOM for component procurement:

1. Select Reports → Bill of Materials
2. Configure which columns to include
3. Export to your preferred format (Excel, CSV, etc.)

Assembly Outputs

For board assembly, generate:

• Pick and Place files: Component positions for automated assembly
• Assembly drawings: Visual guides showing component placement
• 3D PDFs: 3D representations for assembly verification

Essential Keyboard Shortcuts Reference

Mastering shortcuts dramatically improves your productivity. Here are the most important ones:

Useful Resources for Learning Altium Designer

Official Altium Resources

Community Resources

Component Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to learn Altium Designer?

Most engineers can complete a basic two-layer design within a few days of focused learning. Becoming proficient with advanced features like high-speed design, rigid-flex, and scripting takes months of practice. The good news is that Altium’s consistent interface means skills you learn early apply throughout the software.

Can I open EAGLE or KiCad files in Altium Designer?

Yes, Altium Designer can import designs from several other EDA tools including EAGLE, KiCad, OrCAD, and PADS. Select File → Import Wizard and choose the appropriate source format. While import quality varies depending on design complexity, most designs transfer successfully with minor cleanup needed.

What’s the difference between schematic symbols and PCB footprints?

Schematic symbols represent the electrical function of a component—they show pins and their relationships but have no physical dimensions. PCB footprints represent the physical pads and outlines that exist on the manufactured board. Every component needs both a symbol (for the schematic) and a footprint (for the PCB) linked together.

Do I need an internet connection to use Altium Designer?

Altium Designer can work offline once installed and licensed, though some features benefit from connectivity. The Manufacturer Part Search, Altium 365 collaboration, and some library features require internet access. You can design complete boards offline, but periodic connection helps keep libraries and the software updated.

How do I choose the right number of layers for my design?

Start simple. Most hobby projects and many professional designs work fine with two layers. Consider four layers when you have significant power distribution requirements, many components, or high-speed signals needing controlled impedance. More layers add cost and complexity, so don’t overengineer. If you’re unsure, try routing with two layers first—you can always add more if needed.

Next Steps in Your PCB Design Journey

Completing this Altium Designer tutorial for beginners gives you the foundation to create real PCB designs. But learning doesn’t stop here. As you gain experience, explore these advanced topics:

Component Library Creation: Building your own component libraries ensures accuracy and speeds future designs.

Design for Manufacturing (DFM): Understanding manufacturer capabilities helps you design boards that fabricate reliably.

High-Speed Design: Learn about controlled impedance, differential pairs, and signal integrity for faster designs.

Multi-Layer Stackups: Master complex layer configurations for dense, high-performance boards.

Altium 365: Explore cloud collaboration features for team-based design projects.

The best way to improve is through practice. Pick a project—maybe recreating an existing circuit or designing something new—and work through the complete process. Each design teaches lessons that make the next one easier.

Welcome to the world of PCB design. Your first manufactured board, when it arrives and works, delivers a satisfaction that makes all the learning worthwhile.