DipTrace Download: Complete Guide to Novarm’s Free PCB Design Software (2026)

If you’ve landed here searching for a reliable DipTrace download, you’re likely a hobbyist, student, or professional engineer looking for capable PCB design software that won’t empty your wallet. After spending countless hours with various EDA tools over the years, I can tell you that DipTrace from Novarm Ltd. strikes an impressive balance between accessibility and professional capability—and the fact that there’s a genuinely functional free version makes it worth serious consideration.

This guide walks you through everything you need to know about downloading, installing, and getting started with DipTrace in 2026, including the different editions available, system requirements, and practical tips from someone who has actually used this software on real projects.

What is DipTrace and Why Consider It?

DipTrace is a comprehensive electronic design automation (EDA) suite developed by Novarm Ltd., a Ukrainian company that has been refining this software for over two decades. Unlike some competitors that started as academic projects or hobbyist tools, DipTrace was built from the ground up as a professional PCB design system—yet it remains remarkably approachable for beginners.

The software consists of four integrated modules that work together seamlessly: Schematic Capture for drawing circuit diagrams, PCB Layout for board design and routing, Component Editor for creating schematic symbols, and Pattern Editor for designing footprints. Each module shares a consistent interface philosophy, which means learning one makes the others intuitive.

What genuinely impressed me when I first tried DipTrace was how quickly I became productive. Within a couple of hours, I had completed a simple two-layer board. The learning curve is gentler than tools like Altium or even KiCad, yet the software doesn’t sacrifice capability to achieve that accessibility.

DipTrace Download Options: Understanding Your Choices

Before downloading, you need to understand the different versions available. This is where DipTrace’s licensing model really shines compared to some competitors.

DipTrace Freeware Version

The freeware version is perfect for hobbyists and students. It includes all features of the full package with two limitations: a maximum of 300 pins (upgradable to 500 pins for non-profit use if you contact support) and two signal layers. Importantly, power and ground plane layers don’t count as signal layers, meaning you can actually create four-layer boards with full power and ground planes using the free version.

There’s no time limit on the freeware version. You can use it indefinitely for non-commercial projects without paying anything.

DipTrace 30-Day Trial

The trial version removes all limitations for 30 days, giving you complete access to every feature. This is ideal if you’re evaluating DipTrace for potential purchase or need full capability for a short-term project.

DipTrace Viewer

A free standalone tool for viewing and checking DipTrace projects without the ability to edit them. Useful for sharing designs with colleagues or clients who don’t have the full software.

DipTrace Editions and Pricing Comparison

If the freeware limitations don’t meet your needs, Novarm offers several paid editions with perpetual licenses (no subscriptions):

Edition	Pin Limit	Signal Layers	Price (USD)	Best For
Freeware	300 (500 on request)	2	Free	Hobbyists, students, simple projects
Starter	300	2	$75	Basic commercial use
Lite	500	2	$145	Small commercial projects
Standard	1,000	4	$395	Medium complexity boards
Extended	2,000	6	$695	Complex multi-layer designs
Full	Unlimited	Unlimited	$995	Professional/production use

One aspect I particularly appreciate about DipTrace’s licensing: upgrades cost only the price difference between editions. If you start with Starter and later need Standard, you pay $320 ($395 – $75), not the full price again. This makes it financially sensible to start small and upgrade as your projects grow.

Educational institutions receive a 20% discount, and volume licensing provides additional savings for teams.

System Requirements for DipTrace Download

Before initiating your DipTrace download, verify your system meets these requirements:

Minimum Requirements

The minimum specifications are quite modest, which means even older hardware can run the software:

Component	Minimum Specification
Processor	1 GHz Pentium III or equivalent
RAM	256 MB (1 GB recommended)
Storage	500 MB free space (2 GB with 3D models)
Display	1024×768 resolution
Graphics	OpenGL / DirectX 9.0 compatible
Operating System	Windows XP or later

Recommended Requirements

For comfortable operation, especially on larger designs:

Component	Recommended Specification
Processor	Pentium IV / Athlon 64 or better
RAM	1 GB or more
Storage	2 GB free space
Display	1280×1024 or higher resolution
Graphics	Dedicated GPU with 128 MB VRAM

Supported Operating Systems

DipTrace officially supports: Windows XP, Vista, 7, 8, 8.1, 10, and 11 (both 32-bit and 64-bit versions). The latest stable build (5.2.0.4 as of December 2025) works reliably across all supported Windows versions.

For macOS users, DipTrace supports macOS 10.15.4 Catalina and higher. The Mac version runs through a Wine wrapper rather than being a native application, but it works well enough for production use. Installation on Mac requires an additional step of running a terminal command to remove quarantine attributes.

Linux users can run DipTrace under Wine. While there’s no native Linux version, the software works reasonably well on distributions like Ubuntu and Linux Mint with proper Wine configuration. The 3D preview requires Direct3D graphics mode to be set in Wine.

Step-by-Step DipTrace Download and Installation Guide

Downloading DipTrace for Windows

Follow these steps for a successful DipTrace download:

Step 1: Navigate to the official download page at diptrace.com/download/download-diptrace/

Step 2: Choose your download type. Select either the 64-bit or 32-bit installer based on your operating system. For most modern computers, 64-bit is the correct choice.

Step 3: Choose between Trial (30-day full features) or Freeware (permanent with limitations). Both download the same 220 MB installer; the difference is in how you activate the software.

Step 4: Run the downloaded installer (filename format: diptrace_en64.exe or diptrace_en.exe).

Step 5: If Windows shows a security warning, click “Run” to proceed—the software is safe and has been verified virus-free by multiple security vendors.

Step 6: Accept the license agreement and choose your installation directory. The default C:\Program Files\DipTrace works fine for most users.

Step 7: Select program shortcut preferences and complete the installation.

Step 8: The installation package does not include 3D models to keep the download size manageable. Download the separate 3D library (~1 GB) from the same download page if you want 3D PCB visualization.

Installing DipTrace on macOS

Mac installation requires a few additional steps:

Step 1: Download the macOS DMG file from the official download page.

Step 2: Open the DMG file and drag DipTrace to your Applications folder.

Step 3: Open Terminal (Applications → Utilities → Terminal).

Step 4: Run this command to remove quarantine attributes:

xattr -rd com.apple.quarantine /Applications/DipTrace.app

Step 5: Launch DipTrace from Applications. The first startup may take up to 5 minutes as Wine configures itself.

Running DipTrace on Linux

For Linux users running DipTrace under Wine:

Step 1: Install Wine (32-bit version recommended for best compatibility).

Step 2: Configure Wine with WINEARCH=win32 for best results.

Step 3: Download the Windows 32-bit installer from the official page.

Step 4: Install using Wine: wine diptrace_en.exe

Step 5: For 3D preview functionality, set Direct3D graphics mode in DipTrace settings.

Step 6: You may need to set the MESA_GL_VERSION_OVERRIDE=4.5 environment variable if you encounter OpenGL errors.

What’s New in DipTrace 5.2 (Latest Version)

The current version, DipTrace 5.2, released September 17, 2025, introduces significant improvements that make PCB design faster and more intuitive:

Walk Around Router

The headline feature is the new Walk Around routing mode. Unlike push-and-shove routing (which DipTrace also supports), Walk Around finds paths around existing traces without moving them. You can combine both modes for maximum flexibility—pushing where space allows and walking around where stability is needed.

Enhanced Interactive Routing

Intermediate pads are now automatically connected when completing a trace. This seemingly small change eliminates the tedious manual fixing that previously interrupted workflow on complex boards.

Improved Search Functionality

The Find in Layout/Schematic feature now allows searching by all parameters, selecting multiple objects from results, and editing properties directly from the search list without navigating to each component.

New Import Options

DipTrace 5.2 adds EasyEDA Pro import (schematics, layouts, libraries) and Pulsonix import capabilities, making migration from these platforms straightforward.

Other Notable Improvements

Via stitching now includes a perimeter-only option. Hierarchical schematic conversion produces shorter designators (1R1, 2R1 instead of longer formats). Custom net colors allow visual organization of complex designs.

DipTrace Component Libraries and SnapEDA Integration

One of DipTrace’s strongest features is its extensive component library system. The standard installation includes over 164,000 components and 29,000+ patterns designed to IPC-7351 standards.

Built-in Libraries

DipTrace ships with libraries covering: discrete components (resistors, capacitors, inductors), integrated circuits (op-amps, logic, microcontrollers), connectors (headers, USB, HDMI, card slots), transistors and diodes, sensors, LEDs, and electromechanical components.

SnapEDA Integration

Perhaps more importantly, DipTrace integrates directly with SnapEDA, providing free access to over 10 million additional components. You can search SnapEDA’s database from within DipTrace and place components directly into your design or save them to your personal library.

This integration is genuinely useful. When I needed a specific MEMS accelerometer for a project, I found it on SnapEDA in seconds, complete with verified footprint and 3D model. The days of spending hours creating component libraries from datasheets are largely behind us.

Pattern Generator

For components that aren’t in existing libraries, the built-in Pattern Generator creates IPC-7351 compliant footprints automatically. You enter the package dimensions from the datasheet, and DipTrace generates the footprint and even a basic 3D model.

3D Model Library

DipTrace includes over 11,000 free 3D models for common packages, and you can import additional models in STEP, IGES, VRML, or 3DS formats. The real-time 3D preview makes mechanical interference checking straightforward.

Key Features That Make DipTrace Worth Downloading

Schematic Capture

The schematic editor supports multi-sheet and multi-level hierarchical designs. You can connect pins visually with wires, or use net ports and buses for cleaner diagrams. Electrical Rule Check (ERC) catches errors early, and the built-in SPICE simulator (added in version 5.0) allows basic circuit verification.

PCB Layout

The PCB editor features both manual routing with push-and-shove capability and a shape-based autorouter. Real-time Design Rule Check (DRC) reports errors before you make them—the trace turns red if you’re about to violate clearance rules. Differential pair routing and length matching tools handle high-speed design requirements.

Manufacturing Output

DipTrace exports to all standard manufacturing formats: Gerber (including Gerber X2), ODB++, IPC-2581C, N/C Drill files, and more. The BOM generator integrates with Octopart for real-time pricing and availability data—useful for cost estimation during design.

Import/Export Compatibility

You can import designs from Eagle, Altium, PADS, OrCAD, KiCad, and now EasyEDA. This makes migrating existing projects or collaborating with engineers using different tools practical rather than painful.

Common DipTrace Download and Installation Issues

Based on forum discussions and my own experience, here are solutions to common problems:

Antivirus False Positives

Some antivirus software flags DipTrace installers incorrectly. The software is clean—add an exception if your AV blocks the download or installation.

3D Preview Not Working

If 3D preview shows a black screen or crashes: ensure you have downloaded the 3D library separately, check that your graphics drivers are updated, and try switching between OpenGL and Direct3D graphics modes in DipTrace settings.

Registration Issues

If registration data doesn’t apply correctly: ensure you’re copying the User Name and License Key exactly as provided (no extra spaces), and make sure you have an active internet connection during activation.

Files Won’t Open After Update

DipTrace maintains forward compatibility but not always backward compatibility. If you need to open files in an older version, export to DipTrace ASCII format from the newer version.

DipTrace Versus Alternatives: Quick Comparison

Feature	DipTrace	KiCad	EasyEDA	Eagle
Free Version	300 pins, 2 layers, unlimited time	Full features, no limits	Full features, cloud-based	Discontinued new licenses
Paid Starting Price	$75	Free	Free (manufacturing revenue model)	N/A (Fusion 360 subscription)
Native Simulation	SPICE (v5.0+)	ngspice integration	SPICE	Limited
Learning Curve	Low-Medium	Medium-High	Low	Medium
3D Preview	Excellent	Good	Good	Good
Component Libraries	164K + SnapEDA (10M+)	Large community libraries	1M+ LCSC integration	Extensive

Useful Resources for DipTrace Users

Official Resources

The following links provide authoritative support and documentation:

Official Download Page: https://diptrace.com/download/download-diptrace/ — Primary source for all DipTrace downloads including trial, freeware, and 3D libraries.

Documentation and Tutorials: https://docs.easyeda.com — Comprehensive user guides for all modules.

Video Tutorials: https://diptrace.com/support/welcome/ — Getting started video guides.

Online Store: https://diptrace.com/buy/online-store/ — Purchase licenses and upgrades.

User Forum: https://diptrace.com/forum/ — Community support and discussions.

What’s New: https://diptrace.com/diptrace-software/whats-new/ — Detailed release notes for all versions.

Third-Party Component Sources

SnapEDA: https://www.snapeda.com/diptrace/ — Free symbols, footprints, and 3D models.

SamacSys/Component Search Engine: https://componentsearchengine.com/ — Alternative component library source with DipTrace support.

Ultra Librarian: https://www.ultralibrarian.com/ — Component CAD models from manufacturers.

Training Materials

DipTrace Tutorial PDF: Included in installation at Help menu, covers all basic operations.

Training Course PDF: https://diptrace.com/books/trainings.pdf — Comprehensive training document.

YouTube Community: Search “DipTrace tutorial” for numerous community-created video guides.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is DipTrace really free to use?

Yes, DipTrace Freeware is genuinely free with no time limit. The restrictions are functional (300 pins, 2 signal layers) rather than temporal. For non-commercial hobbyist projects, you can contact Novarm support to request an upgrade to 500 pins at no cost. The software includes all features—there are no paywalled capabilities in the free version.

Can I use DipTrace commercially with the free version?

The freeware version is restricted to non-commercial use. For commercial projects, you need to purchase at least the Starter edition ($75). However, the Starter edition has the same 300-pin, 2-layer limitations as the freeware—you’re essentially paying for the commercial license rather than additional capabilities at that tier.

Does DipTrace work on Mac and Linux?

DipTrace runs on macOS 10.15.4 Catalina and higher through a Wine-based wrapper. Performance is acceptable for most designs, though native Windows provides the smoothest experience. For Linux, you can run the Windows version under Wine with good results, including 3D preview functionality if configured correctly. There is no native Linux version planned for the near future.

How does DipTrace compare to KiCad for hobbyists?

Both are excellent choices for hobbyists. KiCad offers unlimited features for free but has a steeper learning curve. DipTrace is easier to learn and provides a more polished user experience, but the free version has pin and layer limits. If you’re new to PCB design, DipTrace’s gentler learning curve might get you productive faster. If you need unlimited layers for complex hobby projects, KiCad’s open-source model has no restrictions.

Can I import my Eagle or Altium designs into DipTrace?

Yes, DipTrace imports schematics, PCB layouts, and libraries from Eagle (XML format), Altium (ASCII format), PADS, OrCAD, and KiCad. The latest version 5.2 also adds EasyEDA Pro import. Import quality is generally good, though you should verify imported designs carefully—some complex features may not translate perfectly.

DipTrace Manufacturing Workflow: From Design to Gerber Files

One aspect that often gets overlooked in software comparisons is how smoothly a tool handles the transition from design to manufacturing. DipTrace excels here with a streamlined workflow that minimizes the risk of production errors.

Design Rule Check (DRC) Configuration

Before generating manufacturing files, properly configuring your DRC is essential. DipTrace allows you to define rules at multiple levels: global defaults, net class rules, class-to-class rules, and individual net rules. This granular control means you can specify different clearances for power traces versus signal traces, or define specific rules for high-speed differential pairs.

The real-time DRC feature is particularly valuable during routing. As you draw traces, violations appear immediately with red highlighting, telling you exactly what rule you’re about to break and by how much. This prevents the frustrating cycle of route-check-fix-repeat that plagues workflows in less sophisticated tools.

Generating Manufacturing Output

DipTrace supports all major manufacturing formats:

Gerber Files: Standard RS-274X and the newer Gerber X2 format with embedded metadata. DipTrace allows custom layer naming and file extensions to match your fabricator’s requirements.

ODB++ Format: Version 7.0 support provides a single intelligent file containing all manufacturing data. Many modern fabrication houses prefer ODB++ for its reduced risk of misinterpretation.

IPC-2581C: The newest standardized format for PCB manufacturing data exchange. DipTrace added this in version 5.0, ensuring compatibility with cutting-edge manufacturing processes.

Drill Files: N/C Drill (Excellon), Mach 2/3 format, and OrCAD TAP drill formats cover virtually any CNC drilling machine.

Bill of Materials and Pick-and-Place

The BOM generator in DipTrace integrates with Octopart, pulling real-time pricing and availability data during export. This transforms BOM generation from a tedious documentation task into an actual procurement planning tool. You can see immediately if a component is out of stock or if there’s a significant price break at certain quantities.

Pick-and-place files export in formats compatible with most assembly machines, including centroid data and rotation information for automated SMT placement.

Advanced Design Techniques in DipTrace

Working with High-Speed Signals

Modern electronics often require careful attention to signal integrity. DipTrace provides tools specifically for high-speed design:

Length Matching: The length matching toolset allows you to specify maximum length differences between signals in a bus. The software displays real-time length comparisons and provides meander placement tools to add the necessary trace length without manual calculation.

Differential Pairs: Define differential pairs with specific impedance requirements, and DipTrace maintains proper spacing and matching throughout routing. The phase tuning tool allows fine adjustments to eliminate timing skew.

Layer Stackup Manager: For multi-layer boards, proper stackup definition affects both impedance and signal integrity. DipTrace’s stackup manager calculates trace width requirements based on your specified impedance targets and substrate properties.

Hierarchical Design for Complex Projects

When projects grow beyond simple single-sheet schematics, DipTrace’s hierarchical design capability becomes invaluable. You can create reusable blocks—a power supply section, a microcontroller module, a sensor interface—and instantiate them multiple times in your design. Changes to the base block propagate to all instances.

The hierarchical system extends to PCB layout as well. DipTrace 5.x added the ability to copy routing and placement between similar hierarchical blocks directly on the board. This means if you perfect the layout of one channel in a multi-channel design, you can replicate that effort to all other channels with a few clicks.

Design Reuse and Templates

Beyond hierarchical blocks, DipTrace supports project clips—saved selections of circuitry that you can import into future projects. I maintain a library of tested subcircuits: USB interfaces, power regulators, protection circuits. Starting a new project often means assembling these proven blocks rather than designing from scratch.

Collaboration and Version Control Considerations

While DipTrace doesn’t include built-in version control like some enterprise tools, it handles collaboration scenarios reasonably well.

File Locking

Version 5.0 introduced file locking that prevents simultaneous editing from multiple instances. If you try to open a file that’s already being edited elsewhere on the network, DipTrace warns you rather than allowing conflicting changes.

Export Formats for Collaboration

When working with engineers using different tools, DipTrace’s extensive export options help. You can export to Altium ASCII format for colleagues using that platform, or provide PDF documentation with DipTrace’s built-in PDF export. The DipTrace ASCII format is human-readable XML, which technically allows diff-based version tracking with standard tools like Git, though this isn’t a common workflow.

Design Reviews with DipTrace Viewer

For design reviews with team members who don’t need editing capability, the free DipTrace Viewer allows them to examine schematics and layouts, zoom to components, and check connections without requiring a full license.

Troubleshooting Tips from Real-World Experience

Having used DipTrace on production projects, I’ve encountered and resolved various issues that new users might face.

Performance Optimization

Large designs with hundreds of components can become sluggish. If you experience lag: disable layer display for layers you’re not currently editing, turn off 3D preview during intensive routing sessions, and consider splitting very large designs into hierarchical blocks.

Library Management Best Practices

Create a separate folder structure for your custom libraries rather than mixing them with DipTrace’s default library location. This simplifies backup and prevents your work from being affected during software updates. I organize mine as: C:\DipTrace_User\Components, C:\DipTrace_User\Patterns, with project-specific libraries stored alongside project files.

Backup and Recovery

DipTrace doesn’t auto-save continuously, so develop a habit of regular saves. The software can recover from crashes in some cases, but trusting the recovery feature is risky for important work. I save after completing each major routing section and maintain daily backup copies of active projects.

Final Thoughts on DipTrace Download

After using various PCB design tools over the years, I keep returning to DipTrace for projects where I need to move quickly from concept to manufactured board. The software doesn’t have the massive community of KiCad or the enterprise features of Altium, but it occupies a sweet spot that many engineers appreciate: professional capability without professional complexity.

The DipTrace download process is straightforward, the software installs cleanly, and the learning curve is manageable even for newcomers to PCB design. For the price point—especially considering the genuinely useful free version—it’s hard to find a better value proposition in PCB design software.

If you’re on the fence, download the 30-day trial and work through a real project. That’s the only way to know if any tool fits your workflow. Based on my experience, there’s a good chance DipTrace will earn a permanent spot on your workstation.