A precision-first PCB editor that gives engineers full control and true geometry visibility. Ideal for scripting, CI workflows, and open hardware, PCB-RND avoids vendor lock-in and feature limits, focusing on transparency over UI polish.
PCB-RND is an open-source PCB layout editor designed for engineers who value precision, automation, and full control in the PCB stage of the Electronic Design Automation (EDA) workflow. Rather than hiding layout logic behind wizards or rigid GUI behaviours, it exposes the actual geometry—tracks, pads, polygons, drills, cut-outs—and gives engineers the fine-grained command they need for reproducible builds, scripting, and custom workflows.
In practice, it helps engineers integrate layout directly into automated build systems, CI pipelines, research toolchains, and experimental hardware workflows. It is especially valuable for open-hardware teams, embedded developers, and academic labs that need transparency and customisation over vendor lock-in.
Key Features
- Modular core + plugin architecture (autorouting, CAM exporters, analysis tools, geometry engines).
- Advanced geometric modelling: arbitrary pad shapes, pad-stacks, milling, slots, complex polygons, multiple grid modes.
- Multiple front-ends: GTK2/GTK4, Motif UI, and a command-line mode for headless automation.
- Automation-first design: query language, batch exporters, custom scripts, reproducible builds.
- Extensive import/export support: Gerber, netlists, DXF, IPC footprints, and more.
- Part of the expanding Ringdove EDA Suite: sch-rnd (schematics), camv-rnd (CAM viewer), route-rnd (autorouter).
- Lightweight but expandable: a small core codebase with powerful plug-ins.
This openness is especially valuable because it eliminates vendor lock-in, ensures long-term reproducibility of designs, and allows engineers to build custom automation or workflow integrations without facing licensing barriers. As a result, PCB-RND becomes an ideal choice for research teams, open-hardware developers, startups, educational institutes, and labs working with limited budgets or specialised design requirements. One design engineer quoted “the plugin architecture is the real hero. I automated half my repetitive routing tasks with small scripts, something I couldn’t do in commercial EDA tools.”
What’s New ?
The latest stable release of pcb-rnd is version 3.1.7, published on May, 2025, introducing enhancements such as improved rubber-band stretch routing and multiple code refinements. A follow-up pre-release build, 3.1.7b-2, was issued in September 2025 with additional fixes and testing updates.Although it doesn’t follow a marketing-heavy release model, the recent 3.1.x series introduces meaningful quality improvements:
- Stronger plugin stability: fewer crashes, more consistent behaviour across exporters and geometry operations.
- Improved polygon boolean operations: better pour reliability, fewer corner-case errors.
- Refined documentation and examples: easier onboarding for workflow automation.
- Better packaging: smoother installation on modern Linux distributions, improved Windows portability.
Ecosystem expansion is the big story:
PCB-RND now sits at the centre of the Ringdove EDA ecosystem with companion tools for schematics, autorouting, and CAM—turning it into a full open-source EDA flow rather than a standalone layout editor. In short: newer versions feel more stable, more integrated, and far more automation-friendly than older releases. Many users describe pcb-rnd as the true successor to the old gEDA PCB—lighter, cleaner, and far more adaptable than its predecessor. They often mention that once you get comfortable with its workflow, the scripting and automation capabilities become incredibly powerful. While the tool isn’t flashy or overly polished, engineers appreciate that it “never lies,” giving them full, uncompromised control—making it a favourite for serious, precision-driven design work. One user said “it handles large, high-density boards far better than I expected. Performance is surprisingly strong even with complex designs.”
Capabilities Included in the Free Version
All features of PCB-RND are fully available under its free GPL license, with no paid tiers or restricted functionality. This includes the complete plugin ecosystem, multiple front-ends, batch-processing tools, CAM exporters, autorouter integration, and all Ringdove ecosystem companions. Unlike many EDA tools that limit board size, layer count, export options, or advanced modules in their free editions, PCB-RND imposes no such constraints—there are no layer limits, no board-size caps, no export restrictions, no plugin lockouts, and no hidden feature barriers.
The GPL license also permits PCB-RND to be used freely in commercial environments. Engineers can integrate it into internal toolchains, embed it within automated testing or CI systems, or include it directly in manufacturing pipelines. The only stipulation is that if any modified version of PCB-RND itself is distributed, those modifications must also remain open under the GPL.
Pros
- Full control, scriptability, and automation—excellent for CI/CD and reproducible builds
- Lightweight yet powerful, ideal for engineering workflows rather than beginners.
- Part of a complete open EDA suite (Ringdove).
- No feature restrictions since it’s fully open-source.
- Excellent for advanced geometries or non-standard board shapes.
- Consistent behaviour across UI and command-line modes
- Ideal for professional/open-hardware engineers needing transparency.
Cons
- Steeper learning curve, especially for non-engineers or casual hobbyists.
- UI is functional, not modern or polished compared to commercial EDA suites.
- Smaller ecosystem than KiCad/Altium in terms of libraries and community examples.
- Requires some configuration effort to unlock automation power.
- Not beginner-centric; it’s engineered for engineers, not for ease-of-entry.
PCB-RND increasingly serves as the “first stop before manufacturing” for engineers who want reliability, transparency, and reproducible workflows.Its beauty lies in its honesty: it does what you tell it to, exposes every detail, and never hides the engineering under glossy UI layers. For teams building open hardware, research projects, or automation-driven workflows, PCB-RND remains one of the most empowering tools available in the open-source EDA landscape.
PCB-RND stands out as a practical, future-proof choice for engineers who want full control over their PCB design workflow without the constraints of proprietary ecosystems. Its scriptability, plugin-rich architecture, and long-term commitment to openness make it a reliable tool for research labs, hardware startups, and anyone building complex boards on a budget. As modern electronics increasingly depend on flexible, reproducible, and automation-friendly design pipelines, PCB-RND continues to prove why open-source EDA remains essential to serious engineering.
For download and installation instructions, click here.
