Built for engineers and hobbyists who want to move quickly from idea to fabrication, offering intuitive design tools, improved precision in version 6.0, and a cost-effective alternative to complex EDA suites.
Sprint-Layout is a PCB (printed circuit board) layout software positioned firmly in the electronic design automation (EDA) space for engineers, makers, and small teams that want speed and simplicity over heavy, all-in-one design suites. Designed primarily as a layout editor, the tool enables users to place tracks, pads, vias, and components, define board outlines, and prepare manufacturing-ready files without navigating the complexity of schematic-driven EDA platforms.
The software supports single-, double-, and multilayer PCBs and provides all essential layers such as copper, silkscreen, solder mask, and board outlines. Engineers can perform manual routing, basic autorouting, and design-rule checks (DRC) to ensure spacing and manufacturability compliance. Standard industry outputsincluding Gerber and Excellon drill filescan be generated directly, making Sprint-Layout suitable for both rapid prototyping and small-volume production. Its intuitive interface, grid-based editing, and quick footprint handling make it especially popular for fast hardware iterations and one-off boards.
The key features are:
- Clean, beginner-friendly interface with logical toolbars and fast access to tools
- Libraries for through-hole and SMD components, plus custom footprint creation
- Manual routing with autorouter assistance for simpler designs
- Built-in DRC to check clearances and layout rules
- Multi-layer support for copper, silkscreen, and outlines
- Gerber and Excellon export for fabrication and CNC milling
- Precise snap-to-grid and alignment tools
- Layout preview, printing, and visual inspection options
What’s New ?
Sprint-Layout’s latest major release, version 6.0, represents a significant step forward compared with earlier versions such as 5.0. First introduced in early 2025, the software continues to receive incremental refinements, with service updates through 2024 and 2025 improving stability, file handling, and rendering quality.
One of the most notable upgrades in version 6.0 is a dramatic increase in layout resolution up to ten times higher accuracy, making it easier to design dense boards and fine-pitch footprints that were difficult to handle in older releases. Pick-and-place file generation has also been added, improving compatibility with automated SMD assembly workflows. Component identifiers and component lists have been enhanced, streamlining documentation and hand-off to manufacturing.
Usability has seen major improvements as well. Anti-aliased graphics deliver clearer visuals, while a new multi-select tool and refined selection workflows reduce editing time. Automatic capture mode improves placement precision during routing, and Gerber file import allows designers to bring existing layouts back into Sprint-Layout for modification or reusean important capability missing in earlier versions.
As one user notes in online forums, “I use Sprint-Layout for anything small and easy to work out. It’s so simple to whip up a part directly from datasheet specs.”
Licensing, Free Options, and Limitations
Sprint-Layout is commercial software and does not offer a fully free editing version. However, a trial/demo edition is available for evaluation, and a free viewer allows users to open, inspect, and print layout files without editing them useful for collaboration or manufacturing review.
The licensing model is a one-time purchase rather than a subscription, which many hobbyists and small teams see as cost-effective. That said, the software is Windows-only and does not provide native macOS or Linux support. It also lacks deep schematic integration, as Sprint-Layout is focused purely on PCB layout rather than full schematic-to-PCB workflows.
Users also point out some functional limits, such as a relatively basic autorouter, fewer import/export formats, and no advanced simulation or analysis tools. As one experienced user puts it, “SL6 has limitations, but once you master the mouse and keyboard flow, drawing clean, aligned tracks is easy and it never lets me down.”
Sprint-Layout continues to occupy a clear niche in the PCB design ecosystem. It doesn’t aim to compete with feature-rich platforms like KiCad or Altium, but instead focuses on fast, reliable layout work with minimal overhead. With version 6.0, the tool gained meaningful precision, usability, and manufacturing-oriented enhancements while preserving the simplicity that long-time users value. For quick designs, prototypes, and small-to-medium projects, Sprint-Layout remains a practical and dependable choice.
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