Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

LibrePCB VS XCircuit

Compare LibrePCB VS XCircuit and see what are their differences

LibrePCB logo LibrePCB

LibrePCB is a free EDA software to develop printed circuit boards.

XCircuit logo XCircuit

XCircuit: Home Page
  • LibrePCB Landing page
    Landing page //
    2022-12-12
Not present

LibrePCB features and specs

  • Open Source
    LibrePCB is open source, meaning it is free to use, modify, and distribute. This fosters community-driven development and greater transparency.
  • Cross-Platform
    LibrePCB is available for multiple operating systems, including Windows, macOS, and Linux, ensuring accessibility for users on different platforms.
  • Modular Design
    The software is designed with a modular approach, which makes it easier to extend functionalities and integrate with other tools.
  • User-Friendly Interface
    It offers a clean and intuitive user interface, making it easier for beginners and experienced users alike to design PCBs.
  • Active Community
    LibrePCB has an active user and developer community, providing support, resources, and regular updates.

Possible disadvantages of LibrePCB

  • Limited Libraries
    The component libraries in LibrePCB are not as extensive as those in some other PCB design software, which may require additional time to create or import parts.
  • Feature Set
    Compared to more mature and commercial software, LibrePCB may lack some advanced features and tools needed for highly complex designs.
  • Learning Curve
    Although it has a user-friendly interface, users previously familiar with other PCB design software may need some time to adapt to LibrePCB's workflows and conventions.
  • Performance
    On systems with lower specifications, LibrePCB can sometimes be slow or unresponsive when handling large or complex projects.
  • Documentation
    While the available documentation is helpful, it may not be as comprehensive or detailed as user manuals for some commercial alternatives.

XCircuit features and specs

  • Versatile Schematic Capture
    XCircuit provides a versatile platform for creating electronic schematics, offering a variety of drawing tools and customization options to suit various design needs.
  • Open Source
    Being open source, XCircuit allows users to freely use, modify, and distribute the software, fostering a community-driven development approach and cost savings.
  • High-Quality Output
    It is known for generating high-resolution PostScript output, which is suitable for professional publication and printing purposes.
  • Scriptable
    XCircuit can be scripted using TCL, providing flexibility and automation capabilities for repetitive tasks and personalized workflows.
  • Cross-Platform
    The software is available on multiple operating systems, including Linux, Windows, and macOS, offering wide accessibility for users across different platforms.

Possible disadvantages of XCircuit

  • Steep Learning Curve
    XCircuit may have a steep learning curve for beginners due to its unique interface and command-based operations, requiring time to become proficient.
  • Limited Simulation Features
    Unlike some other electronic design automation (EDA) tools, XCircuit focuses mainly on schematic capture and doesn't provide extensive simulation capabilities.
  • Outdated Interface
    Some users may find the interface outdated compared to more modern EDA tools, which can affect the user experience and ease of use.
  • Documentation
    While there is documentation available, it may not be as comprehensive or user-friendly as that of commercial software, potentially hindering new users.
  • Limited Component Library
    XCircuit may lack an extensive built-in component library compared to other contemporary EDA tools, requiring users to create or import additional components.

LibrePCB videos

Introduction to LibrePCB A new, powerful and intuitive EDA tool for everyone

XCircuit videos

No XCircuit videos yet. You could help us improve this page by suggesting one.

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Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to LibrePCB and XCircuit)
Simulation
86 86%
14% 14
Electronics
84 84%
16% 16
Design Tools
75 75%
25% 25
Computer Simulations
100 100%
0% 0

User comments

Share your experience with using LibrePCB and XCircuit. For example, how are they different and which one is better?
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Social recommendations and mentions

Based on our record, LibrePCB seems to be more popular. It has been mentiond 6 times since March 2021. We are tracking product recommendations and mentions on various public social media platforms and blogs. They can help you identify which product is more popular and what people think of it.

LibrePCB mentions (6)

  • Effective June 7, 2026, Autodesk will no longer sell nor support EAGLE
    There's also https://librepcb.org/ Has anyone had time to try Horizon and/or LibrePCB and compare them to KiCad? - Source: Hacker News / almost 2 years ago
  • What is "this type" of PCB "called"
    On the open source front, LibrePCB seems to be the only contender, never used it myself, but have heard good things and met some devs at a conference and they were nice. The level of support you get there may be a bit more personal. Otoh, if you've never designed PCBs before, it may be hard to even tell if something is a bug... Source: about 2 years ago
  • Hardware design on linux
    I would throw LibrePCB into the mix. Coming from Eagle, it was easier for me to grasp than KiCad. Source: about 2 years ago
  • How can I make professional looking schematics for free?
    Also LibrePCB at https://librepcb.org A bit "lighter" in size than KiCad. Source: about 3 years ago
  • from where should I start for designing my own PCB?
    I've been turning out some nice results from LibrePCB. It has a learning curve like anything else but its not an impossibly convoluted workflow like some of the more established FOSS programs out there. Source: over 3 years ago
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XCircuit mentions (0)

We have not tracked any mentions of XCircuit yet. Tracking of XCircuit recommendations started around Mar 2021.

What are some alternatives?

When comparing LibrePCB and XCircuit, you can also consider the following products

KiCad - A Cross Platform and Open Source Electronics Design Automation Suite

FidoCADJ - FidoCadJ is a free user-friendly vector graphic editor for Mac OS X, Linux, Windows and Android.

Fritzing - Fritzing is an open-source initiative to support designers, artists, researchers and hobbyists to...

Splan - sPlan is a software to design your schematic circuit diagrams.

EasyEDA - EasyEDA - Web-based EDA suite; runs in browser.

JumboCAD EDA - JumboCAD EDA contains 3 packages, Schematic Capture, PCB designer and Library Editor.