Our verdict: EasyEDA is the quickest free way from a schematic to a manufactured board, especially if you order PCBs from JLCPCB and parts from LCSC. The Pro desktop client adds offline work to the browser editor. It is tied to its own ecosystem and needs an account, so open-source purists may prefer KiCad.
About EasyEDA
EasyEDA is a PCB design tool built around the LCSC components catalog and the JLCPCB fabrication service. It covers schematic capture, SPICE simulation and PCB layout, with symbol, footprint and 3D model libraries, design rule checks, Gerber and BOM export, and import of Altium, Eagle and KiCad projects. The Pro edition is the recommended version; the older Standard edition is aimed at students and simpler projects.
Both editions are free of charge; you register and log in to activate the desktop client, and a free activation file unlocks offline use. The client can run fully online with team collaboration, half-offline with local projects and cloud libraries, or fully offline with only built-in libraries. In online mode your files are also saved on EasyEDA's cloud servers.
What it does well
- Schematic and simulation. Schematic capture with hierarchy, reuse blocks, BOM export and SPICE simulation.
- PCB layout. Push routing, blind and buried vias, DRC, panels and multi-board designs.
- Huge parts library. Symbols, footprints and 3D models linked to LCSC components.
- Fabrication output. Exports Gerber and STEP files and orders boards from JLCPCB directly.
- Offline modes. The desktop client can work fully online, half-offline or fully offline.
Who it is for
Good fit
Makers, students and small teams who design boards and order them from JLCPCB with LCSC parts.
Look elsewhere
Engineers who want a fully open-source, account-free tool or need high-end signal-integrity features of commercial EDA suites.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Free schematic, simulation and PCB layout
- Very large parts library linked to LCSC stock
- Direct Gerber export and JLCPCB ordering
- Works offline as well as in the browser
Cons
- Account and activation needed even for offline use
- Strongly tied to the JLCPCB and LCSC ecosystem
- Online mode also stores your projects on EasyEDA's cloud
How to install EasyEDA
The button downloads the official EasyEDA Pro desktop client for 64-bit Windows 10 and 11; ARM64, Windows 7 and the older Standard edition are listed on the same page. On first start the client asks you to log in or paste a free activation file; choose the online, half-offline or offline mode in the settings.
Questions about EasyEDA
Is EasyEDA free?
Yes. EasyEDA Pro and Standard are free to use, including schematic capture, simulation, PCB layout and Gerber export. You need a free account to activate the desktop client.
Can EasyEDA work offline?
Yes. After activation the Pro desktop client can run in half-offline or fully offline mode, storing projects and personal libraries locally.
Can EasyEDA import KiCad or Altium projects?
Yes. EasyEDA Pro imports Altium, Eagle and KiCad designs and can export to Altium format.
