Free alternatives to Eagle

Last updated · 4 options

Quick answer: KiCad has the most stars on its repository of the 4 options here (★ 3k), followed by LibrePCB (★ 3k). Stars show popularity, not fit, so check formats, platforms and licence for your own work.

Autodesk's PCB design tool, which Autodesk has retired in favour of Fusion. Here are 4 free options, most-starred first.

KiCad

PCB & electronics

Open-source electronics design automation suite

Stars
★ 3k
Licence
GPL-3.0
Updated
  • Commercial OK
  • Gerber
  • DXF

Alternative to Altium Designer, Eagle

LibrePCB

PCB & electronics

Beginner-friendly open-source EDA suite

Stars
★ 3k
Licence
GPL-3.0
Updated
  • Commercial OK

Alternative to Altium Designer, Eagle

Horizon EDA

PCB & electronics

Modern EDA package for schematics and PCB layout

Stars
★ 1.3k
Licence
GPL-3.0
Updated
  • Commercial OK

Alternative to Altium Designer, Eagle

EasyEDA

PCB & electronics

Free browser-based schematic and PCB design

Licence
Freeware
Status
Free (proprietary)

Alternative to Altium Designer, Eagle

How to switch

How to move an Eagle project to KiCadStep-by-step, from KiCad's own docs

KiCad imports Eagle 6.x and newer projects (XML .sch and .brd files) as a complete KiCad project, from File → Import Non-KiCad Project.

FAQ

Is there a free alternative to Eagle?

Yes. CADAlts lists 4 options: KiCad, LibrePCB, Horizon EDA and EasyEDA.

Which Eagle alternatives are open source?

KiCad (GPL-3.0), LibrePCB (GPL-3.0) and Horizon EDA (GPL-3.0). The others are free or freemium but not open source.

Which Eagle alternatives run on a Mac?

KiCad, LibrePCB and EasyEDA. The other listed here isn't listed for macOS.

Which of these can open Eagle files?

KiCad, according to each project's own documentation (linked under “Fit” on its page). We haven't found it documented for the others.

How do I move from Eagle to KiCad?

KiCad imports Eagle 6.x and newer projects (XML .sch and .brd files) as a complete KiCad project, from File → Import Non-KiCad Project. Our step-by-step guide follows KiCad's official documentation.

Related categories: PCB & electronics

Check file compatibility before switching. Free tools import STEP, DXF and other neutral formats well, but native SolidWorks, Altium or Revit files, drawing standards and PDM workflows may not carry over cleanly.

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