The freeware edition is limited to non-profit use, 300 pins, and two signal layers.
Commercial users and projects exceeding either design limit need a paid license or another tool.
Evidence source ↗
DipTrace
DipTrace is desktop electronic-design software for schematic capture, PCB layout, component libraries, and manufacturing-file output.
6 key claims verifiedOur editorial team checked this profile against vendor documentation, company information, pricing information. Supported by 5 documented sources.
Editorial overview
Aggregated Overview
Feature and pricing assessments draw on vendor documentation. Public review evidence is limited and mixed in sample size, so user sentiment is indicative rather than conclusive.
This profile combines documented product information and independent evidence where available. It is not a hands-on test unless TechZella explicitly identifies one.
Overview
DipTrace is an electronic-design automation suite developed by Novarm. Its modules support schematic capture, PCB layout, component editing, and footprint editing.
Designers can move schematics into board layout, run design checks, inspect boards in 3D, and export manufacturing files. The application is installed locally; the vendor lists Windows and macOS installers and Linux support through Wine.
Novarm says DipTrace development began in 2002 and its first version was released in 2004. Its website names aerospace, defense, industrial automation, medical devices, and research laboratories among user sectors.
DipTrace Decision Snapshot
A quick way to understand who this product may suit, where its limits matter, and which facts are most relevant before you compare alternatives.
Best suited to
Engineers and electronics teams seeking a locally installed workflow for schematic capture, PCB layout, design checks, and manufacturing exports, with a one-time license option.
Look elsewhere if
Buyers who need a cloud-native or browser-based design environment, or who require an unrestricted free commercial license, should assess alternatives, and should evaluate alternatives such as KiCad instead.
Platforms
Linux, macOS, Windows
TechZella assessment
8.0/10
DipTrace — What Sets It Apart?
These are the product-specific differences that may matter when deciding whether the software fits your workflow. They are based on documented evidence rather than a universal ranking.
- Combines schematic, PCB layout, component editing, and footprint editing in one desktop suite.
- Offers free non-profit software limited to 300 pins and two signal layers, alongside a 30-day full-featured trial.
- Supports documented XML-based project exchange and plugins, plus imports from several competing EDA formats.
DipTrace Pros & Cons
Pros
- Covers schematic capture, PCB layout, custom library editing, and manufacturing output in one suite.
- Paid editions are perpetual rather than subscription-based.
- Imports projects from multiple EDA tools, including KiCad and Altium.
- Includes a limited freeware edition and a full-featured 30-day trial.
Cons
- Freeware is restricted to non-profit use and limited designs.
- Linux support is through Wine rather than a listed native installer.
- Major upgrades from version 6.x onward have a stated additional charge.
DipTrace Gotchas & Operational Limits
These are documented constraints or practical friction points that may matter before you adopt the product.
Major upgrades from version 6.x onward are priced at 25% of the full price.
A perpetual license avoids recurring subscription fees, but future major-version upgrades may add a cost.
Evidence source ↗DipTrace Pricing & Plans
Starter
$75
one-time
Perpetual license; up to 300 pins and two signal layers.
Check current pricing →Lite
$145
one-time
Perpetual license; up to 500 pins and two signal layers.
Check current pricing →Standard
$395
one-time
Perpetual license; up to 1,000 pins and four signal layers.
Check current pricing →Extended
$695
one-time
Perpetual license; up to 2,000 pins and six signal layers.
Check current pricing →Full
$995
one-time
Perpetual license with unlimited pins and signal layers.
Check current pricing →Freeware
$0
perpetual
Non-profit use; limited to 300 pins and two signal layers.
Check current pricing →Trial
$0
30 days
Full-featured evaluation version.
Check current pricing →Pricing may change. Verify current plans on the vendor's website.
DipTrace Competitors & Alternatives
Compare similar products directly, then see which alternatives may make more sense when your requirements differ.
At a glance
Developer Tools| Decision factor | DipTrace | KiCad |
|---|---|---|
| Core scope | Desktop suite for schematic capture, PCB layout, component and pattern editing, and manufacturing output. | Open-source EDA suite for schematic capture and PCB layout with manufacturing output. Source ↗ |
| Pricing model | Perpetual paid editions start at $75; limited non-profit freeware and a 30-day full trial are also offered. | Free software distributed under GPL, with libraries under CC-BY-SA. Source ↗ |
| Platform and deployment | Locally installed on Windows and macOS; Linux support is through Wine, and the vendor says it works offline. | Downloads are provided for Windows, macOS, and Linux. Source ↗ |
Only factors supported by the available research are shown. The comparison is descriptive, not a ranking.
Direct competitors
These products address broadly similar requirements. The descriptions focus on documented reasons a buyer might compare them with DipTrace.
DipTrace Features
Schematic design
- Multi-sheet and hierarchical schematics
- Electrical rule checking
- SPICE simulation
- Schematic-to-PCB transfer
PCB design
- Manual and automatic routing
- Real-time design-rule checking
- 3D preview and STEP export
- Gerber, ODB++, and IPC-2581 output
Libraries and integration
- Component and pattern editors
- SnapEDA component search
- EDA project import and export
- XML-based plugin data exchange
DipTrace Specifications
| Deployment | Locally installed desktop application; vendor states it works offline. |
|---|---|
| Operating systems | Windows and macOS; Linux through Wine. |
| Trial | 30-day full-featured trial. |
| Free edition limits | Non-profit use, 300 pins, and two signal layers. |
| License model | Paid editions are perpetual; major upgrades from 6.x onward cost 25% of full price. |
| Plugin interface | Documented XML-based plugin exchange; not a hosted REST API. |
| Latest verified release | Version 5.3.5; vendor release notes dated September 22, 2026. |
Deployment & System Footprint
Verified installation, hosting, administration, or environment details that can affect implementation.
| Installation or hosting | Locally installed desktop application for Windows and macOS; Linux is supported through Wine. The vendor says it can be used fully offline. Source ↗ |
|---|
Migration & Lock-In
Documented portability, standards, export, or switching considerations. No switching-cost score is shown unless the evidence supports one.
EDA project imports
Vendor documentation lists imports from Altium, KiCad, EAGLE, OrCAD, PADS, P-CAD, EasyEDA Pro, and Pulsonix, among other formats.
Evidence source ↗Our evidence-based assessment
TechZella Score
A proprietary editorial score based on product capabilities, usability, value, performance, support and user sentiment evidence.
8.0/10Moderate confidence
Feature and pricing assessments draw on vendor documentation. Public review evidence is limited and mixed in sample size, so user sentiment is indicative rather than conclusive.
Methodology v1.0. The assessment weighs feature coverage (25%), ease of use (15%), value for money (20%), performance (15%), support (10%) and user sentiment (15%), using researched product evidence and verified review evidence where available. It is a TechZella editorial assessment, not a direct user-review average.
Editorial transparency
Our Review Methodology
Key claims are linked to the sources used to verify them. This evidence record is separate from third-party user ratings.
TechZella evaluates software using documented product capabilities, pricing information, usability and value considerations, independent user evidence where available, and competitive context. The assessment is an editorial review, not a hands-on test unless one is explicitly identified. Our editorial assessment is based on 5 documented sources.
What TechZella adds
- Combines schematic, PCB layout, component editing, and footprint editing in one desktop suite.
- Offers free non-profit software limited to 300 pins and two signal layers, alongside a 30-day full-featured trial.
- Supports documented XML-based project exchange and plugins, plus imports from several competing EDA formats.
Important limitations
- The permanently free edition is limited to non-profit use, 300 pins, and two signal layers.
- The application is locally installed rather than a cloud design workspace; Linux use is through Wine.
- The vendor states that major upgrades from version 6.x onward cost 25% of the full price.
Evidence-backed claimsNovarm has developed DipTrace since 2002, and the first version appeared in 2004. DipTrace offers a 30-day full-featured trial and a limited permanent freeware edition. Paid editions are perpetual and range from $75 Starter to $995 Full. DipTrace supports schematic capture, PCB layout, and Gerber, ODB++, and IPC-2581 output. The 5.3.5 release was announced in September 2026 and added or refined several design and import features. DipTrace provides XML-based plugin exchange and plugin documentation.
The vendor's FAQ gives the development start and first-release year; the company page identifies Novarm as developer.
View source ↗Verified 2026-11-10The FAQ and download page describe the trial and freeware limits.
View source ↗Verified 2026-11-10The online store lists each edition and price and describes the license as perpetual.
View source ↗Verified 2026-11-10Vendor FAQ and product documentation describe the modules and manufacturing output formats.
View source ↗Verified 2026-11-10The vendor release notes date version 5.3.5 to September 22, 2026 and describe its changes.
View source ↗Verified 2026-11-10The vendor's plugin guide describes executable plugins and data exchange through DipTrace XML.
View source ↗Verified 2026-11-10DipTrace FAQs
Answers begin with the clearest available response, followed by the context that helps you act on it.
Does DipTrace have a free version?
Yes. Its non-expiring freeware edition is limited to non-profit use, 300 pins, and two signal layers.
Does DipTrace offer a free trial?
Yes. The vendor offers a 30-day trial with full features.
Does DipTrace require a subscription?
No. The vendor lists paid editions as perpetual licenses without recurring license fees.
Which operating systems does DipTrace support?
The vendor lists Windows and macOS installers and Linux use through Wine.
Can DipTrace import KiCad projects?
Yes. Vendor materials list KiCad project import, and release notes describe improved KiCad import.
Does DipTrace provide an API?
No. Vendor documentation describes an XML-based plugin interface for reading and modifying design data. It is not documented as a hosted REST API.
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