To date, drawing electrical circuits by hand on a leaf is no longer used by any experienced electrician. It is much easier, more convenient and clearer to draw up a project for the electrical wiring of a room on a computer through a special software package in Russian. However, the problem is that not all programs are easy to use, so when they stumble upon an inconvenient and, moreover, paid version of the software, most old-school masters simply discard the modern modeling method aside. Next, we will provide readers of the site with an overview of the simplest programs for drawing electrical diagrams of apartments and houses on a computer.
Free Software
There are not many Russian-language, easy-to-use and, moreover, free software for compiling single-line electrical circuits on a computer. So, we have created a small rating so that you know which programs are best for drawing power supply diagrams for houses and apartments:
- . Oddly enough, but the most popular and no less important - a free program for drawing single-line electrical circuits on a computer is the Visio vector graphics editor. With it, even a novice electrician can quickly draw a circuit diagram of a house or apartment. As for the functionality, they are not as advanced as the software that we will provide below. Summing up, we can say that Microsoft Visio is an easy-to-use and at the same time free software for modeling electrical circuits in Russian, which is suitable for home electricians.
- . A more professional software package for the design of power supply schemes for premises. Compass has its own database, which stores the names and ratings of all the most popular types of automation, relay protection, low-voltage installations and other circuit elements. In addition, the database contains graphic symbols of all these elements, which will make it possible to make an understandable power supply scheme or even a separate switchboard. The software is completely in Russian and you can also download it for free.
- Eagle(Easily Applicable Graphical Layout Editor). This software package will allow you not only to draw single-line power supply diagrams, but also to independently develop a printed circuit board drawing. As for the latter, drawing can be carried out both manually and without your own participation (in automatic mode). Today, there are both paid and free version Eagle programs. For home use, it will be enough to download the version with the designation "Freeware" (there are some restrictions in relation to the maximum size of the usable area of the printed circuit board). The disadvantage of this software package is that it is not officially Russified, although if you try a little, you can find a localization on the Internet, which will allow you to draw electrical diagrams of apartments and houses without obstacles.
- dip trace. Another popular program for drawing electrical circuits and creating traces for printed circuit boards. The program is simple and easy to use, besides it is completely in Russian. The interface allows you to design a printed circuit board in three-dimensional form, using a database with ready-made electrical circuit elements. You can evaluate the full functionality of the software only for money, but there is also a stripped-down free version, which will be quite enough for a novice electrician.
- ". A completely free program for drawing electrical circuits on a computer. From the official site you can download it in Russian and the full version. In addition to modeling power supply projects for apartments, houses and other types of premises, in this software package you can easily draw up a diagram in which the most suitable ratings of automatic machines, relay protection, etc. will be immediately provided. A nice addition to this software is a database with stickers that can be printed and pasted in your own switchboard for graphic designation of all circuit elements according to GOST.
- . One of the free versions of the popular AutoCAD editor is AutoCAD Electrician. Briefly about this software, we can say the following: the functionality is suitable for both beginners and professional electricians working in the field of energy. The interface is simple and easy to understand. All functions are in Russian, so you can easily use AutoCAD to draw electrical wiring diagrams for wiring around the house or apartment.
- Elf. An interesting name for a simple program for modeling power supply circuits in construction drawing. The software package itself is no less interesting and multifunctional. With the help of the "Elf Design" program, you can build power supply drawings of any complexity. In addition, software helps with a suitable denomination, etc. Elf Design is a completely free software package in Russian.
You can see some of the listed programs on video reviews:
AutoCAD Electrical
KOMPAS-Electric
In addition to the 7 programs provided for drawing electrical circuits, there are more than a dozen editors in which you can draw up a basic plan for the power supply of a house or apartment for free, but other programs have a more complicated interface or problems with the Russian version. We recommend that you give preference to representatives of this rating, so that in the future you do not waste time searching for cracks, user manuals, and the like!
Paid software
We reviewed free programs for drawing up electrical circuits on our own. However, you yourself understand that the paid versions provide a wider range of features and convenient add-ons that will allow you to draw an email diagram on a computer. There are many popular paid programs for drawing electrical circuits. We have provided some of them above, but there is one more program that is worth a little talk about - sPlan. It is one of the easiest to use yet feature rich software packages for wiring diagrams and tracing electronic circuit boards. The interface is convenient, in Russian. The database contains all the most popular graphic elements for drawing electrical circuits.
If you don't mind spending $40 for a license, we highly recommend choosing sPlan for drawing. This software is no doubt suitable for both home use and professional design work, as you can see by watching this video:
Proper use of sPlan
So we have provided an overview of the best paid and free programs for drawing electrical circuits on a computer. By the way, you can download the Mobile Electrician application to your phone (on Android), in which you can easily calculate the main elements of the electrical circuit, which will help you correctly draw up an electrical circuit if the computer is not nearby!
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Drawing on paper is far from fun for everyone - it takes a long time, it’s not always beautiful, it’s hard to immediately correctly calculate the dimensions, and it’s inconvenient to make adjustments. All these problems are easily solved by the program for drawing diagrams. Most modern software products contain a library with a set of basic elements. From them, as from the constructor, the required configuration is assembled. Edits and corrections are made quickly, you can save different versions.
There are quite a few electrical drawing programs that you can use for free. Some of these are demo versions with limited functionality, some of them are full-fledged products. For designing a wiring diagram in an apartment or house, these functions are enough, but for professional use, a product with wider functionality may be required. For these purposes, paid options are more suitable.
Like any software product, a diagram drawing program is rated for ease of use. The interface should be simple, convenient, functional. Then even a person without special computer skills can easily figure it out. But, nevertheless, the main factor is the sufficiency of functions for creating circuits of varying complexity. After all, even an inconvenient interface can be adapted, but the absence of some parts is more difficult to make up for.
A simple program for drawing diagrams VISIO
Many of us are familiar with Microsoft office products and Visio is one of the products. This graphics editor has a familiar interface for Microsoft products. Extensive libraries contain all the necessary element base, you can create circuit, wiring diagrams. Working in VISIO is easy: in the library (window on the left) we find the desired section, look for the required element in it, drag it to the working field, put it in place. The dimensions of the elements are standardized, they fit one with the other without problems.
Vision program for drawing diagrams - a clear interface
What's nice is that you can create diagrams to scale, which will make it easier to calculate the required length of wires and cables. What’s more good is that it doesn’t take much space on the computer’s hard drive, even not very powerful machines will “pull” this program for drawing diagrams. Also pleased with the presence of a large number of video tutorials. So there won't be any problems with learning.
Clear ProfiCAD
If you need a simple program for the design of electrical wiring - pay attention to ProfiCAD. This product does not require downloading libraries like most others. The database contains about 700 built-in elements, which are enough to develop a power supply scheme for an apartment or a private house. The available elements are also sufficient to draw up not too complex circuit diagrams. If an element is missing, it can be added.
The main drawback of the program for drawing ProfiCAD diagrams is the lack of a Russified version. But, even if you are not strong in English, it is worth a try - everything is very simple. In a couple of hours you will master everything.
The principle of operation is simple: in the field on the left we find the desired element, drag it to the right place in the diagram, and rotate it to the required position. Let's move on to the next element. After completing the work, you can get a specification indicating the number of wires and a list of elements, save the results in one of four formats.
Compass Electric
A program with more serious functionality is called Compass Electric. It is part of the Compass 3D software. In it, you can not only draw a circuit diagram, but also block diagrams and much more. At the output, you can get specifications, purchasing lists, connection tables.
To get started, you need to download and install not only the program, but also a library with an element base. The program, explanations, help - everything is Russified. So there will be no problems with the language.
When working, select the desired section of the library, graphic images appear in a pop-up window. In it, select the necessary elements, drag them to the working field, setting them in the right place. As the scheme is formed, the data about the elements get into the specification, where the name, type and denomination of all elements are fixed.
The numbering of elements can be put down automatically, or maybe manually. The method is selected in the settings menu. You can change it during work.
QElectroTech
Another program for drawing circuits is QElectroTech. The interface resembles Microsoft products and is easy to work with. There is no need to download a library for this program, the element base is "built-in". If something is not there, you can add your own elements.
The finished scheme can be saved in the get format (for further work with it in the program) or as an image (jpg, png, svg, bmp formats). After saving, you can change the dimensions of the drawing, add a grid, a frame.
QElectroTech - free editor for creating electrical circuits
This program has some drawbacks. The first is that inscriptions can be made in only one font, that is, if you need a drawing in accordance with GOST, you will have to somehow figure out how to change the font. The second is that the sizes of frames and stamps are set in pixels, which is very inconvenient. In general, if you need a program for drawing diagrams for home use, this is a great option. If compliance with the requirements of GOST is required, look for another.
123D Circuits Electronic Circuit Simulator
If you do not know how to draw a diagram on a computer, take a closer look at this product. 123D Circuits is an online service that allows you to create a not very complex circuit with the ability to create printed circuit boards. There is also a built-in simulator that simulates the work of the finished circuit. The function of ordering a batch of ready-made boards is available (for a fee).
Before you start, you need to register, create your profile. After that, you can start work. Multiple users can work on the same project using shared libraries. In the free version of the program, you can create an unlimited number of schemes, but they will be publicly available. In the amateur tariff ($12), five circuits can be personal, and there is also a 5% discount on the production of circuit boards. The Professional plan ($25) gives you an unlimited number of personal designs and the same discount on ordering boards.
The circuit can be drawn from the available components (there are not very many of them, but it is possible to add your own) or imported from the Eagle program. Unlike other programs, the 123D Circuits library does not contain schematic symbols of elements, but their mini copies. Interface with two side fields. On the right, the section of the library with the element base is displayed, on the left - part of the settings and the list of used elements. After the completion of the work, the program itself forms a circuit diagram, and also suggests the location of elements on the board (can be edited).
Everything seems to be fine, but 123D Circuits has serious drawbacks. First, the results of simulated work are often very different from real readings. The second - the functionality is small, it will not work to make a really complex circuit. Conclusion: Basically, this program is suitable for students and beginner radio amateurs.
Paid programs for drawing electrical circuits
There are many paid graphic editors for creating diagrams, but not all of them are needed for "home" use or for work, but not directly related to design. Paying a lot of money for unnecessary features is not the smartest decision. In this section, we will collect those products that have received a lot of good reviews.
DipTrace - for PCB design
For experienced radio amateurs or those whose work is related to the design of radio products, the DipTrace program will be useful. It was developed in Russia, therefore it is completely in Russian.
It has a very useful function - it can develop a printed circuit board according to a ready-made scheme, and it can be seen not only in two-dimensional, but also in a three-dimensional image with the location of all elements. It is possible to edit the position of elements on the board, develop and correct the device case. That is, it can be used both for designing wiring in an apartment or house, and for developing some devices.
In addition to the program for drawing diagrams, you will also need to download a library with an element base. The peculiarity is that this can be done using a special application - Schematic DT.
The interface of the program for drawing circuits and creating printed circuit boards DipTrace is convenient. The process of creating a scheme is standard - we drag the necessary elements from the library onto the field, expand them in the required direction and set them in place. The element currently being worked on is highlighted, which makes the work more comfortable.
As the scheme is created, the program automatically checks the correctness and admissibility of connections, the coincidence of sizes, compliance with gaps and distances. That is, all edits and adjustments are made immediately, at the creation stage. The created scheme can be run on the built-in simulator, but it is not the most difficult, so it is possible to test the product on any external simulators. It is possible to import a scheme to work in other applications or accept (export) an already created one for its further development. So the DipTrase circuit drawing program is a really good choice.
If you need a printed circuit board, we find the corresponding function in the menu, if not, the circuit can be saved (it can be corrected) and / or printed. The DipTrace diagramming program is paid (there are different tariffs), but there is a free 30-day version.
SPlan
Perhaps the most popular program for drawing diagrams is SPlan. It has a well thought out interface, extensive, well structured libraries. It is possible to add your own elements if they are not in the library. As a result, it is easy to work, the program is mastered in a few hours (if you have experience with similar software).
The disadvantage is that there is no official Russified version, but you can find it partially translated by craftsmen (the help is still in English). There are also portable versions (SPlan Portable) that do not require installation.
One of the most "light" versions - SPlan Portable
After downloading and installing the program, you need to configure it. This takes a few minutes, the settings are saved on subsequent launches. The creation of schemes is standard - we find the desired element in the window to the left of the working field, drag it into place. The numbering of elements can be put down in automatic or manual mode (selected in the settings). What's nice is that you can easily change the scale - by scrolling the mouse wheel.
There is a paid (40 euros) and a free version. The free one disables saving (bad) and printing (you can bypass it by creating screenshots). In general, according to numerous reviews, it is a worthwhile product that is easy to work with.
Drawing electrical circuits and drawings becomes an easier process if done with the help of special software. The programs provide a huge number of tools and functions that are ideal for this task. In this article, we have selected a small list of representatives of such software. Let's get to know them.
First, consider the Visio program from Microsoft, a well-known company. Its main task is to draw vector graphics, and thanks to this there are no professional restrictions. Electricians can freely create diagrams and drawings here using the built-in tools.
There are a large number of different figures and objects. They are connected with just one click. Microsoft Visio also provides many settings for the view of the diagram, page, supports the insertion of images of diagrams and additional drawings. A trial version of the program is available for download for free on the official website. We recommend that you familiarize yourself with it before buying the full one.
Eagle
Now consider specialized software for electricians. Eagle has built-in libraries, where there are a large number of different circuit types. New project also begins with the creation of a directory, where all used objects and documents will be sorted and stored.
The editor is implemented quite conveniently. There is a basic set of tools to help you quickly draw the correct drawing by hand. In the second editor, printed circuit boards are created. It differs from the first one in the presence of additional functions that would be wrong to place in the schematic diagram editor. The Russian language is present, but not all information is translated, which may be a problem for certain users.
dip trace
Dip Trace is a set of several editors and menus in which various processes with electrical circuits are performed. The transition to one of the available modes of operation is carried out through the built-in launcher.
In the mode of working with circuitry, the main actions take place with the printed circuit board. Components are added and edited here. Parts are selected from a specific menu, where a large number of objects are set by default, but the user can create an element manually using a different mode of operation.
1-2-3 Diagram
The "1-2-3 Diagram" has been specifically designed to select the appropriate electrical panel enclosure according to the installed components and protection reliability. The creation of a new scheme occurs through the wizard, the user only needs to select the necessary parameters and enter certain values.
There is a graphical display of the scheme, it can be sent to print, but cannot be edited. When the project is completed, the shield cover is selected. At the moment, "1-2-3 Scheme" is not supported by the developer, updates have been out for a long time and most likely there will be no more of them at all.
sPlan
sPlan is one of the easiest tools on our list. It provides only the most necessary tools and functions, simplifying the process of creating a circuit as much as possible. The user only needs to add components, link them and send the board to print, having previously configured it.
In addition, there is a small component editor, useful for those who want to add their own element. Here you can create labels and edit points. When saving an object, care must be taken that it does not replace the original in the library if it is not needed.
Compass-3D
"Compass-3D" - professional software for building various schemes and drawings. This software supports not only work in the plane, but also allows you to create full-fledged 3D models. The user can save files in a variety of formats and then use them in other programs.
The interface is implemented conveniently and completely Russified, even beginners should quickly get used to it. There are a large number of tools that provide fast and correct drawing of the diagram. You can download the trial version of Compass-3D on the official website of the developers for free.
An electrician
Our list ends with "Electrician" - a useful tool for those who often perform various electrical calculations. The program is equipped with more than twenty different formulas and algorithms, with the help of which calculations are carried out in the shortest possible time. The user is only required to fill in certain lines and tick the required parameters.
We have selected for you several programs that allow you to work with electrical circuits. All of them are somewhat similar, but they also have their own unique features, thanks to which they become popular with a wide range of users.
We use computers and virtual instruments more and more. It’s already not always desirable to draw diagrams on paper - it takes a long time, it’s not always beautiful and it’s difficult to fix. In addition, a program for drawing circuits can give a list of necessary elements, simulate a printed circuit board, and some can even calculate the results of its work.
Free Schematic Programs
There are many good free programs for drawing electrical circuits on the network. For professionals, their functionality may not be enough, but to create a power supply scheme for a house or apartment, their functions and operations will be enough. Not all of them are equally convenient, some are difficult to learn, but you can find several free programs for drawing electrical circuits that anyone can use, they have such a simple and intuitive interface.
The easiest option is to use the regular Windows Paint program, which is available on almost any computer. But in this case, you will have to draw all the elements yourself. A special program for drawing diagrams allows you to insert ready-made elements into the right places, and then connect them using communication lines. We will talk about these programs further.
A free program for drawing diagrams does not mean bad. In this photo, work with Fritzing
The program for drawing QElectroTech circuits is in Russian, and it is completely Russified - menus, explanations - in Russian. Convenient and intuitive interface - a hierarchical menu with possible elements and operations on the left side of the screen and several tabs at the top. There are also shortcut buttons for performing standard operations - saving, printing, etc.
QElectroTech Electrical Schematic Editor
There is an extensive list of ready-made elements, it is possible to draw geometric shapes, insert text, make changes in a certain area, change direction in a particular fragment, add rows and columns. In general, the program is quite convenient with which it is easy to draw a power supply diagram, put down the names of the elements and ratings. The result can be saved in several formats: JPG, PNG, BMP, SVG, data can be imported (opened in this program) in QET and XML formats, exported in QET format.
The disadvantage of this program for drawing diagrams is the lack of a video in Russian on how to use it, but there are a considerable number of lessons in other languages.
Microsoft graphics editor - Visio
For those who have at least a little experience with Microsoft products, it will not be difficult to master the work in the Visio graphics editor (Visio). This product also has a fully Russified version, and with a good level of translation.
Drawing electrical diagrams in Visio is easy
This product allows you to draw a diagram to scale, which is convenient for calculating the number of wires needed. A large library of stencils with symbols, various components of the circuit, makes the work similar to assembling a constructor: you need to find the right element and put it in place. Since many are accustomed to working in programs of this type, the search is not difficult.
The positive aspects include the presence of a decent number of lessons on working with this program for drawing diagrams, and in Russian.
Compass Electric
Another program for drawing diagrams on a computer is Compass Electric. This is a more serious product that is used by professionals. There is a wide functionality that allows you to draw various plans, flowcharts, and other similar drawings. When transferring the scheme to the program, the specification and wiring diagram are formed in parallel, and they are all printed out.
To get started, you need to load the library with system elements. When you select a schematic image of one or another element, a window will “pop up” in which there will be a list of suitable parts taken from the library. A suitable element is selected from this list, after which its schematic representation appears in the indicated place of the diagram. At the same time, a designation corresponding to GOST with continuous numbering is automatically affixed (the program changes the numbers itself). At the same time, the parameters (name, number, denomination) of the selected element appear in the specification.
An example of a circuit created in Compass Electric
In general, the program is interesting and useful for developing device diagrams. It can be used to create a wiring diagram in a house or apartment, but in this case its functionality will hardly be used. And one more positive thing: there are many video tutorials for working with Compass-Electric, so it will not be difficult to master it.
DipTrace program - for drawing single-line diagrams and circuit diagrams
This program is useful not only for drawing power supply diagrams - everything is simple here, since only a diagram is needed. It is more useful for PCB design, as it has a built-in function for converting an existing schematic into a PCB trace.
Original circuit (multivibrator) drawn by DipTrace
PCB Schematic
The multivibrator board itself
To get started, as in many other cases, you must first load the element base libraries available on your computer. To do this, the Schematic DT application must be launched, after which the libraries can be loaded. They can be downloaded on the same resource where you will take the program.
After loading the library, you can start drawing the diagram. First, you can "drag" the necessary elements from the libraries to the working field, expand them (if necessary), arrange and connect them with communication lines. After the circuit is ready, if necessary, select the line "convert to board" in the menu and wait for a while. The output will be a finished printed circuit board with the arrangement of elements and tracks. You can also see the appearance of the finished board in a 3D version.
Free ProfiCAD program for drawing electrical diagrams
Free program for drawing diagrams ProfiCAD is one of the best options for the DIYer. It is easy to use, does not require special libraries on the computer - it already has about 700 elements. If there are not enough of them, you can easily replenish the base. The required element can simply be dragged onto the field, expanded there in the desired direction, and installed.
An example of using ProfiCAD to draw electrical circuits
Having drawn a diagram, you can get a connection table, a bill of materials, a list of wires. Results can be obtained in one of the four most common formats: PNG, EMF, BMP, DXF. A nice feature of this program is that it has low hardware requirements. It normally works with systems from Windows 2000 and above.
This product has only one drawback - there is no video about working with it in Russian yet. But the interface is so clear that you can figure it out yourself, or watch one of the "imported" videos to understand the mechanics of work.
Paid ones worth spending money on
If you find yourself frequently working with a diagram-drawing program, there are a few things to consider. paid versions. Why are they better? They have wider functionality, sometimes more extensive libraries and a more thoughtful interface.
Simple and convenient sPlan
If you don't really want to deal with the intricacies of working with multi-level programs, take a closer look at the sPlan product. It has a very simple and understandable device, so after an hour and a half of work you will already be able to navigate freely.
As usual in such programs, a library of elements is needed, after the first start they must be loaded before starting work. In the future, if you do not transfer the library to another location, the setting is not needed - the old path to it is used by default.
sPlan diagram drawing program and its library
If you need an element that is not in the list, you can draw it, then add it to the library. It is also possible to insert extraneous images and save them, if necessary, in the library.
Other useful and necessary functions include auto-numbering, the ability to change the scale of an element by rotating the mouse wheel, rulers for a more understandable scaling. In general, a pleasant and useful thing.
Microcap
This program, in addition to building a circuit of any type (analog, digital or mixed), also allows you to analyze its operation. The initial parameters are set and the output data is obtained. That is, you can simulate the operation of the circuit under various conditions. A very useful feature, because, probably, teachers and students love it very much.
The Micro-Cap program has built-in libraries that can be replenished using a special function. When drawing an electrical circuit, the product automatically develops circuit equations, and also performs calculations depending on the set ratings. When the value is changed, the output parameters change immediately.
A program for drawing power supply schemes and more - more to simulate their work
The ratings of the elements can be constant or variable, depending on various factors - temperature, time, frequency, the state of some circuit elements, etc. All these options are calculated, the results are given in a convenient form. If there are parts in the circuit that change their appearance or state - LEDs, relays - when simulating operation, they change their parameters and appearance due to animation.
The program for drawing and analyzing Micro-Cap circuits is paid, in the original it is in English, but there is also a Russified version. Its cost in a professional version is more than a thousand dollars. The good news is that there is also a free version, as usual with limited features (smaller library, no more than 50 elements in the circuit, reduced speed). For home use, this option is quite suitable. It's nice that it works fine with any Windows system from Vista and 7 and above.
This article has been ripening for a long time, and just today I was asked to describe the process creating electrical circuits in a text editorWord. There are many programs for creating electrical circuits, but they are mostly paid and quite complicated. Therefore, we will look for another alternative.
You can create small templates of drawings of individual elements of the future circuit, and then insert them into your drawing, but this is very long and dreary. BUT main disadvantage that these templates will not comply with GOST.
There is another option - download the plugin (downloads: 5484)(macro) to create electrical circuits, and use it to create a circuit.
Unzip the archive into a separate folder.
Open a new document in Word. Go to menu File - Open. In the opened window Opening a document install File type - Document templates (*.dot) , select File Electro. dot, and click the button Open.
You will have a new panel. In this case, we will be more interested in the drop-down list Scheme.
In Word 2007/2010, the panel will look a little different, but the essence will not change.
If you do not have such a panel, then go to the menu View - Toolbars, and check the box StandardNEW and FormattingNEW.
Just want to warn you that there is one inconvenience. The file is saved only when you exit the program. Because you need to configure macros, and this is another topic.
Listed Scheme the essential tools are available. But to link them, you need to use the tools of the usual Word panel Drawing AutoShapes: Lines, Connectors etc.
Advantages:
- no need to install special programs;
- ease of creating simple electrical circuits;
- free distribution of the described template;
- the ability to save the scheme in pdf, html formats.
Flaws:
- the complexity of creating electrical circuits according to GOST;
- when opening a file with a scheme in other versions of Word, the formatting of the document may be violated;
- a small set of components for drawing electrical circuits.