PADS Pro Essentials | Siemens

Why PADS Pro Essentials?

PADS Pro Essentials is the professional alternative to free tools. Move beyond the limitations of free printed circuit board (PCB) design tools with a professional-grade solution built on our Xpedition technology. Get the reliability, precision and scalability needed for real-world designs.

Designed for independent engineers and small projects, PADS Pro Essentials balances affordability with professional PCB design capabilities. With community-driven support monitored by Siemens experts, it ensures users get the guidance they need to bring designs from concept to production.

2d PCB design in PADS Pro Essentials

Affordable entry into professional PCB design

PADS Pro Essentials makes it easier for independent engineers and small teams to access professional PCB design capabilities without the high cost of enterprise solutions.

Easy to buy, easy to use

Getting started is fast and simple. The intuitive interface and guided experience ensure a smooth transition from free tools, while enabling efficient schematic capture and PCB layout.

Community-driven support

Access a Siemens-monitored community where engineers can ask questions, share insights and troubleshoot issues, ensuring continuous learning and collaboration without added support costs.

Scales with your needs

As design complexity grows, PADS Pro Essentials provides a seamless path to Xpedition Standard, which offers more advanced capabilities and optional token-based add-ons to expand functionality when needed.

PADS Pro Essentials key features

PADS Pro Essentials delivers professional-grade PCB design in an affordable, self-service solution perfect for independent engineers and small teams looking for a step up from free PCB design tools. Built on our Xpedition technology, it provides intuitive workflows, essential design capabilities and community-driven support, all within a completely new design experience. Whether you’re designing simple or moderately complex PCBs, PADS Pro Essentials gives you the power and precision needed to bring your ideas to life without unnecessary complexity or cost.

Professional-grade PCB design at an entry-level price. Leverage Siemens Xpedition technology to design with confidence, without the limitations of free PCB design tools
Intuitive, easy-to-use design experience. Get started quickly with a modern UX that simplifies schematic capture, PCB layout and design validation
Essential PCB capabilities for simple to complex designs. Support hierarchical schematics, placement, routing, dynamic plane management and 3D visualization for better design accuracy
Built-in PCB design data management. Organize and share design data utilizing PADS Pro Essentials integrated cloud-connected secure workspace
Community-driven support, monitored by Siemens experts. Gain access to a vibrant engineering community, where Siemens experts help guide discussions and provide insights
Seamless transition to Xpedition Standard. As your needs evolve, upgrade effortlessly to Xpedition Standard, unlocking advanced PCB capabilities, more advanced collaboration tools and optional Value-Based Licensing (VBL) token add-ons for pre- and post-layout signal integrity, rigid-flex and more

Frequently asked questions about PADS Pro Essentials