Complete EasyEDA Tutorial: From Schematic to PCB (2025)

Introduction

Designing your own printed circuit board (PCB) might seem intimidating, but with the right tools and guidance, anyone can create professional-quality electronics. EasyEDA has emerged as one of the most accessible PCB design platforms, offering a complete workflow from schematic capture to manufacturing—all within your web browser.

In this comprehensive tutorial, you'll learn everything you need to know to design your first PCB using EasyEDA. We'll cover the entire process step-by-step, from creating your account to holding your finished boards in your hands.

What you'll learn:

• Setting up EasyEDA and understanding the interface
• Creating schematics with proper component selection
• Converting schematics to PCB layouts
• Routing traces and adding copper pours
• Running design rule checks (DRC)
• Exporting Gerber files and ordering from JLCPCB
• Advanced tips to speed up your workflow

What is EasyEDA?

EasyEDA is a free Electronic Design Automation (EDA) tool that combines schematic capture, circuit simulation, and PCB layout in a single web-based platform. Developed by JLCPCB (one of the world's largest PCB manufacturers), it offers seamless integration with their manufacturing services.

EasyEDA Standard vs EasyEDA Pro

EasyEDA offers two versions: the Standard edition (web-based) and the Pro edition (desktop application with advanced features). For most hobbyists and beginners, the Standard edition provides everything you need.

This tutorial uses EasyEDA Standard since it's the most accessible option and sufficient for 99% of hobby projects.

Getting Started

Creating Your Account

Getting started with EasyEDA takes less than a minute. Follow these steps:

1. Visit easyeda.com
2. Click "Sign Up" in the top right corner
3. Enter your email and create a password (or sign up with Google)
4. Click "EasyEDA Designer" to launch the editor

Interface Overview

When you first open EasyEDA, you'll see a clean interface with several key areas:

• Top Menu Bar: File operations, design tools, and settings
• Left Toolbar: Quick access to common tools (components, wires, etc.)
• Canvas: Your main working area for schematic/PCB design
• Right Panel: Design Manager showing components, nets, and DRC errors
• Bottom Library Panel: Search and browse components

Schematic Design

Every PCB starts with a schematic—a visual representation of your circuit's electrical connections. Let's create a simple LED blinker circuit to learn the fundamentals.

Starting a New Project

1. Click File → New → Project
2. Enter a project name (e.g., "LED-Blinker")
3. Click Save
4. Right-click on your project and select New → Schematic

A blank schematic canvas will appear, ready for your design.

Finding Components

EasyEDA's library contains over 1 million components synced with LCSC inventory. Here's how to find what you need:

Method 1: Keyboard Shortcut (Recommended)

1. Press Shift + F to open the component search
2. Type your search term (e.g., "555 timer" or "ATmega328")
3. Filter by LCSC Assembled if you want parts available for JLCPCB assembly
4. Click on a component to see its details and datasheet
5. Click Place to add it to your schematic

Method 2: Library Panel

1. Use the Library panel at the bottom of the screen
2. Browse categories or search for specific part numbers
3. The LCSC tab shows parts available for purchase

Placing Components

Once you've found your components, placement is simple:

1. Click Place in the component dialog
2. Click on the canvas where you want the component
3. Press R to rotate the component before placing
4. Press Esc when done placing

For our LED blinker circuit, place these components:

• 1x NE555 Timer IC
• 2x 10K Resistors (0805 package)
• 1x 100K Resistor (0805 package)
• 1x 10uF Capacitor (0805 package)
• 1x LED (0805 package)
• 1x 330 Ohm Resistor (for LED current limiting)
• 1x 2-pin Header (for power input)

Wiring Connections

Now let's connect the components with wires:

1. Press W to activate the Wire tool
2. Click on a component pin to start the wire
3. Click on intermediate points to add corners (wires route at 90° angles)
4. Click on the destination pin to complete the connection
5. Press Esc to exit wire mode

Using Net Labels

Net labels connect points without drawing visible wires—essential for clean, readable schematics. They're especially useful for power rails and ground connections.

1. Press N or go to Place → Net Label
2. Type the net name (e.g., "VCC", "GND", "OUT")
3. Place the label on a wire or pin
4. Any two points with the same net label are electrically connected

For power connections, use the dedicated power symbols from Place → Power Port:

• VCC/VDD: Positive power rail
• GND: Ground reference

PCB Layout

Once your schematic is complete, it's time to convert it into a physical PCB layout. This is where your circuit becomes a real board.

Converting Schematic to PCB

EasyEDA makes the conversion process simple:

1. Open the Design Manager and check for any errors (red warnings)
2. Verify all components have assigned footprints in the Footprint Manager
3. Click the Convert to PCB icon in the toolbar (or Design → Convert to PCB)
4. Select your board dimensions and number of layers (2 layers is standard)
5. Click Convert

Your PCB editor will open showing all component footprints outside the board outline, connected by blue "ratsnest" lines showing required connections.

Component Placement

Good component placement is crucial for a successful PCB. Follow these guidelines:

To move and arrange components:

• Click and drag to move components
• Press R to rotate (hold to see rotation options)
• Press X or Y to flip components
• Use Edit → Align to align multiple components

Routing Traces

Routing is the process of creating copper traces that connect your components. You can route manually or use the auto-router.

Manual Routing (Recommended)

1. Press W to activate the track tool
2. Click on a pad to start the trace
3. Click to add corners (traces route at 45° by default)
4. Click on the destination pad to complete the connection
5. Use the Layer dropdown to switch between Top and Bottom layers

Using the Auto-Router

For simple boards, the auto-router can save time:

1. Go to Tools → Auto Router
2. Configure settings (keep defaults for basic boards)
3. Click Run
4. Review results and manually fix any issues

Important: The auto-router works best for simple boards. For critical signals, high-speed designs, or power traces, always route manually.

Adding Copper Pour (Ground Plane)

A copper pour fills empty space with copper connected to a net—usually ground. This improves EMI performance and provides better current return paths.

1. Go to Tools → Copper Area (or press Shift + P)
2. Draw a rectangle around your board outline
3. Right-click to finish the outline
4. Set the Net to GND
5. Set Layer to Bottom (for 2-layer boards)
6. Click Rebuild Copper Area or press Shift + B

Design Rule Check (DRC)

Before manufacturing, always run a Design Rule Check to catch potential problems:

1. Go to Design → Check DRC (or click the DRC icon)
2. Review any errors in the DRC Errors panel
3. Click on each error to highlight it on the board
4. Fix issues and re-run DRC until you get zero errors

Common DRC errors and fixes:

• Clearance Error: Traces or pads too close together. Move them apart.
• Track Width Error: Trace too thin. Increase width in trace properties.
• Unconnected Net: Missing connection. Route the remaining ratsnest line.
• Via Error: Via too small. Adjust via size in design rules.

Manufacturing Your PCB

The moment of truth—let's turn your digital design into real hardware. EasyEDA's integration with JLCPCB makes this process remarkably simple.

Exporting Gerber Files

Gerber files are the industry-standard format for PCB manufacturing. They contain all the information a fab house needs to produce your board.

1. Go to Fabrication → PCB Fabrication File (Gerber)
2. Review the preview to ensure your board looks correct
3. Click Generate Gerber to download the ZIP file
4. Alternatively: Click Order at JLCPCB for direct ordering

The Gerber ZIP contains:

• *.GTL - Top copper layer
• *.GBL - Bottom copper layer
• *.GTS - Top solder mask
• *.GBS - Bottom solder mask
• *.GTO - Top silkscreen
• *.GBO - Bottom silkscreen
• *.GKO - Board outline
• *.DRL - Drill file

Ordering from JLCPCB

JLCPCB offers some of the lowest prices in the industry with fast turnaround. Here's how to order:

Option 1: Direct from EasyEDA

1. Click Order at JLCPCB in the Gerber export dialog
2. You'll be redirected to JLCPCB with your design pre-loaded
3. Review and adjust PCB specifications
4. Add to cart and complete checkout

Option 2: Manual Upload

1. Visit jlcpcb.com
2. Click Order Now and upload your Gerber ZIP
3. JLCPCB will analyze your files and show a preview
4. Configure options (quantity, color, thickness, etc.)
5. Add to cart and complete checkout

Advanced Tips & Tricks

Now that you know the basics, here are expert tips to speed up your workflow and create better designs.

Essential Keyboard Shortcuts

Mastering shortcuts will dramatically speed up your design process:

Creating Custom Footprints

Sometimes you'll need footprints not available in the library. Here's how to create your own:

1. Go to File → New → Footprint
2. Use the Pad tool to place SMD or through-hole pads
3. Draw the component outline on the TopSilkscreen layer
4. Add a Pin 1 indicator (dot or chamfer)
5. Save and assign to your schematic symbol

Version Control

EasyEDA automatically saves versions of your design. To access previous versions:

1. Go to File → History Versions
2. Browse timestamped versions
3. Click Restore to revert to a previous version

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Learn from others' mistakes! Here are the most frequent errors beginners make:

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

Congratulations! You now have the knowledge to design PCBs from scratch using EasyEDA. Let's recap what you've learned:

• Setting up EasyEDA and navigating the interface
• Creating schematics with components from the LCSC library
• Converting schematics to PCB layouts
• Placing components and routing traces
• Adding copper pours and running DRC
• Exporting Gerber files and ordering from JLCPCB

The best way to learn is by doing. Start with a simple project (like the LED blinker we discussed), and gradually take on more complex designs as you gain confidence.

Next Steps

Continue your learning journey with these resources:

• EasyEDA vs KiCad: Which Should You Choose?
• PCB Design for Beginners: Complete Guide
• PCB Trace Width Calculator

Happy designing! If you have questions, feel free to contact us or join the EasyEDA community forums.