FAQ
2. I want to install DipTrace. What installation file should be downloaded from the DipTrace website?
3. My antivirus/firewall reports viruses while downloading or installing DipTrace. What should I do?
4. I can't register my copy of DipTrace! What am I supposed to do?
5. I've lost my key. Please help!
6. How to update to the latest available DipTrace version?
7. Is it possible to use DipTrace on two (or more) computers?
8. How to install two versions (stable and beta) on one computer?
9. How to get general information about my Schematic/Layout: number of pins used in design, etc.?
10. I can't find the component (pattern) I need. What to do?
12. How to copy pattern/component from one library to another?
13. How to change color settings in Component and Pattern editors?
14. I get a “Format is incorrect” message when opening a file. What does it mean?
17. How to connect analog and digital Grounds without merging them into a single net?
18. How to save my schematic/board to PDF?
19. How to connect GND net to inner layer automatically?
20. Why are components on the bottom side mirrored?
21. How to align patterns on the board?
22. How to create circular boards in DipTrace?
23. How to design a single-sided board?
24. How to achieve single-side automatic routing?
27. What is the difference between static and trace vias?
28. What is the difference between “Pad Properties” and “Default Pad Properties”?
29. How to select a trace or via under a component for editing?
30. How to select one of several intersecting objects (component, shape, etc.)?
31. How to specify solder mask and paste settings?
32. How to move/rotate reference designators?
34. How to remove a 3D model from a pattern?
35. How to modify an existing design (schematic and layout)? What is the best way to do this?
36. What is the difference between the numerous ways of renewing layout from schematic?
39. I can't fill a copper pour. Why?
40. How to multiply a board on a panel?
41. How to merge several different boards on the same panel?
42. How to reuse blocks within a design and keep Schematic and PCB synchronized?
43. How to reuse a block from one sub-design in a new design?
44. I make PCBs by myself and I need to print all copper layers on a single sheet. How to do this?
45. Do you know a PCB manufacturer that accepts DipTrace files directly in my region?
46. What files should be sent to a PCB house?
48. I'm seeing a blank line or a “No Library File” message in the list of libraries.
49. Does DipTrace import DXF files correctly, including curved geometry?
1. What operating systems are supported by DipTrace? What are the minimum and recommended system requirements?
DipTrace supports Windows XP through 11 (32-bit and 64-bit), Linux via Wine, and macOS 10.15.4 Catalina or higher. Minimum requirements: 1 GHz CPU, 1 GB RAM, 2 GB disk space, OpenGL or DirectX 9.0+ for the 3D preview. For dense designs, many layers, or real-time 3D rendering of DipTrace's component models, a dedicated GPU and 4 GB+ RAM are recommended. Use the 64-bit installer on any modern Windows machine.
2. I want to install DipTrace. What installation file should be downloaded from the DipTrace website?
Download the 32-bit or 64-bit Windows installer matching your system — almost all machines built after 2010 are 64-bit (check via “This PC” → Properties → System type). The download page offers Trial (full features, 30-day evaluation, no pin or layer limit) and Freeware (permanently free, limited to 300 pins and two layers). A native macOS installer is also available, supporting macOS 10.15.4 Catalina or higher. Entering a purchased key later upgrades either edition automatically.
3. My antivirus/firewall reports viruses while downloading or installing DipTrace. What should I do?
This is a false positive — DipTrace contains no malicious code, and the installer is digitally signed by Novarm Limited. Some antivirus engines flag unfamiliar executable packers, a common occurrence with many legitimate engineering tools. Temporarily disable your antivirus and firewall during download and installation, then re-enable both afterward. If DipTrace gets blocked post-install, add it to your antivirus exclusions. Always download from diptrace.com/download directly. Contact support@diptrace.com if a specific tool keeps flagging the software.
4. I can't register my copy of DipTrace! What am I supposed to do?
Registration failures are almost always a typo in the username or key — both are case-sensitive. Copy-paste each field directly from your registration email rather than retyping, and check no extra trailing spaces got included. If credentials are correct but registration still fails, verify your computer's clock is set correctly, since validation is date-sensitive. As a last resort, run DipTrace as administrator and try again. Contact support@diptrace.com if the issue persists.
5. I've lost my key. Please help!
Your key is permanently stored in our database. Email support@diptrace.com from your original purchase address and ask for it to be resent — include your approximate purchase date or order number to speed things up. If that email is no longer active, provide proof of purchase instead. Your key stays valid across reinstalls and hardware changes, since it's tied to your account, not a machine — no new purchase is needed.
6. How to update to the latest available DipTrace version?
Download the latest installer from diptrace.com/download and install into the same directory — no need to uninstall first. Your key works for any update within the same major version line (e.g. any 5.x release); just re-enter it when prompted. Custom libraries are untouched, except modified standard libraries on version 3.3 or earlier, which get overwritten — back those up first. Major version upgrades may need a license upgrade; check diptrace.com/diptrace-software/whats-new beforehand.
7. Is it possible to use DipTrace on two (or more) computers?
Yes. One license installs on any number of your own computers, with one rule: only one instance runs at a time. The license is tied to you, not the hardware — close DipTrace on one machine before launching it on another. Activation is local and fully offline, with no license server involved, unlike cloud-based per-seat subscriptions some competitors use. Teams needing simultaneous use on separate machines can get volume licensing at diptrace.com/buy.
8. How to install two versions (stable and beta) on one computer?
Install each version into a separate folder — for example “C:\DipTrace53Beta” alongside “C:\DipTrace52” — so neither overwrites the other. The Start menu normally shows the main version and the beta as separate entries; if one is missing, launch it by double-clicking .exe directly in its install folder, or create a shortcut to it. Some settings (color themes, grid) share a registry key between versions, while library paths and file associations stay independent per install.
9. How to get general information about my Schematic/Layout: number of pins used in design, etc.?
Use “File → Schematic Information” in the Schematic editor for component, pin, net, net port, and sheet counts. Use “File → Design Layout Information” in PCB Layout for component, pin, net, and via counts, trace length stats, and board dimensions. Both are read-only summaries, useful for confirming your design fits your license's pin limit and for catching schematic-to-layout discrepancies before sending a board to manufacture.
10. I can't find the component (pattern) I need. What to do?
First confirm “All Libraries” is selected in the library dropdown, then search using just the first few characters of the part name — partial matching catches more than full-name search. If nothing turns up, check “Library – Library Setup” for missing-path warnings on installed libraries. DipTrace ships with 160,000+ components and integrates with SnapEDA for more. If a part is genuinely unavailable anywhere, build it in the Component or Pattern Editor and save it to a custom library.
11. I have a component library where a certain component has an attached pattern. How to find a pattern library with that pattern?
The pattern is embedded inside the component library itself, not stored separately. Open the Pattern Editor, go to “Pattern → Insert from Another Library,” and point it at the component library file (not a pattern library). Choose the component whose pattern you want — DipTrace loads it into the Pattern Editor, where you can inspect, modify, or save it as a standalone pattern for reuse across other components or projects.
12. How to copy pattern/component from one library to another?
Three options, all in the Pattern or Component Editor: from the source library, use “Copy to Another Library”; from the destination, use “Insert from Another Library” to browse to the source; or use the “Pattern/Component Tools” panel in Library Manager to move items between several open libraries at once. All three preserve pad geometry, layer assignments, pin names, and 3D model paths — pick whichever matches your starting point.
13. How to change color settings in Component and Pattern editors?
These editors don't have independent color settings — they inherit colors from Schematic and PCB Layout respectively. To change Component Editor colors, go to “View → Colors” in Schematic; for Pattern Editor colors, do the same in PCB Layout. After changing either, restart all open DipTrace applications for the new scheme to take effect — editors only read the saved color config at launch. Settings are global, applying to all projects.
14. I get a “Format is incorrect” message when opening a file. What does it mean?
The file was likely saved by a newer DipTrace version than the one you have — backward compatibility works, but not forward compatibility. From the newer version, export via “File → Export → DipTrace XML” (or “DipTrace ASCII” for older versions), a version-agnostic plain-text format, then open that file in your older version via “File → Open.” If the error appears on a file that should be compatible, it may be corrupted — send it to support@diptrace.com for inspection.
15. Is forward and backward compatibility supported? How to open files in older versions of the software?
Backward compatibility is fully supported — any current version opens files from DipTrace 1.x onward with no conversion needed. Forward compatibility isn't supported, since older builds reject newer file structures. To share a file with someone on an older version, export it as “DipTrace XML” (or “DipTrace ASCII” for older versions) — a plain-text format any version can open via “File → Open” — preserving all routing, components, and geometry. Export schematic and layout separately, as they're distinct files.
16. I try to connect two wires with the same type net ports in Schematic, but this doesn't work. What to do?
Net ports only merge into one net when the port type matches (both bidirectional, input, output, or power) AND the pin names are character-for-character identical — even one space or capitalization difference breaks the match. Right-click each net port pin, check the name in its properties dialog, and confirm both the type and the pin names match exactly. Run “Verification → Electrical Rule Check” afterward to catch any remaining mismatches before moving to PCB layout.
17. How to connect analog and digital Grounds without merging them into a single net?
Place a zero-ohm resistor (or small inductor) between the AGND and DGND symbols in the schematic. Since the connection passes through a component rather than a direct wire, DipTrace keeps them as two separate nets — while the board still gets a single physical tie point between the ground planes. This gives explicit control over where the references join, which matters for mixed-signal and EMC-sensitive designs.
18. How to save my schematic/board to PDF?
Use “File → Export → PDF” — direct PDF export has been built into DipTrace since version 5.0, for both Schematic and PCB Layout. Open the schematic or board you want to export, run the export, and choose your output settings in the dialog that appears. For PCB layouts, select which layers to include — DipTrace can export a single layer or a composite view with multiple layers combined into one PDF. No third-party PDF printer is needed on version 5.x or later.
19. How to connect GND net to inner layer automatically?
Right-click the SMD pad on the GND net and select “Fanout” — DipTrace places a via and stub connecting it straight to the inner plane. Choose a via style in the dialog (defined under “Route → Via Styles”). The target layer must already be set up as a copper plane assigned to GND, under “Route → Layer Setup.” To fan out several pads at once, select them all first, then right-click and choose Fanout.
20. Why are components on the bottom side mirrored?
This is intentional — DipTrace shows the bottom layer as if looking through the board from above, the standard convention in PCB software and Gerber viewers. Bottom-mounted components are physically reversed, so their pads and silkscreen mirror their top-side orientation accordingly. To preview the actual underside view (as when holding the finished board), use “View → Mirror.” For everyday design work, keep the default unmirrored view to avoid confusion with coordinates and alignment.
21. How to align patterns on the board?
By default, components snap to the grid using their first pad, not their geometric center. For origin-based snapping instead, select the patterns, right-click, and choose “Grid Alignment → By Origin.” For exact placement — mounting holes, edge connectors, panel-mount hardware — right-click a pattern, open “Component Properties,” and enter precise X/Y coordinates to match a mechanical drawing's tolerance.
22. How to create circular boards in DipTrace?
Use “Objects → Board Points → Create circular board” and enter a radius for an automatic outline centered at the origin. Alternatively, place a circle with the Arc or Obround tools from the toolbar onto the Board Cutout layer, then right-click and choose “Convert to Board Outline.” Either method produces a closed outline usable for DRC, 3D preview, copper pours, and Gerber export.
23. How to design a single-sided board?
DipTrace always requires two signal layers — there's no option to reduce below two. For a functional single-sided board, simply leave one layer empty: place all components on top and route every trace on the bottom layer only. For autorouting, configure the router to use a single layer (see the autorouter setup entry). When exporting Gerbers, the empty layer can be omitted or flagged as unused in fabrication notes.
24. How to achieve single-side automatic routing?
For the Grid Router, set “Number of Layers” to 1 in “Route → Autorouter Setup,” and enable jumper wires if crossing connections need a bridge. For the Shape Router, enable “Use priority layer direction” and set the excluded layer to “Off” in the layer list — it then routes everything on the remaining layer. Test on a board copy first, since single-sided completion rates depend on component density.
25. How to forbid automatic routing of through-hole pad nets on the component side of the board for certain components?
Two options: place a route keepout (“Objects → Place Shape”, then choose the Route Keepout layer) with the top layer blocked, which works well for multiple components or larger regions; or right-click an individual pad and select “Hide pad ring in Layer” to exclude just that pad from top-side routing — faster for one or two isolated cases.
26. I've created an internal plane layer and connected it to a certain net. But when I check net connectivity after routing, it says that this net is not connected. What's wrong?
Assigning a net to a plane layer alone doesn't create verifiable connectivity — you need an actual copper pour on that layer, assigned to the same net. Draw a fill with the copper pour tool, set its net in Properties, and refill. Re-run “Tools → Check Net Connectivity” — if the error persists, check that the pour actually filled, since fills silently fail when clearance is too large or the board outline isn't fully closed.
27. What is the difference between static and trace vias?
Trace vias appear automatically during manual routing when a trace switches layers, and move with that trace if it's re-routed later. Static vias are independent objects — placed manually or by Fanout/Shape Router — that stay fixed even when surrounding traces change. Right-click any via to convert between the two types, useful when you want a via anchored while continuing to adjust nearby routing.
28. What is the difference between “Pad Properties” and “Default Pad Properties”?
Default properties are set once at the pattern level — change them, and every pad using defaults updates automatically. Custom properties override the default for one specific pad only; uncheck “Use Pattern's Standard Pad Properties” in that pad's dialog to set unique values. This is efficient for patterns where most pads are identical except one or two — a polarity-marked square pin-1 pad alongside standard round pads, for example.
29. How to select a trace or via under a component for editing?
Switch to “Edit traces” mode (from the Route Toolbar) — clicking an overlapping area then selects only the trace or via, not the component above it, since standard selection mode prioritizes components. Once selected, move, resize, or edit normally. Press the Default Mode button to return to standard mode when you need to select the component instead.
30. How to select one of several intersecting objects (component, shape, etc.)?
Left-click the overlapping area repeatedly without moving the mouse — each click selects the next object in the stack at that point. The Properties panel shows the currently selected item's type and name, confirming you have the right one before editing. This works for any overlapping combination: components on pours, shapes on pads, or multiple objects at the same coordinates. Note that this does not work for Copper Pours.
31. How to specify solder mask and paste settings?
Set global defaults in the Gerber export dialog (“File → Export → Gerber Files”) — solder mask swell and paste mask shrink apply to every uncustomized pad. For one-off overrides, right-click a specific pad or via and choose “Mask/Paste Settings” to set a custom value or disable the mask entirely, useful for test points or fine-pitch IC pads. Per-pad settings always take precedence over the global defaults.
32. How to move/rotate reference designators?
Press F10 (move tool), then drag the RefDes text — it stays linked to its component but moves independently. Press R or Space while dragging to rotate in increments set by your board configuration (typically 90°). Each reference designator is moved individually; there is no option to move several RefDes texts together at once.
33. Why do connection lines remain on the routed board? Checking net connectivity reports that all connections have been routed.
This is almost always a copper pour's “Hide Net Ratlines” setting — fix it under the pour's Properties → Connectivity tab, then refill. Once the setting is corrected and the pour is refilled, the remaining connection lines disappear and the connectivity display matches the actual routed state of the board.
34. How to remove a 3D model from a pattern?
Open the pattern in the Pattern Editor and clear the file path in the 3D model settings — that's the only step. DipTrace patterns store only a path to an external .step/.stp/.wrl file, not embedded geometry, so clearing it breaks the link without deleting the file itself. The pattern then shows as a flat footprint outline in the 3D preview, with no model rendered.
35. How to modify an existing design (schematic and layout)? What is the best way to do this?
Always edit the schematic first, then sync the PCB with “File → Update Layout from Schematic,” using whichever renewal mode fits your design. This adds new components, removes deleted ones, and updates the netlist while preserving existing routing where possible. For changes that start on the board side, use “File → Back Annotate” in Schematic to bring them back. Don't let the two diverge without re-syncing — mismatches compound fast.
36. What is the difference between the numerous ways of renewing layout from schematic?
Renew by Components matches via hidden internal IDs — the best default for designs built entirely in DipTrace, even if RefDes have been renumbered. Renew by RefDes matches by reference designator instead, needed when importing from KiCad, Eagle, or Altium, or when internal IDs have diverged. Renew by Related Schematic works like the component-ID method but remembers the last file path, skipping the browse step for routine updates.
37. I select “Renew design from schematic / Related schematic”, but nothing happens; the program says the schematic file couldn't be found.
The stored schematic path inside the PCB file is invalid — usually because the project moved folders or computers without keeping the same relative structure. Run “Renew by Components” or “Renew by RefDes” once instead; either lets you browse to the schematic manually, which writes the correct path back. After that, “Related Schematic” mode works again. Keeping both files in the same project folder avoids this.
38. I've made insignificant changes in my design, but when I renew layout from schematic, many patterns are moved outside the board and existing traces are unrouted.
Hidden component IDs between schematic and PCB have mismatched — usually because a component or net was deleted and re-added rather than edited in place, generating a new ID. “Renew by Components” then treats the existing PCB part as obsolete and the new schematic part as unplaced. Fix: confirm RefDes match exactly between both files, then run “Renew by RefDes” instead, which matches by designator and ignores the mismatched IDs entirely.
39. I can't fill a copper pour. Why?
Sometimes users place a board cutout instead of a board outline. These objects look similar and are easy to mix up, so first confirm your design has a proper board outline. If that doesn't fix it, the cause is usually in the copper pour properties: a clearance or line width value set too large can make filling impossible. Reduce those values and refill. Also confirm the pour outline sits fully inside the board boundary.
40. How to multiply a board on a panel?
Use “Edit → Panelizing” in PCB Layout to set columns, rows, spacing, and overall panel dimensions for an automatic N×M array, with optional break lines for your separation method. Reference designators renumber automatically across the panel to stay unique, as most manufacturers require for assembly. The result exports as one file for Gerber and drill output. Full setup details — fiducials, tooling holes, route-out — are in the free DipTrace tutorial PDF.
41. How to merge several different boards on the same panel?
Convert each additional board's outline to a cutout first, since DipTrace allows only one true board outline per file. Enable “Edit → Keep RefDes while Pasting” so designators are preserved, copy all objects from the second board, and paste them into the first board's file with clearance; repeat for more designs. Because RefDes are kept as-is, check that they are globally unique across the panel and correct any conflicts before exporting Gerber and drill files as one combined set.
42. How to reuse blocks within a design and keep Schematic and PCB synchronized?
If you have several identical blocks, create one and then copy/paste it in Schematic and PCB Layout as many times as needed. To keep the schematic and board files synchronized, ensure that reference designators (RefDes) are identical on the board and in the schematic — correct any that conflict so each instance stays unique design-wide. Then renew the board from the schematic by RefDes. DipTrace uses flat copies rather than a hierarchical block system, so global RefDes uniqueness is required.
43. How to reuse a block from one sub-design in a new design?
The procedure is similar to the previous question, but you copy/paste the block from the existing design into the new one — both the schematic components and wires, and the matching PCB objects (components, traces, pours, silkscreen). Update any RefDes that conflict with components already in the destination, then renew the board from the schematic by RefDes to link them. Keeping a folder of reusable schematic/board file pairs speeds this up across projects.
44. I make PCBs by myself and I need to print all copper layers on a single sheet. How to do this?
Print in two passes for toner transfer or photoresist methods: show only the bottom copper layer, print onto your transfer medium, then flip the sheet 180° in the paper tray (so the two images land on opposite faces rather than overlapping) and print the top layer. The exact rotation depends on your printer's paper path — test with plain paper first. Repeat per additional layer.
45. Do you know a PCB manufacturer that accepts DipTrace files directly in my region?
Virtually any manufacturer worldwide accepts DipTrace's native Gerber and N/C drill exports — you're not limited to DipTrace-specific partners. Major online services including JLCPCB, PCBWay, and OSH Park all accept standard Gerber files directly. US customers also get a built-in “File → Order” option connecting to affiliated California partners. Export via “File → Export → Gerber Files” and “N/C Drill,” zip the files, and upload to any manufacturer's ordering portal.
46. What files should be sent to a PCB house?
Export Gerber files (“File → Export → Gerber Files”) — one per layer, in standard RS-274X format accepted nearly everywhere — plus an N/C drill file (“File → Export → N/C Drill”) specifying hole locations, diameters, and plating. Some manufacturers want plated and non-plated holes separated, and may also request a drill legend, fabrication drawing, or stackup spec for impedance control. Confirm requirements with the board house before submitting.
47. When I export N/C drill files and automatically assign tool numbers, the software sometimes assigns different tool numbers for holes with the same diameter!
The holes likely aren't actually identical at full precision — display rounding in inches can make 0.8 mm and 0.0315″ (0.8001 mm) look the same on screen, while the drill export reads the exact stored value and correctly separates them. Switch the board's units to millimeters or mils to reveal the real values. If holes should match, standardize the drill diameter in pad properties to one consistent value.
48. I'm seeing a blank line or a “No Library File” message in the list of libraries.
A stored library path points to a file that no longer exists, usually after an update or a moved library. Uninstall, reinstall into a dedicated folder like “C:\DipTrace” (not Program Files, to avoid UAC restrictions), and relink any custom libraries via “Library → Library Setup.” To prevent recurrence, keep custom libraries in a separate folder outside the installation directory — it survives reinstalls and upgrades without relinking.
49. Does DipTrace import DXF files correctly, including curved geometry?
Yes. DXF import works correctly, including spline curves, which are brought in as usable geometry. Import your DXF via the standard import dialog and the objects — outlines, keepouts, and curves — appear as expected. If a specific DXF file imports with missing or unexpected objects, send it to support@diptrace.com so the import can be checked against that file.
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