Layout Software??

[hesamadman]

Im sure this has been touched on somewhere here already but I cant find it. I have used photo shop for a while now doing my layouts. I really like the look of most other layouts that I have seen. I was wondering if anyone could direct me to a better rout other than photoshop. I feel like Ive heard someone mention that I could get all of the pre drawn resistors and caps if I use another program. Any help?

[sluckey]

Visio

[MakerDP]

Or Inkscape if you don't have Microsoft money.

Some people like to use DIYLC too.

[drgonzonm]

draftsight, it's a free CAD program 2D.  you can create your own scaled parts.  I use it, it was recommended in this forum.

[Ed_Chambley]

Any vector program will work fine, like Adobe Illustrator, Corel Draw and such, but if your time is of value to you, bite the bullet and get and learn Visio.  The reason I mention this is the components.  Just the components you can get from Sluckey, or me for that matter.


Said another way, I have been using and am very efficient with Adobe Illustrator, but even so I cannot tell you how long it would take to make up all the components.  Components meaning amp parts ready to slide into your layout.  Some of the guys have gone to the trouble to make the components the exact size so if you want a plate resistor at 100K, all you do is drag and drop in into your layout.  The program is very precise and has layers which is also a big benefit.


Also, you do not need the latest version.  I found version 7 on ebay for $30.

[svejkist]

Inkscape will run under WINE on OS X too. I recommend making a bundle with WINE Bottler.

[pompeiisneaks]

It also runs natively so long as you install XQuartz:

https://inkscape.org/en/download/mac-os/

~Phil

[svejkist]

True, there are TWO crappy solutions for Inkscape! I always used DIYLC, but then my office bought me ConceptDraw. It works fine with Slucky's components, and has lots of built in stuff for electronics.

[Apexelectric]

For those of you who use Visio, what direction would you go if you were to buy it now. They seem to have adapted over to a yearly fee format rather than a one time purchase. There also seems to be lots available on line for little cost but I am always suspicious of a deal that seems to be too good to be true.

[sluckey]

I'm still using version 2010. Don't intend to upgrade.

[pompeiisneaks]

For those of you who use Visio, what direction would you go if you were to buy it now. They seem to have adapted over to a yearly fee format rather than a one time purchase. There also seems to be lots available on line for little cost but I am always suspicious of a deal that seems to be too good to be true.

I'm using a newer version like 2017 or 18 but it has some annoyances.  For example when I pull in sluckey's capacitors it seems ot have changed the text area to have a border around the box and a white fill that wasn't in the orignals so I have to edit every one manually so you can actually read the 200pF or 100uF 450V or whatever so it's not covered in white etc.  It still works, but damn it's annoying.

~Phil

[Apexelectric]

So look for an older licensed version?

[pompeiisneaks]

So look for an older licensed version?

If you can find one, yes, but that may not be very easy.

They still sell licensed instead of the monthly type, but it's still the latest version.  They don't like to keep old versions around to support.

~Phil

[Apexelectric]

So I found an older licensed version of Visio 2010 and went ahead and bought it. It’s the hard copy with all the packaging. Installed with no issues.

Question is, where to begin as it applies to amp layouts? There seem to be some preloaded templates already, none of which seem to apply. I downloaded Sluckeys templates and have them in a document folder on my computer.

Don’t want to waste too much time getting up to speed so a little direction might be helpful.

[sluckey]

I just updated my Visio shapes zip file on my website. The "readme_1st.txt" now contains specific instructions for using these shapes with Visio 2010. I've attached a screen shot of my Visio workspace. Have fun...

[Apexelectric]

Thanks Steve

[Apexelectric]

I’m guessing I should probably run an update on the software. Looks like you have some engineering templates in your library that I don’t.

[sluckey]

Update won't help. There are two versions of Visio... Standard and Professional. Those engineering stencils (and some others) are only available with the Professional version.

https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/896660/a-comparison-of-visio-standard-and-visio-professional

[Apexelectric]

Will I need a different version or will the standard version work for the purpose?

[sluckey]

Standard version can "probably" use the professional stencils but I can't say for sure. I've never owned the standard version. The problem is where to get the stencils. They are only available with the Visio Professional.

[Apexelectric]

Sluckey,

Any chance you have a project file I can play with to get familiar with the program and how it pertains to layouts and schematics?

[sluckey]

Pick a couple projects from my website and I'll make the visio files available to you.

[Apexelectric]

How about the TDR Deluxe, Matchless Lightning and the AC-15

[sluckey]

PM sent.

[Ed_Chambley]

So look for an older licensed version?

I have 7, Barry uses 3 and Steve uses 10. I have 10, but have never found a reason to upgrade it. For a living I am a Graphic Designer who started as a commercial artist.


I am proficient in Illustrator, Photoshop, flash, InDesign, coral draw. Acrobat editing, you get the idea, I keep up with a lot of different and could have used any vector based program I wanted. I setup Visio with components a lot gave me. Why reinvent the wheel?


Visio is easy if you get a couple of open files from someone and simply convert it to another similar circuit. Than start doing harder revisions.


I got a corporate 7 Visio for 3o dollars on eBay. Check Craigslist and ask for someone who has 7 or 10 . I mean put up an ad looking and tell what you want and will pay. No one throws away old software, but they do not need it.