Writing a New Schematic Program. Requests? Ideas?

[lkrasner]

I've never been completely satisfied with any schematic software I have used. Fortunately, I know a few programming languages, and this really isn't that hard of a projects, so what the heck, I'm going to start making my own. This will probably take forever, and I may never finish, but I might as well give it a shot..

My goal is to create something that looks decent, and is relatively easy, and FAST to create schematics. Many current programs are very slow and tedious to find and place parts.

SO, I need your help! The more input I get the better.

What features should I include? If it is something that exists in another program, point me to that, otherwise, explain what you mean.
What things bother you about other software? How could that be improved?
What components and such are missing from other libraries?
In terms of the UI, what would you like to see?

[sluckey]

All schematic design software sucks. This is my conclusion, and I don't think I'm alone.

I disagree.

Have you actually tried "all" schematic design software? If not, then that's a pretty ignorant conclusion. If so, then you are in a much better position to know what features you want.

[John]

Most everyone here uses Express SCH. It's a free download, you can easily create your own components and it's pretty easy to learn. Really, the only 2 things I'd like to see it have is an "export as pdf." and an "Undo List" option.


I even use it to create true-to-size components for doing layouts. It's not nearly as pretty looking as what Sluckey comes up with in visio, but it's, uh, free. *squeak squeak* 

[lkrasner]

All schematic design software sucks. This is my conclusion, and I don't think I'm alone.

I disagree.

Have you actually tried "all" schematic design software? If not, then that's a pretty ignorant conclusion. If so, then you are in a much better position to know what features you want.

Sorry, I might have been a bit harsh. I've tried many different tools, and none that I've tried or researched have seemed to have what I wanted.

I know what features I want, I'm looking for input on what others would like, as I hope that this will be useful to someone other than just me.

EDIT: I updated my original post. Sorry for the confusion.

[lkrasner]

Most everyone here uses Express SCH. It's a free download, you can easily create your own components and it's pretty easy to learn. Really, the only 2 things I'd like to see it have is an "export as pdf." and an "Undo List" option.


I even use it to create true-to-size components for doing layouts. It's not nearly as pretty looking as what Sluckey comes up with in visio, but it's, uh, free. *squeak squeak* 

Express SCH is pretty good, but it still feels rather tedious to me. I don't like having to open a whole window to select components, I prefer a smaller side bar type thing.

[John]

Most everyone here uses Express SCH. It's a free download, you can easily create your own components and it's pretty easy to learn. Really, the only 2 things I'd like to see it have is an "export as pdf." and an "Undo List" option.


I even use it to create true-to-size components for doing layouts. It's not nearly as pretty looking as what Sluckey comes up with in visio, but it's, uh, free. *squeak squeak* 

Express SCH is pretty good, but it still feels rather tedious to me. I don't like having to open a whole window to select components, I prefer a smaller side bar type thing.

What I do is copy and paste a dozen each resistors, pots,  and capacitors out of the way, and then just drag them where I want 'em as I need them. I have a ton of custom components; no way would a side bar hold them all.

[PRR]

They are all tedious. This may be the nature of the beast.

To be kind: I did drafting with a T-square and compass. A good schematic that way is quite tedious too. I rather suspect many of today's kids {old man rant} are spoiled, never learned to do tedious work.{/old man rant} 

I could stand a super-smart program which would take my hand-sketch and do it nice. Untangle clutters. Put V+ on top and collectors up (unless the plan favors another convention). Figure out half my value-scribbles and expeditiously prompt me for the ones it can't make out.