Nowadays, no one draws electrical circuits on a piece of paper anymore, because it is extremely inconvenient and takes a long period of time. To simplify drawing diagrams, you can safely use various software that can be easily downloaded on the Internet. In this article, we will tell you what programs there are for drawing electrical circuits in a house and apartment, consider several free and paid ones, and show you a ready-made list with descriptions from which you can choose the best one for yourself.
Nowadays, there are several excellent programs for drawing diagrams in Russian, they are easy to use and are considered optimal. Of course, you will have to tinker with some during installation, because in this list we included programs that can be downloaded, but they need to be “broken”; there are also those who give a trial version for a month. This should be enough time to draw several diagrams. So, here is the rating of the program for drawing electrical circuits in a house and apartment that we have prepared for you:
We have discussed the best free programs for drawing electrical circuits, but do not forget that there are also paid ones. They can be called for a long time, we decided to show you one of the best - sPlan. If you are a professional electrician, then such a program will be a real godsend for you. But, there is one significant drawback - it costs $40, so once again you should seriously think about such a purchase. A simple and pleasant interface, great functions and absolutely all electrical symbols have been developed here. The language is Russian, you can figure it out quickly, but to understand all the functions you will have to spend more than one week. 
Here is a video we found with an overview of this program.
Drawing refers to the process of creating images of objects with accurate reproduction of their sizes using scale. Drawing electrical circuits requires compliance with the GOST symbols adopted to designate each element.
To create a document on a computer, you need software - a graphic editor that converts the PC user’s manipulations on the information input device into a drawing. The created document can be saved electronically as a file and/or printed on paper in a specific format.
You can draw electrical circuits using any available graphic editor. However, special programs adapted for these purposes greatly facilitate routine work, allow you to use already prepared blanks of various elements from the library, quickly insert them into the right place, and conveniently edit them.
A novice user should be aware that drawing programs can be supplied and run:
1. free;
2. for money.
In the second option, the functionality of the software is significantly expanded. In addition, over the last decade, entire CAD computer-aided design systems have become popular among paid programs among design engineers. They not only automate the work, but also perform it very accurately. Due to this they have a high cost.
However, among CAD programs, programs that are supplied free of charge have begun to appear. Their functionality, of course, is a little limited, but it allows you to create high-quality electrical circuits at the initial and intermediate level of design.
KOMPAS-3D program
This well-known development of Russian programmers from the ASCON company allows you to draw diagrams in one plane or engage in 3D modeling. It is used by students, teachers and engineers in many countries. The program has a clear interface and a convenient set of tools for drawing.
For use by various specialists, the graphic editor is supplemented with additional modules. The development kit for creating electrical circuits has a large library.
The program works in rectangular Cartesian coordinates, using linear dimensions in millimeters and angular dimensions in degrees. The reference material built into the program is well presented and allows you to independently understand all the issues that arise.
Compass 3D is distributed on a paid basis, but manufacturers provide anyone with the opportunity to evaluate the program for free for a month. For this purpose, you can download a demo version, which has minor limitations.
The program of the famous Autodesk company has been constantly improved for about 30 years, and is considered the most functional for performing complex design work. Built into the graphic editor, the help explains in detail the features of the algorithms. However, there is a lot of information, and it is difficult to master it on your own.
It is best to use the advice of an experienced mentor to master drawing in it. Even with its help, to fully master all the functionality, it will take more than one month of painstaking work, but to develop electrical circuits, you do not need to master the 3D format.
A special feature of the program is the use of a polar coordinate system for calculations and work with vectors. When plotting, for the convenience of the user, information is displayed in a rectangular Cartesian system. This allows you to determine the location of a point in two measurement systems.
In addition to using information from an extensive library, you can create frequently entered images of objects in the form of macros, assign hot keys to them, and use snapping to the object when displaying them on the monitor. This significantly speeds up the drawing process.
The program has numerous settings that require detailed study at the beginning, but later make the work much easier.
Quite often, detailed electrical circuits on paper take up large dimensions. AutoCAD allows you to create drawings on sheets of different sizes. If previously a plotter was required for printing, now you can get by with an ordinary printer. The program implements the ability to divide a drawing into its component parts and print them on sheets of A4 paper with subsequent gluing along the borders.
Microsoft Visio program
The name of the product indicates that the paid graphic editor belongs to a company that occupies a leading position in software development. There are great opportunities for creating diagrams, diagrams and connecting them with data.
Users of Microsoft programs are familiar with this interface. For drawing electrical circuits, special templates on various topics have been created and placed in an accessible library.
A large number of tools are organized into groups and are conveniently configured for specific drawing conditions.
Microsoft Visio works in rectangular coordinates and is compatible with Word. Therefore, it is possible to create graphic elements for inserting into text documents. This is convenient to use when writing instructions for the purpose of visually explaining the material presented with diagrams and diagrams. Reverse insertion of texts and objects created in Word is also performed through a memory buffer.
Electrical circuits drawn in large sizes can also be printed not on a plotter, but on a printer in parts on sheets of A4 paper. As in AutoCAD, for this you need to set the printing settings.
Here, too, you can create frequently used element designations as templates for using them in further work. The program allows you to draw and draw relatively quickly.
To significantly simplify your work and speed up the creation of high-quality diagrams in Visio, you can use special additional stencil libraries designed for creating electrical diagrams electricity supply, modern electrical automation, electric drive and control devices. With the help of such component libraries, it is very easy to create professional circuits in accordance with standards.
Such kits for drawing electrical circuits will be useful, first of all, to electrical personnel involved in the design, installation, adjustment, repair and maintenance of electrical installations, as well as to anyone who needs to quickly and accurately draw an electrical circuit and design it in accordance with GOST.
CorelDRAW Technical Suite
A very powerful and expensive graphics program allows architects, designers and even fashion designers to perform a very wide range of work to produce three-dimensional images. You can use it to create electrical circuits. But at the same time, its capabilities will be greatly reduced, which is not economically rational.
A9CAD 2.2.1
This is also a product of Autodesk. It largely repeats the work of the famous AutoCAD, but lacks the 3D design function. Distributed free of charge.
The interface of the CAD program is tailored to the familiar appearance of Windows programs, and its size is 15.54 megabytes. This graphics editor supports files created in DWG and DXF formats, which are used as industry standards.
English language. The set of tools is quite extensive, modeled after AutoCAD. Image editing uses scaling, working with windows and layers, moving, inserting breaks, rotating, changing reflection, text overlay, color palette and other functions and styles.
With A9CAD 2.2.1 you can start drawing electrical circuits yourself.
There are many free graphic editors available on the Internet. Only Autodesk, in addition to A9CAD, offers several additional developments. To choose a program for drawing electrical circuits, you should evaluate your needs, capabilities and tasks.
Practical guide "How to draw a diagram in the A9CAD program" (pdf, 13 pages):
Today I want to talk about a very interesting service that I came across on the Internet - this service for drawing electrical circuits, which is called Scheme-it. I liked the service because it allows me to draw an electrical circuit “on my knees,” that is, quickly. Below I have prepared a brief overview of this service.
Scheme-it is an online tool for drawing schematic and structural diagrams, electrical drawings, which allows you not only to create diagrams, but also by saving them on the server to provide open web links to your diagrams.
The service is available at http://www.digikey.com/schemeit.
The service includes a complete set of schematic symbols for constructing electrical circuits, as well as an integrated Digi-Key catalog that supports the insertion of product images and photographs.
The tool also includes an integrated list of elements (specification), with which you can select a specific radio element from the catalog and associate the parameters of the real element with the circuit element.
In order to save electrical circuits created in the program and subsequently open them from the Digi-Key server, you need to log in to the site using your login.
If you do not have an account with Digi-Key, then go through a simple registration procedure on the site through the window that opens when you enter the Digi-Key website on the page of the online program for drawing diagrams at http://www.digikey.com/schemeit.
Alternatively, click on the Login/Register button (in the upper right corner of the application) and create a new account.
The main menu consists of four blocks: Project, Output, Edit, History.
The "New" button creates a new project. If you have a project open with unsaved changes, the application will prompt you to save the changes before creating a new project.
The "Open" button shows a dialog box containing previously saved projects. The dialog box also contains a delete button that allows you to delete the project. Select the project you want to delete and then click the button Delete.
All of the above functions will be available to you after registering on the program website.
Output block.
The "Export" button allows you to export the current project as a *.png image file or as a PDF document.
The "Share" button allows you to create and publish a web link of your diagram. A web link contains a schematic image file within a web page and is viewable in a standard web browser. The link is open.
The "Print" button opens the diagram in a new window, which can be printed using the standard browser menu.
Edit block.
The “Cut” button cuts the selected diagram element to the clipboard.
“Copy” button - places the selected item on the clipboard.
The “Paste” button retrieves a previously copied element from the clipboard.
The “Delete” button removes the selected element from the diagram.
History block
The Back button takes you back one action.
“Forward” button goes to a previously performed operation.
On the left side of the site, Scheme-it contains an extensive library of schematic and graphical symbols (SGS) for use in circuit and structural electrical diagrams, as well as in various drawings. To place these symbols on the diagram, click on the desired category, select the symbol family, then click on the symbol and drag it onto the diagram (using the left mouse button).
Thus, by sequentially moving the necessary elements and connecting them to each other, an electrical circuit is created.
To connect the terminals of the elements to each other, left-click on the selected terminal of the radio element and, without releasing the mouse, drag a line to the next element.
An example of drawing an electrical circuit of an amplifier using transistors.
To change the spatial orientation of objects on the electrical diagram, there is a tab. When you click on this tab, the following tools will become available to you:
Scheme-it allows you to create your own symbols. In category "Custom Symbol"(Custom Symbol) there are simple elements for creating your own symbols.
The simplest elements include the element body and the element leads (legs, contacts, etc.).
Circuit element body.
The body is needed to create the basis for the future conditional graphic element of the circuit. Case shapes include: rectangle, rounded rectangle and triangle. When you move a package onto a schematic, the element is automatically included in the schematic specification.
Element findings.
Using pins, the final appearance of the graphic element is created. Outputs can be connected from above, below, left, right.
To connect the corresponding pin, simply drag it onto the future diagram.
The leads can be moved along the corresponding side.
Scheme-it allows you to create three types of connections:
Pin-pin (pin-pin);
Lead-wire:
Wire-wire.
Connection type: “Output-output (contact-contact)”
To connect two terminals of radioelements, you need to left-click on the first terminal, move the cursor to the second terminal and left-click. To change the configuration of the connecting wire, click on it with the mouse and drag it to the desired location.
Lead-to-wire connection.
To connect the output of a circuit element to a wire, you need to left-click on the element's output, move the cursor to the required connection point on the wire and left-click a second time.
Connection type "Wire - wire".
To connect two wires, you need to click on the selected place of connection of the first wire, thereby creating the first connection, then click on the required place on the second wire to create the second connection.
Text properties.
When you add various elements to the diagram, some text notes appear next to them, such as designation, denomination, etc.
To change the properties of this text, you need to select this text mark (highlighted with a green dotted ribbon), go to the top menu to the “Font” tab. Next, in the “Font” tab, set the necessary text properties (color, font scale, style, alignment, wrapping).
Adding text to existing symbols.
You can add text to an existing symbol by double-clicking the left mouse button on the element's image. This will open a window "Component Properties", in which you can fill in the missing characteristics of this element.
Such as "designation", "Name", "face value" etc. Do not forget to check the boxes next to them to display these characteristics on the diagram.
The service for drawing online diagrams Scheme-it has a tool - a list of elements (specification), to which all the elements of the diagram with their properties are automatically added: designation, name, denomination, part number, description, etc.
When adding a new element to the diagram, the program automatically adds it to the list of elements.
To view the properties of a schematic element and its attributes, double-click on the selected element, after which the element properties window will open.
In this window you can change any attributes of the schema element.
On the right side of the Scheme-it diagramming program there is a panel that allows you to search the Digi-Key catalog.
This function is useful for viewing reference data for a specific radio element.
Advantages of the service:
Flaws:
So, after working in the program I can do the following conclusions:
Quite an interesting service, although the library of circuit elements is not made according to GOST, there are interesting symbols and icons. I recommend using it for drawing small electrical circuits, if it is not possible to work with special programs for drawing circuits (for example, someone else’s computer, etc.). The available library is sufficient for drawing basic electronics circuits.
P.S: An option to use the service for drawing electrical circuits Scheme-it using the translator built into the browser
I suggest watching a detailed video on how to use the online service for drawing electrical circuits:
Nowadays, every designer and programmer is faced with the construction of various kinds of diagrams and flowcharts. When information technology did not yet occupy such an important part of our lives, drawing these structures had to be done on a sheet of paper. Fortunately, all these steps are now performed using automated software installed on the user's computer.
On the Internet it is quite easy to find a huge number of editors that provide the ability to create, edit and export algorithmic and business graphics. However, it is not always easy to figure out which application is needed in a particular case.
Due to its versatility, the product from Microsoft can be useful both to professionals who have been building various structures for many years, and to ordinary users who need to draw a simple diagram.
Like any other program in the Microsoft Office series, Visio has all the tools necessary for comfortable work: creating, editing, connecting and changing additional properties of shapes. A special analysis of the already built system was also implemented.
In second place in this list, quite rightly, is Dia, which contains all the functions necessary for a modern user for constructing circuits. In addition, the editor is distributed free of charge, which simplifies its use for educational purposes.
A huge standard library of forms and connections, as well as unique capabilities not offered by modern analogues - this awaits the user when accessing Dia.
If you are looking for software with which you can quickly and easily build the necessary circuit, then the Flying Logic program is exactly what you need. There is no cumbersome complex interface and a huge number of visual chart settings. One click - adding a new object, the second - creating a union with other blocks. You can also combine schema elements into groups.
Unlike its analogues, this editor does not have a large number of different forms and connections. Plus, it is possible to display additional information on blocks, which is described in detail in the review on our website.
FlowBreeze is not a separate program, but an independent module that connects to Microsoft Excel, making it much easier to develop diagrams, flowcharts and other infographics.
Of course, FlowBreeze is software mostly intended for professional designers and the like, who understand all the intricacies of the functionality and understand what they are paying money for. It will be extremely difficult for average users to understand the editor, especially considering the interface is in English.
Like the previous editor, Edraw MAX is a product for advanced users who are professionally involved in such activities. However, unlike FlowBreeze, it is a standalone software with countless features.
In terms of interface style and operation, Edraw is very similar to Microsoft Visio. It’s not for nothing that it is called the latter’s main competitor.
This editor is one of the least common among those presented in this article. This is due to the fact that its developer - an ordinary teacher from Russia - completely abandoned the development. But his product is still in some demand today, since it is perfect for any schoolchild or student who is learning the basics of programming.
In addition to this, the program is completely free, and its interface is made exclusively in Russian.
The concept of the FCEditor program is radically different from others presented in this article. Firstly, the work occurs exclusively with algorithmic flowcharts, which are actively used in programming.
Secondly, FSEditor independently, automatically builds all structures. All the user needs is to import the finished source code in one of the available programming languages, and then export the code converted into a schema.
The BlockShem program, unfortunately, provides much fewer functions and conveniences for users. There is no automation of the process in any form. In Flowchart, the user must manually draw the shapes and then combine them. This editor is more of a graphical editor than an object editor intended for creating diagrams.
Unfortunately, the library of figures in this program is extremely poor.
As you can see, there is a large selection of software designed for creating flowcharts. Moreover, applications differ not only in the number of functions - some of them imply a fundamentally different operating principle, distinguishable from analogues. Therefore, it is difficult to advise which editor to use - everyone can choose exactly the product that they need.
Drawing on paper is not a pleasure for everyone - it takes a long time, it is not always beautiful, it is difficult to correctly calculate the dimensions right away, and it is inconvenient to make adjustments. All these problems can be easily solved by a program for drawing diagrams. Most modern software products contain a library with a set of basic elements. From them, as from a constructor, the required configuration is assembled. Edits and corrections are made quickly, and you can save different versions.
There are quite a few programs for drawing electrical diagrams that you can use for free. Some of these are demo versions with limited functionality, some are full-fledged products. To design a wiring diagram for an apartment or house, these functions are sufficient, but for professional use a product with more extensive functionality may be required. Paid options are more suitable for these purposes.
Like any software product, a program for drawing diagrams is evaluated by ease of use. The interface should be simple, convenient, and functional. Then even a person without special computer skills can easily figure it out. But, nevertheless, the main factor is the sufficiency of functions for creating circuits of varying complexity. After all, you can adapt to even an inconvenient interface, but it’s more difficult to make up for the absence of some parts.
Many of us are familiar with Microsoft office products and Visio is one of the products. This graphic editor has an interface familiar to Microsoft products. Extensive libraries contain all the necessary components; you can create schematic and wiring diagrams. Working in VIZIO is easy: in the library (window on the left) we find the desired section, look for the required element in it, drag it to the work field, and put it in place. The dimensions of the elements are standardized and fit together without problems.
Vision program for drawing diagrams - clear interface
What’s nice is that you can create diagrams to scale, which will make it easier to calculate the required length of wires and cables. What’s also good is that it doesn’t require much space on your computer’s hard drive; even not very powerful machines can handle this program for drawing diagrams. It’s also nice to have a large number of video lessons. So there will be no problems with mastering it.
If you need a simple program for designing electrical wiring, pay attention to ProfiCAD. This product does not require downloading libraries like most others. The database contains about 700 built-in elements, which are enough to develop a power supply diagram for an apartment or private house. The available elements are also sufficient to create not too complex electrical circuit diagrams. If some element is missing, you can add it.
The main disadvantage of the program for drawing ProfiCAD diagrams is the lack of a Russian version. But even if you are not strong in English, it’s worth a try - it’s very simple. In a couple of hours you will master everything.
The principle of operation is simple: in the field on the left we find the desired element, drag it to the desired place in the diagram, and rotate it to the required position. Let's move on to the next element. After completing the work, you can receive a specification indicating the number of wires and a list of elements, and save the results in one of four formats.
A program with more serious functionality is called Compass Electric. This is part of the Compass 3D software. In it you can not only draw a circuit diagram, but also block diagrams and much more. At the output you can get specifications, purchasing sheets, connection tables.
To get started, you need to download and install not only the program, but also the library with the element base. The program, explanations, help - everything is Russified. So there will be no problems with the language.
When working, select the desired section of the library, graphic images appear in a pop-up window. In it, select the necessary elements, drag them onto the working field, installing them in the right place. As the diagram is formed, data about the elements falls into the specification, where the name, type and value of all elements are recorded.
The numbering of elements can be done automatically, or manually. The method is selected in the settings menu. You can change it during operation.
Another program for drawing circuits is QElectroTech. The interface resembles Microsoft products and is easy to work with. There is no need to download a library for this program; the element base is “built-in”. If something is missing there, you can add your own elements.
The finished diagram can be saved in the get format (for further work with it in the program) or as an image (jpg, png, svg, bmp formats). After saving, you can change the dimensions of the drawing, add a grid, a frame.
QElectroTech - free editor for creating electrical circuits
This program has some disadvantages. The first is that inscriptions can only be made in one font, that is, if you need a drawing in accordance with GOST, you will have to somehow figure out how to change the font. Secondly, the sizes of frames and stamps are specified in pixels, which is very inconvenient. Overall, if you need a diagramming program for home use, this is a great option. If compliance with GOST requirements is required, look for another one.
If you don't know how to draw a diagram on a computer, take a closer look at this product. 123D Circuits is an online service that allows you to create a not very complex circuit with the ability to create printed circuit boards. There is also a built-in simulator that simulates the operation of a finished circuit. The function of ordering a batch of finished boards is available (for a fee).
Before you start, you need to register and create your profile. After which you can start working. Several users can work on one project using shared libraries. In the free version of the program, you can create an unlimited number of schemes, but they will be publicly available. In the amateur rate ($12), five circuits can be personal, and a 5% discount on board production is also offered. The professional plan ($25) gives you an unlimited number of personal circuits and the same discount on board orders.
The circuit can be drawn from existing components (there are not very many of them, but it is possible to add your own) or imported from the Eagle program. Unlike other programs, the 123D Circuits library does not contain schematic symbols of elements, but mini copies of them. Interface with two side fields. The library section with the element base is displayed on the right, and part of the settings and a list of used elements are displayed on the left. After completing the work, the program itself generates a schematic diagram and also suggests the location of elements on the board (can be edited).
Everything seems to be good, but 123D Circuits has serious shortcomings. First, the results of simulated work are often very different from real readings. Secondly, the functionality is small; it will not be possible to create a truly complex circuit. Conclusion: this program is mainly suitable for students and beginner radio amateurs.
There are many paid graphic editors for creating diagrams, but not all of them are needed for “home” use or for work that is not directly related to design. Paying a lot of money for unnecessary features is not the smartest decision. In this section we will collect those products that have received a lot of good reviews.
For experienced radio amateurs or those whose work involves designing radio products, the DipTrace program will be useful. It was developed in Russia, therefore it is entirely in Russian.
It has a very useful function - it can develop a printed circuit board using a ready-made circuit, and it can be seen not only in two-dimensional, but also in a three-dimensional image with the location of all the elements. It is possible to edit the position of elements on the board, develop and adjust the device body. That is, it can be used both for designing wiring in an apartment or house, and for developing some devices.
In addition to the program for drawing diagrams, you will also need to download a library with an element base. The peculiarity is that this can be done using a special application - Schematic DT.
The interface of the program for drawing circuits and creating printed circuit boards DipTrace is convenient. The process of creating a diagram is standard - we drag the necessary elements from the library onto the field, rotate them in the required direction and install them in place. The element that is currently being worked on is highlighted, which makes the work more comfortable.
As the diagram is created, the program automatically checks the correctness and admissibility of connections, matching dimensions, compliance with gaps and distances. That is, all edits and adjustments are made immediately, at the creation stage. The created circuit can be run on the built-in simulator, but it is not the most complex, so it is possible to test the product on any external simulators. It is possible to import a diagram for use in other applications or accept (export) an already created one for further development. So DipTrase diagram drawing software is a really good choice.
If you need a printed circuit board, we find the corresponding function in the menu; if not, the diagram can be saved (it can be adjusted) and/or printed. DipTrace diagram drawing software is paid (there are different plans), but there is a free 30-day version.
Perhaps the most popular program for drawing diagrams is SPlan. It has a well-designed interface, extensive, well-structured libraries. It is possible to add your own elements if they are not in the library. As a result, it’s easy to work with; you can master the program in a few hours (if you have experience working with similar software).
The disadvantage is that there is no official Russified version, but you can find it partially translated by craftsmen (the help is still in English). There are also portable versions (SPlan Portable) that do not require installation.
One of the “lightest” versions is SPlan Portable
After downloading and installing the program, you need to configure it. This takes a few minutes, and the settings are saved on subsequent launches. Creating diagrams is standard - find the desired element in the window to the left of the work field, drag it into place. Numbering of elements can be done automatically or manually (selected in the settings). What’s nice is that you can easily change the scale by scrolling the mouse wheel.
There is a paid (40 euros) and a free version. The free version disables saving (bad) and printing (you can get around it by taking screenshots). In general, according to numerous reviews, it is a worthwhile product that is easy to work with.
