Feature Request: Implement a Instant 2D PCB Preview, Top and Bottom

[Amyoqzy]

This is a feature I really miss in Eagle and I have to use external tools to get this functionality. It seems a little bit strange to me why something simple like this is not already implemented.

Simple 2D PCB Preview:

• There should be a button/option to toggle between the technical view and a preview mode.
• In the preview mode, the PCB is shown as it would be produced. The shape of the PCB should clearly be visible with all holes removed. The solder mask should be visible (green or any other colour), all coper traces and silk screen prints should be visible as close as possible to a real produced PCB.
• The switch between the preview and technical view should be fast and never change the current zoom level, pan or other view settings. The preview should replace the current technical view at the exact same position and zoom level.

Bottom View:

• There should be a button/option to toggle between a top and a bottom view. This actually mirrors the current view and puts the lowest layers on top as one would view from the bottom side to the PCB.
• The simple 2D PCB Preview shall respect this bottom view as well and display the bottom of the PCB as well.

Bonus:

• Options to select the colour/transparency of the silk screen and solder mask.
• Options to select the copper finish (HAL, Gold, Silver).
• Options to select the background behind the PCB.
• Add a decent drop shadow to the shown PCB to make the preview slightly more realistic.
• Add a slightly bevel effect to the copper routes and silk screen elements to make the slightly more realistic.

Reasons for the feature:

• Eurocircuits has a very nice PCB preview. I can not count how many times I found problems on this preview, I did not realised in the crowded unclear PCB view in Eagle. Especially with the silkscreen print - a preview of the final product will make any mistakes there visible in an instant.
• Times thinking about a "component side" and "solder side" are long time gone. Today components are assembled on both sides of a PCB. Working on the bottom side with everything mirrored is challenging. Switching to a bottom view would simplify things.

[jorge_garcia2 · Accepted solution]

Hi Amyoqzy,

I hope you're doing well. Thank you for your suggestion. An enhancement request has been made.

Let me know if there's anything else I can do for you.

Best Regards,

[nnovotney]

What is the status of this bottom view update...another 4 months has transpired, and I believe it has been discussed for at least 2 -3 years.  I believe last July  it was mentioned it would be put in place, that was almost a year ago.

[jorge_garcia2]

Hi nnovotney,

Thanks for following up, it shows your interest. I still don't have a timeline for it, however I have been keeping track of it and it's moving it's way up on the todo list as other things are getting done.

I'll put a note on the enhancement request the users keep asking for it, this thread is already a part of that report so the developers can follow along.

Please let me know if there's anything else I can do for you.

Best Regards,

[fusionFNVFM]

I am also very interested in this feature. Hope it won't be long before it gets some attention.

[Anonymous]

yo, all it needs is a better system of layer selection... 🙂
Not literally, but this is a function of selecting layers and colors.

The type of surface finish should be defined in the Board layer system definition, where you configure layers. Currently it is part of DRC or DR or... it's confusing at the moment.

[matt.berggren]

Something like this guys?  🙂  Stay tuned.  BTW, would love some feedback.  

Best regards,

Matt - Autodesk.

[Anonymous]

Yes, but for it to work, we need to be able to define VIAs by IPC system, for some may be filled with solder and some with resist, and some with epoxy, etc..

[Anonymous]

Zoom level needs to be shown in real life as 1x 2x 3x, etc... with a ruler for comparison maybe?

Resist color and gloss definable.
Print color definable.
These two in the same board configuration as board layers and vias.

[nnovotney]

Being able to see the bottom view is great & greatly needed.

However, it is also needed to be able to view and work on the board using the bottom view ....not clear if this is possible

[Anonymous]

This feature is nice, but it would be even better if you could select what is shown instead of just tNames/bNames.  Would like the option to choose tValues.bValues instead. Also printing at real size/no scaling would be great!