Would you prefer KiCad or EasyEDA?

[snookyy5]

I just finished my 1st semester of my EEE degree and noww getting ready to start the 2nd. Our college is about to introduce us to EDA tools and theyve chosen EasyEDA for students. I've played around with both KiCad and EasyEDA, and honestly, I prefer KiCad though, it feels more solid to me. For beginners like us, which one would you recommend?

 

[laylapot]

I believe go for KiCad. KiCad gives you more control once you get the hang of it, but EasyEDA is quicker to pick up and great for simple boards. But since your course is working with EasyEDA, I guess stay with it for now, work with it. If you prefer KiCad though there's no forcing you to go with the other.

 

[snookyy5]

I believe go for KiCad. KiCad gives you more control once you get the hang of it, but EasyEDA is quicker to pick up and great for simple boards. But since your course is working with EasyEDA, I guess stay with it for now, work with it. If you prefer KiCad though there's no forcing you to go with the other.

What do you think is the most significant distinction between the two?

 

[Morten Gundersen]

I would go for KiCAD. Not because I know EasyEDA, but because I really like KiCAD. If you want I can give you some (or many...) designs to play with for a start!
morten

 

[Morten Gundersen]

Here are a few amps to play with...
Good luck!

morten

 

[snookyy5]

I would go for KiCAD. Not because I know EasyEDA, but because I really like KiCAD. If you want I can give you some (or many...) designs to play with for a start!
morten

Thanks, Morten! I appreciate that offer, having some KiCAD designs to start with would be super helpful. And i appreciate you sharing this file

 

[Deleted member 157]

There is not a much to choose between them. The biggest problems a newcomer to EDA will have is creating and managing your own libraries and yes, I guarantee you will very soon want to have your own library of symbols and footprints. Why? Because both packages come with absolutely enormous libraries which are an enormous PITA to search and navigate and you will spend ages trying to find the actual parts you need.

Unfortunately, library management of both packages is poor but they do at least allow you to create and use your own separate libraries so you don't have to repeat the mind blowing boredom of searching and scrolling through endless lists of components. Not to mention the fact that you will also soon find they do not have that one crucial unusual component you design needs so you will need to create a symbol, footprint and probably a 3D representation of it.

Cheers

Ian

 

[snookyy5]

Yep, makes sense and it sounds like library management ends up being the real hurdle no matter which one you pick . Have you found one of them any easier or quicker for creating custom symbols and footprints, or is it pretty much the same headache in both??

 

[dotneck335]

I believe that KiCad is the more supported application.