LibrePCB: An Open Source Program for Designing Circuits
LibrePCB

If you are looking for software to design circuits, one of the first stops is KiCad, which is free and open source and boasts a fairly extensive feature list. However, you might also want to check out LibrePCB. The program is still in development and its creator doesn't recommend it for general use, but it never hurts to have an alternative on hand.

Nobody needs to create circuits to take their first steps in the world of electronics, though knowing how to read them is helpful. There are thousands of beginner projects out there, from small experiments with the classic 555 to basic audio amplifiers. Over time we'll apply our own modifications to those original circuits, and eventually arrive at a cleaner design with custom PCBs.

The good news is that there is a lot of software that does the heavy lifting. KiCad is one of the most stable examples, but if you want to explore new horizons, you might prefer to download LibrePCB.

LibrePCB: Design circuits for free

LibrePCB: An Open Source Program for Designing Circuits
As an open development, LibrePCB has builds compatible with Windows and Linux

All projects in LibrePCB are managed through a rather intuitive control panel, with sections that highlight the most recent projects and those we've marked as favorites. One of LibrePCB's essential goals is to simplify the editing process, reducing the instances of micro-management that some designs demand, and its two main editors (schematic and PCB) point in that direction.

LibrePCB's library system divides components into well-defined categories, and if you ever need more, you can download them with the help of its built-in repository.

LibrePCB: An Open Source Program for Designing Circuits
The developer warns that LibrePCB is not ready yet. Patience.

Now, we must admit that LibrePCB is not ready for general use. The version number is 0.1.5. Things are a bit more stable in the Linux edition, but the Windows build still needs several adjustments. In other words, consider LibrePCB a platform for experimentation, with the occasional growing pains along the way.

Official site and downloads: