Altium Designer is a powerful software package for printed circuit board (PCB) design and electronic design automation (EDA). Developed by Altium Limited, this tool offers a comprehensive environment for creating electronic systems, from schematic design to 3D modeling of finished boards.
As of May 2025, the current stable version is 25.3.3, released in April 2025. The program runs on Microsoft Windows and is optimized for 64-bit systems.
Altium Designer Official Website
The history of Altium Designer began in 1985 when the company (then known as Protel Systems Pty Ltd) released a DOS-based PCB design tool called Protel PCB, which later evolved into the Autotrax and Easytrax products.
Initially, Protel PCB was sold only in Australia, and from 1986 it became available in the USA, Canada, and Mexico under the name Tango PCB through ACCEL Technologies, Inc.
Altium Designer encompasses four main functional areas:
1. Schematic Design
- Powerful tools for creating electronic device schematics
- Real-time electrical rule checking
- Rich component library with parameterized models
- Hierarchical design for complex circuits
- Ability to create and reuse schematic fragments (Snippets)
- Support for multi-channel circuits
2. 3D PCB Design
- Board editing in a real 3D environment
- Mechanical collision checking
- Photorealistic visualization of the final produc
- Support for flexible and rigid-flex boards
- Various routing strategies (differential pairs, high-speed signals)
- Signal integrity management and simulation
3. FPGA Development
- Basic tools for FPGA design
- Integration of FPGA projects with PCB
- Pin configuration synchronization
- HDL support (VHDL, Verilog)
- Simulation and verification capabilities
Note: FPGA functionality in recent versions has limited development as Altium focuses on other design aspects. For new complex FPGA projects, it is recommended to use specialized platforms (Xilinx Vivado, Intel Quartus, Lattice Diamond) and use Altium Designer for integrating ready-made FPGA solutions into PCB projects. This approach allows leveraging the advantages of both types of tools: specialized tools for FPGA logic development and Altium Designer's powerful capabilities for integration and board design.
4. Data and Release Management
- Project version control
- Component library management
- Generation of manufacturing files (Gerber, ODB++, IPC-2581)
- Integration with product lifecycle management (PLM) systems
- Modules for revision and variant management
Minimum System Requirements: Windows 10 (64-bit), Intel i5 or AMD equivalent processor, 8 GB RAM, 5 GB free disk space, DirectX 11 compatible graphics card with 1 GB video memory, Display with 1600×900 resolution.
Recommended System Requirements: Windows 10 or Windows 11 (64-bit), Intel i7 (or AMD equivalent) processor with 3.0 GHz or higher, 32 GB RAM (for complex projects), 10 GB free space on SSD drive, DirectX 11 compatible graphics card with 4 GB video memory, Two displays with 1920×1080 resolution or higher, High-speed internet connection for full Altium 365 functionality.
Note: Support for 32-bit operating systems has been discontinued in recent versions of Altium Designer.
A typical design workflow in Altium Designer includes:
Specification — defining device requirements
Schematic design — creating the electrical circuit
Component management — selecting and configuring components
PCB development — placing components and routing traces
Simulation and analysis — checking circuit operation and signal integrity
3D visualization — checking mechanical compatibility
Documentation generation — creating manufacturing files
Release and manufacturing — transferring data to board manufacturers
Altium Designer is built on the DXP (Design eXploration Platform), which provides a unified environment for various design tools. The program's architecture is modular, allowing the integration of various components into a single workspace.
Key architectural characteristics:
Modularity: Different functional components are implemented as separate modules operating within a unified platform
Unified environment: Schematic editor, PCB editor, library components, and other tools are integrated into a single interface
Object-oriented approach: Components, connections, and other elements are represented as objects with properties and relationships
Extensibility: Support for scripts and plugins allows functionality extension through API
Client-server interaction: Support for cloud services through Altium 365
Altium Designer provides a powerful application programming interface (API) that allows creating custom extensions and automating workflows:
COM/Automation interfaces: Provide access to system objects from external applications
Plugin SDK: Official development package for creating full-fledged extensions
Scripting language support: DelphiScript, JavaScript, C# and VBScript for automation
Version control system integration: Ability to create plugins for Git, SVN and other VCS
Database interaction: API for working with SQL and other data formats
The program is developed using various programming languages, including Delphi, C++, and C#. Graphical rendering is implemented through DirectX for the PCB editor and GDI/GDI+ for the schematic editor, providing fast and high-quality visualization even for complex projects.
Altium Designer integrates with numerous component distributors to access the latest manufacturer data. This provides up-to-date information on availability, pricing, and technical specifications of components directly during the design process.
The program supports export to STEP format for integration with MCAD systems, allowing verification of electronic component compatibility with mechanical constraints of the device enclosure. Two-way integration is available with MCAD systems such as: SolidWorks, Inventor, PTC Creo, Siemens NX.
Altium 365 is a cloud platform that complements Altium Designer functionality, providing:
- Real-time collaboration on projects
- Secure storage and project management
- Integration between electronic and mechanical design
- Access to projects from any device via web browser
- Simplified data exchange between engineers, suppliers, and manufacturers
Workspaces: centralized project and team management
Control Center: access and release process management
Live Design: collaborative project review and editing in the browser
Release View: management of release and manufacturing processes
Fabrication Outputs: preparation and exchange of manufacturing files
Altium Designer uses proprietary binary formats:
*.SchDoc — for schematic files
*.PcbDoc — for printed circuit board files
*.PrjPcb — the main project file that unifies all project documents
*.IntLib — for integrated libraries
The program also supports import and export of various PCB and CAD data exchange formats, including: AutoCAD formats (.dwg/.dxf), ISO 10303-21 STEP (for 3D models), Gerber and Extended Gerber, ODB++, IPC-2581, IDX (data exchange with MCAD).
PCB Editor — bidirectional synchronization with schematic
Component Library Manager — single source of truth for components
Output Job Files — automated documentation
Database Link — connection with corporate PLM/ERP systems
Altium 365 Platform — sharing schematics, collaboration with mechanical designers and tracking project history in the cloud
CAD Exchange — import/export with OrCAD, EAGLE, KiCAD
MCAD Integration — interaction with Solidworks, Inventor, Creo
Cloud Integration — Altium 365 for team development
Git Support — document-level version control
Harness Design — integration with Altium harness design tools
Altium Designer 2025 operates on a sophisticated client-server architecture powered by the X2 Integration Platform, an evolved framework that manages the user interface and orchestrates tasks across specialized server extensions. The platform functions as a central client module that delegates commands to dynamically linked library (DLL) server extensions, each handling specific design functions like schematic editing, PCB layout, or component management. This unified approach ensures seamless integration between design tools, while modern cloud collaboration is enhanced through Altium 365's integrated platform for real-time project sharing and version control.
At its foundation, Altium Designer 2025 features five core system servers—X2 Platform, Schematic Editor, PCB Editor, Workspace Manager, and Library Editor—each providing comprehensive APIs for third-party development. These APIs allow developers to programmatically access system functions and design objects, enabling custom extensions built with tools like Embarcadero Delphi, C++, or C#. Popular extensions include automated component placement tools, custom design rule checkers, and specialized output generators for manufacturing. Each extension is packaged as a DLL with configuration files: installation files (.INS) that define server settings and resource files (.RCS) that specify interface layouts, ensuring smooth integration without disrupting existing workflows.
For users seeking lighter customization options, Altium Designer 2025 includes a comprehensive scripting system supporting DelphiScript, Visual Basic, JavaScript, and EnableBasic. This environment enables designers to automate repetitive tasks like batch component updates, generate custom reports, and create specialized design validation routines without full SDK programming. The scripting system provides access to essential APIs, making it ideal for workflow optimization. Meanwhile, the complete SDK empowers advanced developers to create sophisticated extensions that maintain compatibility across the platform's object-oriented architecture, ensuring consistent performance and seamless integration with existing design tools.
Compared to other EDA tools, Altium Designer stands out in the following ways:
| Feature | Altium Designer | KiCad | Eagle | OrCAD | Autodesk Fusion Electronics | Siemens Xpedition |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Integrated environment | Complete | Partial | Partial | Complete | Complete | Complete |
| 3D visualization | Advanced | Basic | Limited | Limited | Advanced | Advanced |
| Library management | Advanced | Basic | Medium | Advanced | Medium | Advanced |
| Cloud integration | Altium 365 | Limited | Fusion 360 | Limited | Complete | Cloud PLM solutions |
| High-speed design support | High | Limited | Limited | High | Medium | Very high |
| Price range | $3,000-8,000/year | Free | $500-2,000/year | $2,500-5,000/year | $1,500-3,000/year | $10,000+/year |
| Learning curve | Medium-high | Medium | Low-medium | High | Medium | Very high |
| Target audience | Professionals/Corporations | Beginners/SMB | Beginners/SMB | Professionals/Corporations | SMB/Professionals | Large corporations |
Altium Designer offers various licensing options:
Commercial license — annual subscription of approximately $3,000-8,000, depending on configuration and region Academic licenses — special discounts for educational institutions (approximately 70-90% off the commercial price) Corporate licenses — multi-user licenses with enhanced management capabilities and support Trial version — free 14-day trial period with full functionality, available to all users after registration Startup program — special terms for startups and small businesses through the Altium Startup Program
Educational institutions can receive significant discounts through the Altium Academic Program. This license type includes a full set of features but is limited to non-commercial educational purposes only.
Note: Exact prices may vary; they should be verified on the official Altium website or through authorized partners.
Altium Designer is offered in several editions that differ in functionality and price:
| Features | Standard | Professional | Enterprise |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic schematic design | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Basic PCB design | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| 3D visualization | Basic | Advanced | Full |
| High-speed board support | Limited | Advanced | Full |
| Altium 365 integration | Basic | Advanced | Full |
| Team collaboration tools | - | Basic | Advanced |
| PLM integration | - | Limited | Full |
| Library management | Basic | Advanced | Corporate |
| FPGA support | - | Basic | Advanced |
| Rigid-flex board support | - | ✓ | ✓ |
| Price range (approximate) | $2,500-3,500/year | $4,000-6,000/year | $6,500-9,000+/year |
Note: Edition structure and functionality may change with new versions. Detailed information should always be verified on the official Altium website.
Advantages:
- Single integrated environment for all stages of electronics development
- Powerful tools for designing high-speed and multi-layer boards
- Realistic 3D visualization and design verification
- Integration with mechanical CAD systems
- Advanced component library and library management capabilities
- High-level analysis and simulation tools
- Team collaboration support through Altium 365
- Regular updates and continuous product development
- Large user community and extensive knowledge base
Limitations:
- High license cost compared to alternatives such as free KiCad
- Significant learning curve for beginners (approximately 2-3 months to achieve basic productivity)
- High resource requirements for complex projects (especially when working with 3D visualization of multi-layer boards)
- Works only on Windows platform (no native support for macOS or Linux)
- Limited FPGA design capabilities compared to specialized tools
- Some users find the interface overloaded with features
- Interface available only in English (officially), without full localization in other languages
- Altium 365 support cost can be an additional expense for small companies
Altium Designer is widely used in various electronics industries. Well-known companies and organizations that use Altium Designer:
NASA — for designing electronics for spacecraft, including rovers and satellites
Tesla — for developing electronic systems for electric vehicles and energy solutions
SpaceX — for designing rocket control systems and communication systems
Boston Dynamics — for robotics and robot control systems
Apple — for prototyping electronic components and research projects
Philips — for medical equipment and consumer electronics
Siemens — for industrial automation and control systems
Bosch — for automotive electronics and IoT devices
Numerous universities — for teaching, research, and student projects
Industry Applications of Altium Designer
| Industry | Typical Applications |
|---|---|
| Aerospace | Onboard electronics, communication systems, navigation equipment |
| Automotive | Engine control systems, infotainment, ADAS (advanced driver assistance systems) |
| Medical | Diagnostic equipment, implants, patient monitoring |
| Telecommunications | Network equipment, antennas, 5G technologies |
| Industrial | PLCs, sensors, monitoring systems |
| Consumer | Home appliances, gadgets, computer peripherals |
| Military | Secure communication systems, radars, specialized devices |