XCircuit is an open-source schematic capture program specifically built to generate publication-quality, vector-based circuit diagrams. Unlike standard Electronic Design Automation (EDA) tools that prioritize PCB layout, XCircuit treats components as high-fidelity graphical objects. It outputs native PostScript (.ps) files, ensuring crisp, infinitely scalable lines for academic journals and textbooks. Core Drawing Mechanics
XCircuit achieves precision through a strict grid alignment system and highly efficient single-key keyboard macros.
The Snap-to Grid: Always keep the grid active (+ to increase spacing, - to decrease). Aligning pins and components perfectly to the grid prevents staggered, unprofessional lines.
Drawing Wires: Tap w to enter wire mode. Left-click to create vertices and right-click (or Shift + Left Click) to finalize the path.
Creating Intersections: Hover over two crossing wires and type a period . to drop a solder dot, indicating an electrical connection.
Geometric Shapes: Use b to quickly build boxes, a for arcs or circles, and s for splines and curves. Leveraging Libraries and Hierarchies
make circuit netlists from schematics. | Man Page | Commands | xcircuit
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