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New in Altium's Software
Create IPC-Aligned Footprints with Less Effort

The default value for the Solder Mask Expansion rule has been updated to improve consistency across design environments. In both PCB documents and rule-driven solder mask expansion within PCB library documents, the default setting is now 0 mil, replacing the previous default of 4 mil.

NEW
Blog
Eliminate Your Design Friction with Agile Teams

Design friction from scattered data and disconnected tools slows down PCB development and leads to rework. This webinar shows how Agile Teams streamlines collaboration, aligns domains, and helps teams deliver faster with fewer errors.

NEW
Embedded thumbnail for Via Dispersion: Why Propagation Delay Changes with Frequency
How-To's
Via Dispersion: Why Propagation Delay Changes with Frequency

Explore the concept of via dispersion and how it impacts propagation delay across frequencies. This tutorial walks through the math behind extracting delay from insertion loss and return loss S-parameters and explains why results can vary depending on your operating range.

Embedded thumbnail for Make Via Rule Configuration More Intuitive
New in Altium's Software
Make Via Rule Configuration More Intuitive

Set precise control over your routing via styles with new rule settings in the Physical View. Define minimum, maximum, and preferred values for both diameter and hole size, and easily switch between constraint ranges or template-based definitions for faster, more flexible design.

Blog
What is the Best Cloud PCB Design Software?

Not all cloud PCB tools are created equal, especially when design complexity increases. This article breaks down key differences between cloud-native and hybrid solutions, helping engineers choose the right approach for performance and scalability.

Blog
From Rework to Revenue: Digital PCB DFMA

This article explores how traditional, manual DFMA workflows lead to costly rework, delays, and poor collaboration across engineering teams. It shows how a connected, digital approach enables better data integrity, faster design cycles, and improved manufacturing outcomes.

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How-To's
Coplanar Ground Done Right: PCB Design Best Practices

When is coplanar ground actually useful and when does it provide no benefit at all? If you’ve ever wondered about this, check out our brand-new video where we tackle one of the most common questions in PCB design.

Embedded thumbnail for Import and Export with Modern Mechanical Models
New in Altium's Software
Import and Export with Modern Mechanical Models

We have expanded mechanical integration by adding support for SOLIDWORKS 2024 and SOLIDWORKS 2025 part models when importing 3D bodies into the design environment. This enhancement allows designers to work with the latest mechanical models created in SOLIDWORKS without the need for additional conversions or workarounds.

Embedded thumbnail for How to Input Via Delay in Altium for DDR Routing
How-To's
How to Input Via Delay in Altium for DDR Routing

In this video, we tackle a real viewer question about DDR3 routing across multiple PCB layers and show how via delay can silently eat into your skew margin before you’ve even finished routing, using Altium’s default 10-layer stackup as a reference.

Blog
How to Choose the Right Components for Your BOM

A strong BOM can make the difference between smooth production and costly delays. Discover a practical approach to choosing components that stay available, meet compliance requirements, and keep your project on schedule.

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New in Altium's Software
Clearly Show Jumper Wires in Your Harness Designs

Support has been improved so that jumper wires connecting two cavities within the same connector are now properly shown in Layout Drawings, making the connector wiring easier to understand during documentation and review.

Blog
From Scattered Requirements to Confident Product Development

See how the Requirements Portal transforms disconnected requirements into a single, live source of truth that engineers can trust at every stage of a project! Real customer stories in the article prove it’s already helping teams cut down on rework and bring products to market faster.

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How-To's
Why Datasheet PCB Guidelines Are Often Wrong

Watch our brand-new video where we tackle the persistent issue of outdated PCB design guidelines still found in datasheets and application notes from major semiconductor manufacturers. Drawing on viewer comments, real-world datasheet examples, and insights from industry experts, we examine why recommendations such as splitting analog and digital ground planes (an approach rooted in the 1980s) continue to circulate despite their potential to cause EMC failures, signal integrity problems, and costly redesigns.

Blog
What is the Best PCB Design Tool For Students?

Students need PCB software that’s intuitive, affordable, and useful for building real skills. This article compares the strengths and weaknesses of leading design tools, from hobbyist platforms to industry-standard software.

Embedded thumbnail for Keep Your Harness Designs in Sync with Library Updates
New in Altium's Software
Keep Your Harness Designs in Sync with Library Updates

The "Update From Libraries" feature has been enhanced to provide broader support for harness-related objects across both Wiring Diagrams and Layout Drawings. With this expansion, a wider range of harness components such as connectors, wires, splices, and associated attributes can now be synchronized directly with their corresponding library definitions.

Blog
What Is Collaborative Engineering?

Collaborative engineering is all about breaking down silos so electrical, mechanical, and sourcing teams can work as one with shared data and real-time updates. This article shows how that approach helps you spot issues early, reduce rework, and get products out the door with fewer surprises.

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How-To's
How to Set Up Flex PCB Materials in Altium

Discover how to set up flex and rigid-flex PCB materials in Altium with the Layer Stack Manager. In this tutorial, you’ll follow the key steps for defining polyimide cores, adhesive layers, coverlay, and stiffeners helping you build accurate, production-ready rigid-flex PCB designs.

Blog
Bend Reliability: How Trace Geometry and Materials Impact Flex Lifespan

Focused on durability under repeated mechanical stress, this piece details how routing strategy, copper thickness, adhesive systems, and bend radius selection determine flex lifespan. Engineers will find actionable recommendations for reducing strain concentration and improving long-term performance in high-cycle applications.

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Blog
Optimize PCB Design with Integrated BOM and CAD Systems

Discover how integrating BOM management and CAD systems can streamline your PCB design process in this insightful article. Learn how combining these tools enables smoother collaboration, reduces errors, and improves design efficiency, helping you optimize your workflows from concept to manufacturing.

Blog
The Essential Guide to Through-Hole Resistors

Resistors are fundamental components in electronic circuits, essential for controlling current and voltage. This article explores their basic principles, types, and key applications, helping you understand their crucial role in electronics.

Blog
Avoiding Costly Delays: Essential Tips for PCB Designers

Efficient PCB design is crucial for avoiding costly delays in product development. This article offers practical tips and best practices for PCB designers to streamline their workflows, minimize errors, and ensure timely project completion.

Blog
Mastering EMI Control in PCB Design: Component Placement for EMC

In the second article of the "Mastering EMI Control in PCB Design" series Dario Fresu explores how effective component placement can reduce electromagnetic interference (EMI) in printed circuit boards. He highlights strategies such as board segregation and careful management of high-speed signals and their harmonics to ensure signal integrity and minimize emissions.

Blog
Signal Integrity Principles based on Altium Designer 24

Check out this article where Rafał Stępień dives into the essentials of maintaining signal integrity in high-speed digital systems. Discover key techniques like controlling signal reflections, reducing crosstalk, and designing differential pairs in Altium Designer 24 to ensure reliable and efficient PCB performance.

RSP Launch Cover
Blog
Launch of Requirements & Systems Portal in Altium 365

The Requirements & Systems Portal is now live in Altium 365! Engineers can write, manage, and verify requirements within the Altium 365 workspace. You can link your requirements directly to schematics and PCB designs to ensure all engineers are working with the latest data. Request access today!

Blog
Favorite Tools for BOM Review

Check out our article, where Lawrence Romine shares his top tools for conducting efficient Bill of Materials (BOM) reviews in PCB design. It highlights key features in Altium 365, Octopart, and ActiveBOM that help engineers avoid unsourceable components and streamline procurement.

Blog
Simple Strategies to Reach 10% PCB Cost Reduction

Our new article outlines strategies to achieve a 10% reduction in PCB costs by optimizing design and material choices, such as adjusting stack-up materials and hole sizes, using lower-cost parts, and considering single-sided assembly. These techniques help reduce expenses without sacrificing quality.

Blog
Say Goodbye to EDA Software Vendor Lock

Check how Altium 365 helps eliminate EDA software vendor lock by enabling multi-CAD support in the cloud. This allows users to work with different CAD file formats within a single platform, enhancing collaboration and reducing the need for additional licenses. This approach offers greater flexibility and is set to transform the industry.

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Embedded thumbnail for Altium Training - Navigating Schematics: Schematic Preference Settings for Navigation
Altium Training
Altium Training - Navigating Schematics: Schematic Preference Settings for Navigation

Unlock smarter design navigation in Altium! Learn how to customize navigation preferences to boost your design insight and visualize connectivity like never before. In this video, we’ll explore Design Insight settings, interactive connectivity hover features, and quick thumbnail navigation between schematic sheets. All designed to make your workflow faster, clearer, and more intuitive.

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How-To's
PCB Design Tools for Every Team Size: Altium's New Approach

Explore how Altium is transforming PCB design with software solutions built for teams of every size. In this exclusive PCB West 2025 interview, Justin Sears highlights the key distinctions between Altium Develop and Altium Agile helping you identify the ideal platform for your design needs.

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How-To's
PCB Design: Sequential Lamination vs Sub-Lamination

Explore the key distinctions between sequential lamination and sub-lamination techniques, and learn how each approach influences microvia placement, board complexity, and design flexibility in high-density interconnect (HDI) circuit board fabrication.

 

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How-To's
PCB Design Review: Power Meter Layout Deep Dive

Gain practical insights into PCB design with an in-depth power meter project review, covering parameter optimization, BOM control, and IPC-compliant high-voltage spacing.

Embedded thumbnail for Drawing Tools for Pro Schematics in Altium
How-To's
Drawing Tools for Pro Schematics in Altium

In our brand-new tutorial, you’ll learn how to create professional-looking schematics in Altium using built-in drawing tools and features. We’ll show you how to add custom title blocks, revision histories, tables of contents, block diagrams, and color schemes to make your schematics stand out.

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How-To's
3 GHz RF Amplifier Deep Dive

Check out our design review of a 3.6 GHz RF amplifier! This in-depth analysis highlights schematic issues, PCB layout challenges, and key RF design principles to help you build better high-frequency circuits.

Embedded thumbnail for The Right Way to Use SIG/GND/PWR/SIG Stackups
How-To's
The Right Way to Use SIG/GND/PWR/SIG Stackups

Find out how to properly implement signal-ground-power-signal stackups in 4-layer PCB designs. Check out our tutorial from Zach Peterson, where he explains when to use dedicated power layers, how to route signals correctly over split power planes, and common mistakes to avoid for optimal EMI performance and signal integrity.

Embedded thumbnail for Altium Training - Design Environment: Documents and Panels
Altium Training
Altium Training - Design Environment: Documents and Panels

In our new tutorial, we explore different panel display modes, including docked, floating, and tabbed grouping arrangements. Effective panel management is essential for creating an efficient design environment tailored to your specific workflow requirements.

Embedded thumbnail for Mechanically Drilled Blind & Buried Vias: PCB Design Rules Explained
How-To's
Mechanically Drilled Blind & Buried Vias: PCB Design Rules Explained

Discover the essential design rules and manufacturing processes for mechanically drilled blind and buried vias in PCB layouts in this comprehensive tutorial. We cover the stack drill-and-plate fabrication process, aspect ratio limitations, sub-lamination design, and copper weight considerations. You’ll also learn how these vias differ from HDI microvias and gain a clear understanding of the critical design constraints needed for successful PCB manufacturing.

Embedded thumbnail for Altium Training - Design Environment: Navigation with Schematic Workspace
Altium Training
Altium Training - Design Environment: Navigation with Schematic Workspace

Discover the most important navigation techniques for the schematic workspace using both mouse and keyboard controls. In this tutorial video, you’ll learn how to use the View menu commands for document fitting, area zooming, and object selection, along with advanced navigation shortcuts. Master mouse-based panning and zooming, explore Ctrl key combinations, and practice arrow key movements - all designed to simplify your workflow in the PCB design process.

Embedded thumbnail for Altium Training - Design Environment: The Altium Environment
How-To's
Altium Training - Design Environment: The Altium Environment

Get familiar with the core workspace layout and navigation methods. In this video, you’ll see how to open schematic and PCB documents, work within the unified design environment, and move between multiple open files using document tabs and keyboard shortcuts.

Embedded thumbnail for Altium Training - Design Environment: Opening a Project from a Local Drive
Altium Training
Altium Training - Design Environment: Opening a Project from a Local Drive

Get your PCB design workflow off to a smooth start. This Altium tutorial walks you through opening projects from your local directory - a core skill that keeps your process efficient and organized from day one.

Embedded thumbnail for Altium Essentials: Design Environment
Altium Training
Altium Essentials: Design Environment

Take control of your PCB design workflow with Altium Essentials: Design Environment. This tutorial module guides you through the fundamentals of workspace management, from handling panels and documents to mastering menus, context commands, and time-saving shortcuts.

Embedded thumbnail for What Makes a Great PCB Design Review Submission?
How-To's
What Makes a Great PCB Design Review Submission?

Turn your PCB designs into professional-grade submissions. At Altium, we reveal the key practices that transform schematics, layouts, and documentation into review-ready work that stands out. Watch our brand-new tutorial and take your PCB design process to the next level.

Embedded thumbnail for Altium Training - Workspace Folder Structure: Opening the Explorer Panel
Altium Training
Altium Training - Workspace Folder Structure: Opening the Explorer Panel

Discover the key ways to access the Explorer panel in Altium Designer with this step-by-step tutorial. The video walks you through four different methods, giving you the freedom to choose the approach that best fits your workflow.

Embedded thumbnail for Altium Essentials: Workspace Folder Structure Overview
Altium Training
Altium Essentials: Workspace Folder Structure Overview

Altium Essentials: Workspace Folder Structure is a tutorial series designed for PCB designers who are learning the fundamentals of navigating an Altium workspace. This playlist walks through key Explorer panel skills, including multiple ways to open it (via keyboard shortcuts, menus, panel buttons, and workspaces), navigating projects, and understanding the panel’s six core information areas.

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Integrating Requirements June 2025 Webinar
On-Demand Webinar Mai 28, 2025
Integrating Requirements into Your PCB Design Workflow
Join our webinar where you will learn about integrated requirements tools who can help you eliminate late-stage design changes, AI support through system requirements and integration of design requirements directly in PCB Design. Don't miss it, register now!
Streamlining Team Collaboration
On-Demand Webinar Apr. 17, 2025
Streamlining Team Collaboration in Industrial PCB Projects
Join us for our upcoming webinar to discover how Altium Designer and Altium 365 can transform your team’s collaboration and take your PCB design projects to the next level. Attend for a chance to win free access to the Altium 365 Training Bundle.
PCB CoDesign Webinar
On-Demand Webinar Jan. 24, 2024
Discover How Altium Designer 24 Revolutionizes Team Dynamics in PCB Design
Expand your collaboration skills and stay ahead of the curve with PCB CoDesign. Design teams often grapple with prolonged design cycles and coordination issues, leading to delays and inefficiencies. In the current landscape, design processes are hindered by fragmented collaboration, resulting in increased layout times and difficulties in synchronizing design updates.