PCB manufacturing design software

[HaRuMaN]

Anyone know of a good software to design PCB's that will export Gerber274X and NC drill files?

[2600]

Try Eagle.
I know a lot of people rave because it's cheap and pretty good.  It should be able to export those.

Otherwise, I use PADs or Orcad/Cadence products.

Is the project big or small?  I've been thinking of doing some free lance board work for people around here or other parts if needed.

[HaRuMaN]

Its a small project...  just a couple of ideas I've been kicking around.

[2600]

The Free version of Eagle should be all you need.

[MonMotha]

For big stuff, I'm a fan of Altium Designer.  It's way better than PADS, in my opinion, and doesn't cost any more.  In fact, the "everything" version of Designer is cheaper than the "everything" license to PADS.  OrCAD is alright, but it's definitely showing its age, and it's also not cheap, though it is usually cheaper than Designer and PADS.

For little stuff, Eagle is likely your only option unless you want to blow tons of cash.  Many board houses have their own software, but they usually have limited export capabilities.  The 4PCB (Advanced Circuits) software called "PCB Artist" will let you export to standard formats (including RS-274X and Excellon) once you place an order for that part number through 4PCB.  I'm told it's decent software, too.

If anybody wants something done, I'm more than happy to do it.  I've got access to professional CAD software, but I'm unemployed, so looking for any work I can get.  I've done stuff ranging from tiny (2x3" 1 layer PCB for a very simple power supply) to monsters (4x6" 8 layer with BGAs and leadless parts galore and high-speed signals).

[2600]

Your right Orcad does show it's age.  I only still use it because I've used it for a while, I can do things really quick in it, and you have a lot of control in it.  It's good for TH and moderate SMT which makes it good for arcade related projects.  So far, I'm not a big fan of PADs.  I don't know it super well. It has some nice things that are better then Orcad while other things are quirky and a PIA.

It seems all the places around here were running Orcad and migrated to PADs. This makes it easier if you are farming out part of the work.  It's also a lot more common to find Part databases for the two.

I'll have to give Altium a look next time we are looking to switch.

[HaRuMaN]

Ok... so I've created a board using Eagle.  Now the company I'm probably going to use requires:

We need Gerber files 274X files, or Protel PCB files. When your send the Gerber files please also indicate the layers like below:                                                                                                                                                                                   *.BOT Bottom copper
*.TOP Top copper
*.inner1 Inner layer1( for multi-layers)
*.inner2 Inner layer2 (for multi-layers)
*.OVL silkscreen top
*.BVL silkscreen bottom (if you have)
*.RES solder resist

...as well as NC drill files.

How do I do this?  I know I need to use the CAM processor....

[2600]

Google "eagle generate gerbers"