Outline

Sometimes the shape of a component (package) is called outline too. Please see Edit component.

Please also look here: Engraving insulation channels

When we talk about "outline" we mean the outer shape of the board which can achieve any shape. The PCB outline wizard in layout "Menu Actions" assists you step by step in creating the PCB outline upon layer 23. The exact edge of your board is the middle of the outline. It does not matter if the outline in the layout is 0.1mm or eg. 7.0mm. The CAM data recognizes the width of the tool that way, that the outer measurements of the board are middle of the outline independently from the width of the outline in the layout. If you want to see exactly where it runs, please use the hash key (#) to get an X-ray view of the complete board where you can see the middle of the line.

Image: Start the outline wizard manually by menu "Actions/Automatisms and Assistants/PCB Outline Wizard"

You either may draw a customized outline (having any shape, break outs or rounded corners...) on the outline layer (23=Outline by default) by using the drawing functions. Choose the drawing function "Draw lines" under the pencil icon, press key [o] for "options" afterwards and set "layer = 23". Place and modify this outline the way you like by the use of all drawing functions. Highlight a certain part of the outline and see those black boxes at the end of the line. Hover the mouse over such a box and press M2. A context menu shows the opportunities. There you might use the option of "round or miter corners". It makes sense to play a bit with the context functions to get familiar with them. Use the "Undo" - function if needed. Please also note the section trim lines within the article line

Also see Rectangle.

Round corners:

Image: M2 means right click. Round corner by entering the corner radius...

Further assistants