Outline

When we talk about "outline" we mean the outer contour of the board which can achieve any shape. Sometimes the shape of a component (package) is called outline too. Then please see Edit component. Please also look here: Engraving insulation channels

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

Image: The PCB Outline Wizard

Pressing the button [Complete PCB outline] by default the outline is placed in the first quadrant of the drawing area (1). This means that the orgin is bottom left. Alternatively check the box "centered" (2). The board outline then will be placed centrally around the absolute zero of the drawing area (3).

Image: The PCB Outline Wizard

The PCB Outline Wizard supports you when using rectangular or circular cut-outs by pressing the "Continue" button. You also might use such inner sections, in the sense of route prohibition zones (an outline within the outline). You would simply delete them after routing.

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. for bends and bows towards the inside please also note the section trim lines within the article line

Image: Any shape is thinkable. Easiest if you have in already in DXF format: Just import it.

Also see Rectangle.

Round corners:

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

Further assistants