CadSoft Computer has released an update to its popular PCB design software. EAGLE Version 7.3 includes many improvements and enhancements based on users’ input.
“Our users’ feedback is extremely important when it comes to the future development of EAGLE,” said Robin Colman, General Manager at CadSoft Computer. “Following the release of version 7, we have returned to the development approach on which EAGLE’s long success and history is founded. We have continued to actively listen to the requests and wishes from our user base, acquired through proactive research with our customer; their input helped define a sub-set of meaningful and valuable enhancements that could be made in the interim release version 7.3 whilst maintaining backward compatibility.”
The research conducted in the fall of 2014 spanned hundreds of professional users who work with EAGLE on a daily basis for the design of their products.
According to users, the Library Editor was the area of EAGLE that would benefit most from improvements. Thus, several enhancements have been implemented to the Library Editor, such as better visibility through a newly-created overview screen and cross-references for each device as well as a simplified editing option for library components. Control panel functionalities have been reviewed and added to deliver better usability. The release of EAGLE Version 7.3 also includes a 64 bit version, improving performance for Windows, Mac and Linux users plus simplified installation for the latter.
An update to the latest UI framework from QT leaves Version 7.3 users with an improved user experience. In recognition of the increasing importance of 3D in PCB design, Version 7.3 includes greater integration of the IDF-3D capabilities, allowing users to view their design in 3D for free, as well as providing a smoother experience for exporting STEP and STL files through a third party tool.
Colman expanded, saying, “The results from this research gave us great insight into what our customers’ requirements really are. What you will see in Version 7.3 is a reflection of this feedback as we put customers’ needs and desires firmly at the center of EAGLE’s development.”
The release of EAGLE Version 7.3 this May is the first of many developments for CadSoft and the EAGLE portfolio this year.
CadSoft EAGLE Version 7.3 is from Farnell element14 in Europe, Newark element14 in North America and element14 in Asia Pacific.
Filed Under: Rapid prototyping
