Connect the Dots: Designing for the Future of Manufacturing Reality—Solder Mask and Legend
Target Condition: An Exploration of Flooding PCB Layers
Happy’s Tech Talk #47: Automation for Complex Multilayer Fabrication Stackups
Introducing Patchr, an Easy-To-Use PCB Design Tool
February 25, 2019 | PRNewswireEstimated reading time: 1 minute
Patchr officially launches their PCB design service which makes printed circuit board design accessible to everyone.
Patchr's new software makes PCB design the easy part of creating electronic hardware projects. Currently, electronics enthusiasts have experienced a shrinking market of PCB design tools. With Circuits.io going offline and open-source options Fritzing and KiCad failing to update their software, users have suffered from a lack of options, especially when it comes to software with an intuitive user interface.
"For too long, you've needed an EE degree to be able to design a circuit board," said Eric Schneider, CEO and founder of Patchr. "As a maker myself, I've been disappointed in the usability of PCB design software so I assembled a team to build a better solution. Today, we're proud to introduce the world to Patchr.io."
Schneider is an alum of experience agency Chaotic Moon and has built futurist electronic projects such as Tech Tattoos and a flame-throwing drone.
"The industry is stuck in a square because no one has given makers the option to create a circle" says Schneider. "Patchr allows makers to be as creative with their boards as they are with their inventions."
Patchr also integrates with PCB manufacturers such as OSH Park and MacroFab, and milling machines like Bantam Tools, so you can export to manufacturing effortlessly.
Patchr tackles two market segments. 1) Hobbyist makers without the resources for a platform like Autodesk Eagle and 2) educators looking to let students get hands-on to learn circuitry and electronics design.
There are two software versions—free/open-source and premium. For a limited time, the premium version is free for 3 months.
Eric Schneider, founder and CEO of Patchr, is an experienced hardware designer turned entrepreneur focused on arming the maker community with innovative software products to solve challenges with hardware design.
About Patchr.io
Patchr.io is a printed circuit board design platform that makes PCB design the easy part of your project. Patchr brings the usability of tools such as Sketch, Photoshop, and Canva to PCB design and allows electronics makers to quickly and easily bring ideas to life.
Share on:
Testimonial
"We’re proud to call I-Connect007 a trusted partner. Their innovative approach and industry insight made our podcast collaboration a success by connecting us with the right audience and delivering real results."
Julia McCaffrey - NCAB GroupSuggested Items
Spirit Electronics Named Authorized Distributor for Microchip Technology
04/17/2026 | Globe NewswireSpirit Electronics, a vertically integrated electronics design and manufacturing solutions provider serving the military and aerospace markets, announced that it has been designated as an authorized distributor for the Americas for Microchip Technology, a broadline supplier of semiconductors committed to making innovative design easier through total system solutions.
The Future of Reflow Soldering Is Here
04/16/2026 | Real Time with... APEX EXPOMichael Hanke discusses how Rehm Thermal Systems is revolutionizing thermal solutions in electronics assembly with their innovative flux-free, no-clean soldering process. This is truly a game changing process that eliminates chamber cleaning and streamlines production. Developed with paste suppliers, this advanced technology promises significant time and cost savings while ensuring high-quality results.
The Global Electronics Association Is Future Forward
04/17/2026 | Real Time with... APEX EXPOJohn W. Mitchell, CEO of the Global Electronics Association, discusses the association's comprehensive role in standards, training, sustainability, and global advocacy. He highlights the industry's critical importance and the association's efforts in workforce development and adapting to AI. The conversation also touches on future trends like personal robotics and innovative approaches to industry standards.
MEIKO Electronics Expands ASEAN Footprint with New Vietnam Subsidiary to Support Growing Demand
04/16/2026 | MeikoMEIKO ELECTRONICS CO., LTD. has announced that, at its Board of Directors meeting held on April 8, 2026, the company resolved to establish a wholly owned subsidiary, MEIKO ELECTRONICS YEN QUANG CO., LTD. (MKYQ), in Phu Tho Province, Vietnam.
From AI to AEP, an Impressive Array of Keynotes at APEX EXPO 2026
04/17/2026 | Marcy LaRont and Nolan Johnson, I-Connect007Each year at APEX EXPO, the Global Electronics Association provides an impressive lineup of keynote speakers to kick off the largest electronics manufacturing event in North America. This year included four keynote speeches, on topics ranging from the promise and peril of AI to the power of electronics, quantum computing, and the importance of heterogeneous integration in advanced electronics packaging.