gEDA Resources

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Useful resources for working with gEDA, the GPL'd suite and toolkit of Electronic Design Automation software.


Note 1: This page is a continuing work in progress.
Note 2: This wiki is publicly editable; topical contributions are welcome.


Basics


Installing gEDA

Installing gEDA on Windows

  • gEDA can be run on Windows natively, as a cygwin application, or in a virtual machine.
  • "Official" Windows installers are available here, maintained by DJ Delorie, one of the core gEDA developers.
  • In case of difficulty with the latest, "official" versions, there are also unofficial "native" installers available. We would recommend this installer by Peter Clifton.
  • Another set of unofficial installers.
  • Virtual machine method: Download Virtualbox and download Ubuntu, so that you can run Ubuntu in a virtual machine on your computer. (It's fast and easy!) Then, install gEDA (gschem and PCB) from the Ubuntu software center.


Installing gEDA on Mac

  • gEDA can be run on the Mac as an X11 application or in a virtual machine.
  • Standard method 1: Use MacPorts, and install both "geda-gaf" and "pcb." You may also want to use the Porticus GUI to make that process easier.
  • Standard method 2: Use Fink, and install the "geda-bundle." You may also want to use the Fink Commander GUI to make that process easier. More about this process here.
  • Standard method 3: Use Homebrew and "brew install geda-gaf pcb".
  • Virtual machine method: Download Virtualbox and download Ubuntu, so that you can run Ubuntu in a virtual machine on your computer. (It's fast and easy!) Then, install gEDA (gschem and PCB) from the Ubuntu software center. Note: this is faster than the Fink method-- under 1 hour, if you have a reasonably fast internet connection.

Installing gEDA on Linux

  • In Ubuntu, install gEDA (gschem and PCB) from the Ubuntu software center.
  • Similar packages are available for other Linux flavors, for example as Debian Packages.


Introductory tutorials


In-depth documentation about gschem and PCB


Symbols and Footprints

Symbols: Schematic symbols for use in gschem


Footprints: component footprints for use in PCB


Footprint-generating utilities

  • Footgen, Darryl Harmon's python-based footprint generator for geda/pcb
  • Ruby-based footprint generator by Stefan Salewski
  • Footprintbuilder interactive Java-based footprint design tool supporting gEDA/PCB and KiCad by Robert Fitzsimons
  • Browser-based footprint generator
  • Browser-based rectangular footprint generator by chlazza.net
  • A method of making constraint-based footprints


Format documentation


gEDA Utilities

  • Wedana: Cross-platform browser-based tools to view and edit data from gEDA applications.
  • A script to convert gschem .sch files to SVG


Simulating circuits with gEDA and friends


Platform-specific tips and resources

For Mac users