1. Beginner: how to start using pcb-rnd

1.1. Long, complete

• Cuvoodoo's excellent live session series on a complete hardware design workflow: pcb-rnd first part: import netlist and subcircuit placement; next part is about routing the nets. Third part is with DRC and fabbing preparations. It is worth watching the rest of the series as well.

1.2. Short, per feature

• Nodes listed in the user guide
• Quickest forward annotation with import schematics
• Setting up your own footprint lib
• How to use the grid
• Explanation on terms related to netlists and import schematics, including "annotation"
• How to edit lines
• How to edit arcs
• How to edit polygons
• How to ground pour or plane using a rectangular polygon
• How to make thermal relief
• How to manage layers and layer groups using the cross section view
• How to change properties of one or multiple objects using the property editor
• Drag-and-drop selection: negative direction selection
• Board outline: drawing on a boundary layer

2. Advanced: fancy features, tips & tricks

2.1. Footprint creation

• Celem's tutorial on importing curvy assembly drawing from datasheet through inkscape.

2.2. Efficient editing

• How to mass change properties (e.g. unify trace widths, clearances, etc.)
• Impedance calculator and semi automated setup tool for impedance matched traces , e.g. microstrip
• Generating visual difference between boards
• Merging two or more boards
• In-place subcircuit editing with loose subc
• If a hotkey or menu is missing: patch the menu!
• Marking subcirciuts nonetlist so import schematics/netlist won't interfere with them
• Cycledrag for selecting which endpoint to grab on overlap
• Advanced search from the command line: query() examples
• Semi-automatic back annotation (requires gschem)

2.3. Import

• Erich's howto on importing HPGL vector graphics (e.g. exported from mechanical CAD programs as plots)
• Erich's howto on importing vector graphics from inkscape
• Quickest forward annotation with import schematics
• Tracing a background pixmap image

2.4. Export

• Configuring the XY exporter for custom format (pick and place)
• Exporting 3d: stl
• Exporting a drill file in gerber (not excellon)
• Using noexport for having object side effects without the objects

2.5. Tricky PCB fab processes

• Selective filled vias with attributes and CAM
• Pull-away: copper not extending to board edge
• How to specify a pick-and-place origin of the board
• Using pcb-rnd for panelizing: multiple layouts, updating them, mouse bites, fiducials

2.6. Managing complex objects

• Using dimension lines (extended object)
• Drawing pairs or parallel buses (extended object)
• Drawing a line of vias (extended object, e.g. via fencing high speed or high frequency traces)
• Thick traces and areas within other polygons using poly-clear-poly (useful for high current applications)
• editing fonts
• Disconnect copper within a subcircuit with intnoconn (avoids false positive shorts for antennes, coils)
• Emulate connection within a subcircuit with intconn (specify part-internal connections)
• QR code on board

2.7. QA

• Typical uses of the Design Rule Checker
• DRC script: zone based clearance rules
• DRC script: keepout (courtyard)

2.8. User scripting

• Interactive edit and run: live scripting

2.9. Misc

• ScribblesOnNapkins' hairpin filter simulation using OpenEMS ; written version
• Vuokko's howto on reproducing copper traces on silk
• How to use pcb-rnd for non-pcb drawings
• Text object tight clearance (optionally replaces the boxy clearance around text)

3. Old, somewhat outdated

These are made with old versions of pcb-rnd. Some parts of the processes shown here should still work and are still relevant, but there has been major changes in recent versions and/or the same goals can be achieved by much simpler ways.

• Celem's tutorial on footprint editing with breakup and convert using an old version of pcb-rnd. We have padstacks since. It's also possible to simply open the footprint file directly and go without having to break up or convert.