PADS Utilities and Scripts

Save the script in an appropriate folder and add it to PADS’s script list. The files to download can be found in the file list on this page.

PADS Layout Scripts

IPC-D-356A Script

Generates an IPC-D-356A netlist. Unlike the standard PADS export, this script checks the offsets in the Gerber and Excellon output specifications.

Stacked via Utility

Create combinations of through-holes between layers and print the layer-specific information for the through-holes.

Center Point Output

Printing of center points, where the SMD component is identified based on the hole in pin 1.

Bi-directional Excel Link

Import the decals’ coordinates into Excel and back into Layout—for example, test point pads with new coordinates. Tip: Include only the rows that have changed in the Excel list to speed up the process.

PADS Designer

DxDBTweaker

A utility program for maintaining the Databook database (MS Access).

Multiple decal pins on a single part pin

Video: Mapping Multiple Physical Pins to a Single Logical Pin, or how to connect multiple Decal pins to a single Part pin.

Importing Graphic Objects into PADS

2D objects are compatible between Logic and Layout, and Layout offers more versatile editing tools and import filters. It’s generally best to import a logo this way:

1. Open the logo as a bitmap in a graphics program (e.g., CorelDraw) and run the “Trace” command, which creates outline strokes between the colors.
2. Export the result as a DXF file in the old format (V10 or earlier), in which case no B-spline definitions will be included.
3. Import it into DXF Layout. You can combine it, close it into a polygon (join, close), scale it, and convert it into a copper area, a board outline, or a mask area.
4. Save it to the 2D library, from which you can also access it in Logic.

Allegro Files to PADS

Converting Allegro files to PADS typically requires a script file obtained from Allegro. Henrik Gottlieb of the Danish company PCB Design offers these conversion services at a reasonable price. Please contact us for his contact information.