PlaceArc

Applied Parameters: UpdateCaption=False

Summary

This command is used to place an Arc object onto the active document, using the arc center as the starting point. An arc is a primitive design object. It is essentially a circular track segment that can be placed on any layer. Arcs can have a variety of uses in PCB layout. For example, they can be used when defining component outlines on the overlay layers, or on a mechanical layer to indicate the board outline, edges of cut outs, and so on. They can also be used to produce curved paths while interactively routing.

Access

This command can be accessed from both PCB and PCB Library Editors by:

• Choosing the applicable command from the main menus: Place » Arc » Arc (Center) from the PCB Editor and Place » Arc (Center) from the PCB Library Editor.
• Locating and using the Arc (Center) command () on the Active Bar.

• Clicking the  button on the Utility Tools drop-down () of the Utilities toolbar (PCB Editor) or PCB Lib Placement toolbar (PCB Library Editor).
• Right-clicking in the workspace then choosing the applicable command from the context menu: Place » Arc » Arc (Center) from the PCB Editor and Place » Arc (Center) from the PCB Library Editor.

Use

After launching the command, the cursor will change to a cross-hair and you will enter arc placement mode. Placement is made by performing the following sequence of actions:

1. Click or press Enter to anchor the center point of the arc.
2. Move the cursor to adjust the radius of the arc then click or press Enter to set it.
3. Move the cursor to adjust the start point for the arc then click or press Enter to anchor it.
4. Move the cursor to change the position of the arc's end point then click or press Enter to anchor it and complete placement of the arc.
5. Continue placing further arcs or right-click or press Esc to exit placement mode.

Additional actions that can be performed during placement are:

• Press the Spacebar before defining the arc's end point to render the arc in the opposite direction.
• Press the L key to flip the arc to the other side of the board – note that this is only possible prior to anchoring the arc's center point.
• Press the + and - keys (on the numeric keypad) to cycle forward and backward through all visible layers in the design respectively – to change placement layer quickly.

Tips

1. While attributes can be modified during placement (Tab to open the Properties panel), keep in mind that these will become the default settings for further placement unless the Permanent option on the PCB Editor – Defaults page of the Preferences dialog is enabled. When this option is enabled, changes made will affect only the object being placed and subsequent objects placed during the same placement session.

Applied Parameters: Method=Edge|UpdateCaption=False

Summary

This command is used to place an Arc object onto the active document, using the edge of the arc as the starting point. The arc angle is fixed at 90°. An arc is a primitive design object. It is essentially a circular track segment that can be placed on any layer. Arcs can have a variety of uses in PCB layout. For example, they can be used when defining component outlines on the overlay layers, or on a mechanical layer to indicate the board outline, edges of cut outs, and so on. They can also be used to produce curved paths while interactively routing.

Access

This command can be accessed from both PCB and PCB Library Editors by:

• Choosing the applicable command from the main menus: Place » Arc » Arc (Edge) from the PCB Editor and Place » Arc (Edge) from the PCB Library Editor.
• Locating and using the Arc (Edge) command () on the Active Bar.

• Clicking the  button on the Wiring toolbar (PCB Editor) or the PCB Lib Placement toolbar (PCB Library Editor).
• Right-clicking in the workspace then choosing the Place » Arc » Arc (Edge) command from the context menu (PCB Editor only).

Use

After launching the command, the cursor will change to a cross-hair and you will enter arc placement mode. Placement is made by performing the following sequence of actions:

1. Click or press Enter to anchor the start point for the arc.
2. Move the cursor to change the position of the arc's end point then click or press Enter to anchor it and complete placement of the arc.
3. Continue placing further arcs or right-click or press Esc to exit placement mode.

Additional actions that can be performed during placement are:

• Press the Spacebar before defining the arc's end point to render the arc in the opposite direction.
• Press the L key to flip the arc to the other side of the board – note that this is only possible prior to anchoring the arc's start point.
• Press the + and - keys (on the numeric keypad) to cycle forward and backward through all visible layers in the design, respectively, to change placement layer quickly.

Tips

1. While attributes can be modified during placement (Tab to bring up the Properties panel), keep in mind that these will become the default settings for further placement unless the Permanent option on the PCB Editor – Defaults page of the Preferences dialog is enabled. When this option is enabled, changes made will affect only the object being placed and subsequent objects placed during the same placement session.

Applied Parameters: Method=EdgeAnyAngle|UpdateCaption=False

Summary

This command is used to place an Arc object onto the active document, using the edge of the arc as the starting point. The angle of the arc can be any value. An arc is a primitive design object. It is essentially a circular track segment that can be placed on any layer. Arcs can have a variety of uses in PCB layout. For example, they can be used when defining component outlines on the overlay layers, or on a mechanical layer to indicate the board outline, edges of cut outs, and so on. They can also be used to produce curved paths while interactively routing.

Access

This command can be accessed from both PCB and PCB Library Editors by:

• Choosing the applicable command from the main menus: Place » Arc » Arc (Any Angle) from the PCB Editor and Place » Arc (Any Angle) from the PCB Library Editor.
• Locating and using the Arc (Any Angle) command () on the Active Bar.

• Clicking the  button on the Utility Tools drop-down () of the Utilities toolbar (PCB Editor) or the PCB Lib Placement toolbar (PCB Library Editor).
• Right-clicking in the workspace then choosing the Place » Arc » Arc (Any Angle) command from the context menu (PCB Editor only).

Use

After launching the command, the cursor will change to a cross-hair and you will enter arc placement mode. Placement is made by performing the following sequence of actions:

1. Click or press Enter to anchor the start point for the arc.
2. Move the cursor to adjust the radius of the arc then click or press Enter to anchor the center point.
3. Move the cursor to change the position of the arc's end point then click or press Enter to anchor it and complete placement of the arc.
4. Continue placing further arcs, or right-click or press Esc to exit placement mode.

Additional actions that can be performed during placement are:

• Press the Spacebar before defining the arc's end point to render the arc in the opposite direction.
• Press the L key to flip the arc to the other side of the board – note that this is only possible prior to anchoring the arc's start point.
• Press the + and - keys (on the numeric keypad) to cycle forward and backward through all visible layers in the design, respectively, to change placement layer quickly.

Tips

1. While attributes can be modified during placement (Tab to bring up the Properties panel), keep in mind that these will become the default settings for further placement unless the Permanent option on the PCB Editor – Defaults page of the Preferences dialog is enabled. When this option is enabled, changes made will affect only the object being placed and subsequent objects placed during the same placement session.

Applied Parameters: Method=Circle|UpdateCaption=False

Summary

This command is used to place a 360° (full circle) arc object onto the active document. An arc is a primitive design object. It is essentially a circular track segment that can be placed on any layer. Arcs can have a variety of uses in PCB layout. For example, they can be used when defining component outlines on the overlay layers, or on a mechanical layer to indicate the board outline, edges of cut outs, and so on. They can also be used to produce curved paths while interactively routing.

Access

This command can be accessed from both PCB and PCB Library Editors by:

• Choosing the applicable command from the main menus: Place » Arc » Full Circle from the PCB Editor and Place » Full Circle from the PCB Library Editor.
• Locating and using the Full Circle command () on the Active Bar.

• Clicking the  button on the Utility Tools drop-down () of the Utilities toolbar (PCB Editor) or the PCB Lib Placement toolbar (PCB Library Editor).
• Right-clicking in the workspace then choosing the Place » Arc » Full Circle command from the context menu (PCB Editor only).

Use

After launching the command, the cursor will change to a crosshair and you will enter arc placement mode. Placement is made by performing the following sequence of actions:

1. Click or press Enter to anchor the center point of the arc.
2. Move the cursor to adjust the radius of the arc then click or press Enter to set it and complete placement of the arc.
3. Continue placing further arcs or right-click or press Esc to exit placement mode.

Additional actions that can be performed during placement are:

• Press the L key to flip the arc to the other side of the board – note that this is only possible prior to anchoring the arc's center point.
• Press the + and - keys (on the numeric keypad) to cycle forward and backward through all visible layers in the design, respectively, to change placement layer quickly.

Tips

1. While attributes can be modified during placement (Tab to bring up the Properties panel), keep in mind that these will become the default settings for further placement unless the Permanent option on the PCB Editor – Defaults page of the Preferences dialog is enabled. When this option is enabled, changes made will affect only the object being placed and subsequent objects placed during the same placement session.

Applied Parameters: Keepout=True|UpdateCaption=False

Summary

This command is used to place a Keepout Arc object onto the active document. A Keepout in PCB design is a user-defined area or perimeter placed in the layout that copper objects cannot intersect. Typically included to control the area used by automated copper placement actions, such as polygon pours and interactive routing, a Keepout also represents an invalid location when manually placing copper objects. 

As specified ‘no go’ areas during design layout, Keepout objects use the existing Clearance Constraint Rules to control routing and detect placement violations, but unlike other placed objects, cannot be assigned to a Net and are not shown in generated Outputs or printouts. In its simplest sense, a Keepout acts as an ‘interference’ object that prevents other copper objects from intersecting its area as specified by the global Clearance Rule.

Access

This command is accessed from the PCB Editor and the PCB Library Editor by:

• Choosing the Place » Keepout » Arc (Center) command from the main menus.
• Locating and using the Keepout Arc (Center) command () on the Active Bar.

• Right-clicking in the workspace and choosing the Place » Keepout » Arc (Center) command from the context menu (PCB Editor only). 

Use

After launching the command, the cursor will change to a cross-hair and you will enter keepout arc placement mode. Placement is made by performing the following sequence of actions:

1. Click or press Enter to anchor the center point of the keepout arc.
2. Move the cursor to adjust the radius of the keepout arc then click or press Enter to set it.
3. Move the cursor to adjust the start point for the keepout arc then click or press Enter to anchor it.
4. Move the cursor to change the position of the keepout arc's end point then click or press Enter to anchor it and complete placement of the keepout arc.
5. Continue placing further keepout arcs or right-click or press Esc to exit placement mode.

Additional actions that can be performed during placement are:

• Press the Spacebar before defining the keepout arc's end point to render the keepout arc in the opposite direction.
• Press the L key to flip the keepout arc to the other side of the board – note that this is only possible prior to anchoring the keepout arc's center point.
• Press the + and - keys (on the numeric keypad) to cycle forward and backward through all visible layers in the design, respectively, to change placement layer quickly.

Tips

1. To place an all-layer keepout, make the Keepout layer the active layer, then place the keepout arc on that layer. Alternatively, after placement, select the keepout arc and set its Restricted for Layer field (in the Properties section of the Properties panel) to Keep-Out Layer. Keepouts are indicated by the current Keep-Out layer color. Keepout objects set to a specific signal layer are outlined by the Keep-Out color, whereas Keepouts on the Keep-Out Layer show as solid color.
2. When editing the properties of the placed keepout arc, the associated Keepout Restrictions options determine which object types will be restricted by the Keepout. Deselecting an object type will cause the Keepout to allow transgressions by that type of object (not kept out) by not imposing the applicable Clearance Rule.
3. Keepouts are automatically restricted to the Layer on which they are placed, so Keepouts applied directly to the Keep-Out layer will become All Layer Keepouts. When the Keepout Layer is changed, the Keepout will be limited to, and appear on, the specified Layer. Note that a conventional (non Keepout) object cannot be placed on the Keep-Out Layer.
4. While attributes can be modified during placement (Tab to bring up the Properties panel), keep in mind that these will become the default settings for further placement unless the Permanent option on the PCB Editor – Defaults page of the Preferences dialog is enabled. When this option is enabled, changes made will affect only the object being placed and subsequent objects placed during the same placement session.

Applied Parameters: Method=Edge|Keepout=True

Summary

This command is used to place a Keepout Arc object onto the active document, using the edge of the arc as the starting point. The arc angle is fixed at 90°. A Keepout in PCB design is a user defined area or perimeter placed in the layout that copper objects cannot intersect. Typically included to control the area used by automated copper placement actions, such as polygon pours and interactive routing, a Keepout also represents an invalid location when manually placing copper objects. 

As specified ‘no go’ areas during design layout, Keepout objects use the existing Clearance Constraint Rules to control routing and detect placement violations, but unlike other placed objects, cannot be assigned to a Net and are not shown in generated Outputs or printouts. In its simplest sense, a Keepout acts as an ‘interference’ object that prevents other copper objects from intersecting its area as specified by the global Clearance Rule.

Access

This command can be accessed from the PCB Editor and the PCB Library Editor by:

• Choosing the Place » Keepout » Arc (Edge) command from the main menus.
• Right-clicking in the workspace and choosing the Place » Keepout » Arc (Edge) command from the context menu (PCB Editor only).

Use

After launching the command, the cursor will change to a cross-hair and you will enter keepout arc placement mode. Placement is made by performing the following sequence of actions:

1. Click or press Enter to anchor the start point for the keepout arc.
2. Move the cursor to change the position of the keepout arc's end point then click or press Enter to anchor it and complete placement of the keepout arc.
3. Continue placing further keepout arcs or right-click or press Esc to exit placement mode.

Additional actions that can be performed during placement are:

• Press the Spacebar before defining the keepout arc's end point to render the keepout arc in the opposite direction.
• Press the L key to flip the keepout arc to the other side of the board – note that this is only possible prior to anchoring the keepout arc's start point.
• Press the + and - keys (on the numeric keypad) to cycle forward and backward through all visible layers in the design, respectively, to change placement layer quickly.

Tips

1. To place an all-layer keepout, make the Keepout layer the active layer then place the keepout arc on that layer. Alternatively, after placement, select the keepout arc and set its Restricted for Layer field (in the Properties section of the Properties panel) to Keep-Out Layer. Keepouts are indicated by the current Keep-Out layer color. Keepout objects set to a specific signal layer are outlined by the Keep-Out color, whereas Keepouts on the Keep-Out Layer show as solid color.
2. When editing the properties of the placed keepout arc, the associated Keepout Restrictions options determine which object types will be restricted by the Keepout. Deselecting an object type will cause the Keepout to allow transgressions by that type of object (not kept out) by not imposing the applicable Clearance Rule.
3. Keepouts are automatically restricted to the Layer on which they are placed, so Keepouts applied directly to the Keep-Out layer will become All Layer Keepouts. When the Keepout Layer is changed, the Keepout will be limited to, and appear on, the specified Layer. Note that a conventional (non Keepout) object cannot be placed on the Keep-Out Layer.
4. While attributes can be modified during placement (Tab to bring up the Properties panel), keep in mind that these will become the default settings for further placement unless the Permanent option on the PCB Editor – Defaults page of the Preferences dialog is enabled. When this option is enabled, changes made will affect only the object being placed and subsequent objects placed during the same placement session.

Applied Parameters: Method=EdgeAnyAngle|Keepout=True

Summary

This command is used to place a Keepout Arc object onto the active document, using the edge of the arc as the starting point. The angle of the arc can be any value. A Keepout in PCB design is a user-defined area or perimeter placed in the layout that copper objects cannot intersect. Typically included to control the area used by automated copper placement actions, such as polygon pours and interactive routing, a Keepout also represents an invalid location when manually placing copper objects. 

As specified ‘no go’ areas during design layout, Keepout objects use the existing Clearance Constraint Rules to control routing and detect placement violations, but unlike other placed objects, cannot be assigned to a Net and are not shown in generated Outputs or printouts. In its simplest sense, a Keepout acts as an ‘interference’ object that prevents other copper objects from intersecting its area, as specified by the global Clearance Rule.

Access

This command can be accessed from the PCB Editor and the PCB Library Editor by:

• Choosing the Place » Keepout » Arc (Any Angle) command from the main menus.
• Right-clicking in the workspace and choosing the Place » Keepout » Arc (Any Angle) command from the context menu (PCB Editor only).

Use

After launching the command, the cursor will change to a cross-hair and you will enter keepout arc placement mode. Placement is made by performing the following sequence of actions:

1. Click or press Enter to anchor the start point for the keepout arc.
2. Move the cursor to adjust the radius of the keepout arc then click or press Enter to anchor the center point.
3. Move the cursor to change the position of the keepout arc's end point then click or press Enter to anchor it and complete placement of the keepout arc.
4. Continue placing further keepout arcs or right-click or press Esc to exit placement mode.

Additional actions that can be performed during placement are:

• Press the Spacebar before defining the keepout arc's end point to render the keepout arc in the opposite direction.
• Press the L key to flip the keepout arc to the other side of the board – note that this is only possible prior to anchoring the keepout arc's start point.
• Press the + and - keys (on the numeric keypad) to cycle forward and backward through all visible layers in the design, respectively, to change placement layer quickly.

Tips

1. To place an all-layer keepout, make the Keepout layer the active layer then place the keepout arc on that layer. Alternatively, after placement, select the keepout arc and set its Restricted for Layer field (in the Properties section of the Properties panel) to Keep-Out Layer. Keepouts are indicated by the current Keep-Out layer color. Keepout objects set to a specific signal layer are outlined by the Keep-Out color, whereas Keepouts on the Keep-Out Layer show as solid color.
2. When editing the properties of the placed keepout arc, the associated Keepout Restrictions options determine which object types will be restricted by the Keepout. Deselecting an object type will cause the Keepout to allow transgressions by that type of object (not kept out) by not imposing the applicable Clearance Rule.
3. Keepouts are automatically restricted to the Layer on which they are placed, so Keepouts applied directly to the Keep-Out layer will become All Layer Keepouts. When the Keepout Layer is changed, the Keepout will be limited to, and appear on, the specified Layer. Note that a conventional (non Keepout) object cannot be placed on the Keep-Out Layer.
4. While attributes can be modified during placement (Tab to bring up the Properties panel), keep in mind that these will become the default settings for further placement unless the Permanent option on the PCB Editor – Defaults page of the Preferences dialog is enabled. When this option is enabled, changes made will affect only the object being placed and subsequent objects placed during the same placement session.

Applied Parameters: Method=Circle|Keepout=True

Summary

This command is used to place a Keepout 360° (full circle) Arc object onto the active document. A Keepout in PCB design is a user defined area or perimeter placed in the layout that copper objects cannot intersect. Typically included to control the area used by automated copper placement actions, such as polygon pours and interactive routing, a Keepout also represents an invalid location when manually placing copper objects. 

As specified ‘no go’ areas during design layout, Keepout objects use the existing Clearance Constraint Rules to control routing and detect placement violations, but unlike other placed objects, cannot be assigned to a Net and are not shown in generated Outputs or printouts. In its simplest sense, a Keepout acts as an ‘interference’ object that prevents other copper objects from intersecting its area, as specified by the global Clearance Rule.

Access

This command can be accessed from the PCB Editor and the PCB Library Editor by:

• Choosing the Place » Keepout » Full Circle command from the main menus.
• Right-clicking in the workspace and choosing the Place » Keepout » Full Circle command from the context menu (PCB Editor only).

Use

After launching the command, the cursor will change to a crosshair and you will enter keepout arc placement mode. Placement is made by performing the following sequence of actions:

1. Click or press Enter to anchor the center point of the keepout arc.
2. Move the cursor to adjust the radius of the keepout arc then click or press Enter to set it and complete placement of the keepout arc.
3. Continue placing further keepout arcs or right-click or press Esc to exit placement mode.

Additional actions that can be performed during placement are:

• Press the L key to flip the keepout arc to the other side of the board – note that this is only possible prior to anchoring the keepout arc's center point.
• Press the + and - keys (on the numeric keypad) to cycle forward and backward through all visible layers in the design, respectively, to change placement layer quickly.

Tips

1. To place an all-layer keepout, make the Keepout layer the active layer then place the keepout arc on that layer. Alternatively, after placement, select the keepout arc and set its Restricted for Layer field (in the Properties section of the Properties panel) to Keep-Out Layer. Keepouts are indicated by the current Keep-Out layer color. Keepout objects set to a specific signal layer are outlined by the Keep-Out color, whereas Keepouts on the Keep-Out Layer show as solid color.
2. When editing the properties of the placed keepout arc, the associated Keepout Restrictions options determine which object types will be restricted by the Keepout. Deselecting an object type will cause the Keepout to allow transgressions by that type of object (not kept out) by not imposing the applicable Clearance Rule.
3. Keepouts are automatically restricted to the Layer on which they are placed, so Keepouts applied directly to the Keep-Out layer will become All Layer Keepouts. When the Keepout Layer is changed, the Keepout will be limited to, and appear on, the specified Layer. Note that a conventional (non Keepout) object cannot be placed on the Keep-Out Layer.
4. While attributes can be modified during placement (Tab to bring up the Properties panel), keep in mind that these will become the default settings for further placement unless the Permanent option on the PCB Editor – Defaults page of the Preferences dialog is enabled. When this option is enabled, changes made will affect only the object being placed and subsequent objects placed during the same placement session.