ShowConnections

Applied Parameters: Show=Net

Summary

This command is used to show the (previously hidden) connection lines with respect to a single net. Connection lines are the visual representation of the logical connectivity between net objects. Each of these lines, connecting one pin in a net to another pin in the net, is called a From To. The entire set of connections (From Tos) for a design is often referred to as the 'ratsnest'.

Access

This command can be accessed from the PCB Editor by:

• Choosing the View » Connections » Show Net command from the main menus.
• Using the N keyboard shortcut to access a connections pop-up menu then choosing the Show Connections » Net command.

Use

After launching the command, the cursor will change to a cross-hair and you will be prompted to choose an electrical object or connection. Position the cursor over the net (or a pad connected to the net) you wish to show and click, or press Enter. All connection lines for the chosen net will be shown.

Continue showing the connection lines of other nets or right-click or press Esc to exit.

Note

If you do not know the location of a pad on the net, or one of its connection lines, click in free space and a dialog will pop up, prompting for the net name. If you are unsure of the net name, type ? and click OK to launch the Nets Loaded dialog, which lists all loaded nets for the design. The connection lines for the net you choose in the dialog will be shown when you click OK.

Applied Parameters: Show=ComponentNets

Summary

This command is used to show the (previously hidden) connection lines with respect to all nets associated with a particular component. Connection lines are the visual representation of the logical connectivity between net objects. Each of these lines, connecting one pin in a net to another pin in the net, is called a From To. The entire set of connections (From Tos) for a design is often referred to as the 'ratsnest'.

Access

This command can be accessed from the PCB Editor by:

• Choosing the View » Connections » Show Component Nets command from the main menus.
• Using the N keyboard shortcut to access a connections pop-up menu, then choosing the Show Connections » On Component command.

Use

After launching the command, the cursor will change to a cross-hair and you will be prompted to choose a component. Position the cursor over the component whose associated nets you wish to show and click, or press Enter. The connection lines for these nets will be shown.

Continue showing further nets associated with other components, or right-click, or press Esc, to exit.

Notes

• If you do not know the location of a component, click in free space and a dialog will pop up, prompting for the component's designator. If you are unsure of the designator, type ? and click OK to launch the Components Placed dialog, which lists all components in the design. The connection lines for all nets associated to the component you choose in the dialog will be shown when you click OK.
• You may cycle through the display of the connection lines while moving a component. To do so, press the N key while in movement mode. When pressing the N key in movement mode, the Heads Up Display cycles between displaying connection lines between pads (Pad To Pad), displaying connection lines between pads of the component being moved and track breaks on the board (Breaks), or hiding connection lines (Hidden).

Applied Parameters: Show=All

Summary

This command is used to show all connection lines in the design. Connection lines are the visual representation of the logical connectivity between net objects. Each of these lines, connecting one pin in a net to another pin in the net, is called a From To. The entire set of connections (From Tos) for a design is often referred to as the 'ratsnest'.

Access

This command can be accessed from the PCB Editor by:

• Choosing the View » Connections » Show All command from the main menus.
• Using the N keyboard shortcut to access a connections pop-up menu, then choosing the Show Connections » All command.

Use

After launching the command, the entire ratsnest will be shown.

Applied Parameters: Show=Net|ContextObject=Net

Summary

This command is used to show the (previously hidden) connection lines with respect to the net under the cursor. Connection lines are the visual representation of the logical connectivity between net objects. Each of these lines, connecting one pin in a net to another pin in the net, is called a From To. The entire set of connections (From Tos) for a design is often referred to as the 'ratsnest'.

Access

This command is accessed from the PCB Editor by right-clicking over a net object and choosing the Net Actions » Show Nets command from the context menu.

Use

After launching the command, all connection lines for the net will be shown.

Note

You may cycle through the display of the connection lines while moving a component. To do so, press the N key while in movement mode. When pressing the N key in movement mode, the Heads Up Display cycles between displaying connection lines between pads (Pad To Pad), displaying connection lines between pads of the component being moved and track breaks on the board (Breaks), or hiding connection lines (Hidden).

Applied Parameters: Show=ComponentNets|ContextObject=Component

Summary

This command is used to show the (previously hidden) connection lines with respect to all nets associated with selected components. Connection lines are the visual representation of the logical connectivity between net objects. Each of these lines, connecting one pin in a net to another pin in the net, is called a From To. The entire set of connections (From Tos) for a design is often referred to as the 'ratsnest'.

Access

This command is accessed from the PCB Editor by right-clicking over a component or selecting more than one component then choosing the Component Actions » Show Nets command from the context menu.

Use

After launching the command, all connection lines for the nets associated with the component(s) will be shown.

Note

You may cycle through the display of the connection lines while moving a component. To do so, press the N key while in movement mode. When pressing the N key in movement mode, the Heads Up Display cycles between displaying connection lines between pads (Pad To Pad), displaying connection lines between pads of the component being moved and track breaks on the board (Breaks), or hiding connection lines (Hidden).