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PCB Layout Query Functions

Updated: October 08, 2026

At a Glance

This article introduces the PCB layout query functions available in Altium Designer, showing how the built in query engine helps you precisely target PCB and PCB Library objects using specific keywords and syntax. It explains that queries can be used to identify objects by type, properties, or both, and points you to the key categories of available keywords, including attribute checks, fields, layer checks, membership checks, object type checks, and parameters. It also highlights helpful ways to get keyword specific assistance directly from the Query Helper, Filter panel, or PCB design rule query field. If you want a clearer understanding of how to find and work with the exact objects you need in your PCB design workflow, this is a practical place to start, keep reading.

- Learn what PCB queries are in Altium Designer and how they are used to scope specific objects in PCB and PCB Library documents.
- See the main categories of query language keywords available, so you know where to focus when building or reviewing queries.
- Find out how to access context sensitive help for individual query keywords directly within the editor tools.
Go Deeper with AI:

PCB query functions shown in the Query Helper dialog
PCB query functions shown in the Query Helper dialog

Underlying Altium Designer's schematic and PCB editors is a powerful query engine. By entering queries into this engine, you can logically scope precisely those objects you require.

A query is a string you enter using specific keywords and syntax, which will return the targeted objects. There are many keywords available, allowing you to target objects by their type, their properties, or both.

For a detailed overview of using the query language, see Working with the Query Language.

The reference pages listed below detail the query language keywords available in PCB and PCB Library documents in Altium Designer.

  • For help on a specific query keyword, you can highlight (or click inside) any given keyword in the Query Helper, a Filter panel, or the Query field of a PCB design rule then press F1 to access its section right away.

  • Learn more about the schematic editor query language keywords.

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Feature Availability

The features available to you depend on which Altium solution you have – Altium Develop, Altium Agile Teams, Altium Agile Enterprise, or Altium Designer (on active term).

If you don’t see a documented feature in your actual software, contact Altium Sales to find out more.

Legacy Documentation

Altium Designer documentation is no longer versioned. If you need to access documentation for older versions of Altium Designer, visit the Legacy Documentation section of the Other Installers page.