Knowledge Base

Knowledge Base

Created: November 19, 2020 | Updated: May 19, 2023

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Our Knowledge Base is developed from our users questions. Find answers and step-by-step instructions. Chances are we’ve seen your question before.

 

Title Views Votes

New to Altium Designer or resume work with AD after break or major update

For all those who are new to Altium, starting to use it now more frequently or have updated from a really old version. This article covers how to contact Support, finding Learning Materials, Tutorials, and other useful information for getting (re) started.

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0
1
253 views
2531

License Allocation/Assignment

This article reviews how an administrator can create/manage license assignments, and issues that can be caused by improper allocations, such as: • License not showing up in Altium Designer License Management page, • Number of seats in Altium Designer does not match license seat count in dashboard, • The license management page is showing the same license twice, • A message says all seats are in use, but he Assigned Seat Count column shows not all seats are used. • A user taking more than one license,

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0
0
75 views
750

URL address and Port information

For organizations that have strict firewall rules, this article has information on what URLs and Ports are required to be opened or whitelisted. Especially if you are getting error messages like "Ciiva - The underlying connection was closed..." This may be helpful if there is difficulty with running Altium while connected to a VPN, but disconnecting from the VPN resolves the issues.

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9
2
450 views
450-7

Convert P-CAD file to Altium

When trying to import a P-CAD PCB file using the Import Wizard, I get a "file not recognized" message.

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4
0
94 views
94-4

control component parameter appearance in schematic

configure location/font/size/color/visibility of comment, designator, as well as other parameters

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45
81
144 views
14436

Crashing

This article provides information that you can use to resolve an issue with crashing and to collect the information we may need, to be able to help you.

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0
0
63 views
630

Transfer workspace data

This article discusses options for migrating or synching design/component data from/to A365 workspace

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2
0
79 views
79-2

Layer Stack Table missing some layers or column

You may come across some issue when placing, say, Layer Stack Table, in your *.PcbDoc for your documentation purpose, as it may not support all newly added elements, such as Surface Finish layer. Altium considers the legacy method to be somewhat obsolete and instead would like to direct you to Draftsman for this purpose.

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1
1
144 views
1440

Cannot select objects away from or not visible in PCB boundary

There appears to be objects outside of my workspace area, I am not able to find nor select them. How can I select them to delete. No matter what I do, it will not be selected.

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43
6
84 views
84-37

Edit Components in Altium 365

Working with and editing managed components in Altium 365

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5
0
154 views
154-5

ECAD-MCAD model not properly imported warning

Transfering to MCAD domain, a message indicating there is a problem with 3D model and it will be substitute with simple geometry.

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4
0
104 views
104-4

How to fix project data after Git Error with status code 471

The git server on our side has protection against misuse: it does not allow binary files larger than 256 MB of the following types: zip, 7z, and rar. Pushing those files to repositories can lead to significant slowdown in both client-side and server-side processing of customer data, up to denial of service. Once the user tries to save such a file to the server from Altium designer, the save operation will be rejected by the server with the Git Error: request failed with status code 471

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0
0
30 views
300

Installation issues

This article has solutions to issues that may arise while installing Altium Designer.

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5
2
220 views
220-3

Receiving Error code 68

I'm getting one of these errors when starting Altium Designer: Exception loading Wpf UI Error initializing licensing service Error code 68

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0
5
102 views
1025

Edit schematic template

What is the trick to enable complete editing of a schematic template document? Whether I load a .SchDot document or rename it to .SchDoc, the title block and parameters remain completely unselectable and uneditable.

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0
0
37 views
370

MCAD Fusion 360 Personal: Components are not shown

This version of Fusion 360 is for non-commercial use.

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0
0
56 views
560

component type vs folder

I have successfully created an additional components folder and a component in it via the "Explorer" panel when connected to a managed content server. Then I expected to see this new folder and the component in the "Components" panel, but this is not happening. What I am doing wrong?

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1
0
23 views
23-1

Copying Multiline text to a string

When copying multiple lines of text from a PDF document to paste into a single string, only the first line will paste.

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5
0
48 views
48-5

Setup mixed sim in Altium Designer

How to activate the Mixed Simulation tool in Altium Designer? Where can I find more information about simulation?

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2
6
124 views
1244

Change folder path location of managed project

Two conceivable scenarios here are: A. there are some changes on the master server project repository that you want to pull as a local working repositiory (ignoring local changes if any) to a folder path location different from the previous/default B. there are some changes made on a local working repository whose folder path location you want to change before pushing the changes back to the master server project repository

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0
0
16 views
160

How to change the Port Cross Reference Display?

I'd like to add port references to my schematic, but I don't want to include the zone or grid references in order to save space.

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13
8
104 views
104-5

When things don't display or print properly

Here are some things to try when a panel doesn't open after selection or doesn't display properly, or when things don't display or print properly in general

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43
3
133 views
133-40

Is it possible in Altium 365 to remove a release and redo the process so we can keep the same revision number?

This knowledge article explains reverting manufacture server items to a previous revision.

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58
8
246 views
246-50

Slowness in specific areas

Sometimes there are settings or things about your documents that can cause unusual slowness. Here are some things to look for.

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20
3
273 views
273-17

Linking Spice model

While it is vital that all components in the design to have models linked, which compiler can also verify, it is even more critical to make sure that those linked models have pins mapped correctly with the corresponding schematic symbols, as there is no automated means for compiler to decipher and flag if the existing pin mapping is unintended. tags: simulation, model, spice, component, part, multi

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0
0
39 views
390

Beige Color Marker On PCB

What are all those beige color makers/icons/symbols on pcb? How do I get rid of them?

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0
0
34 views
340

Why won't my polygon pour?

This article reviews some reasons why polygons won't pour.

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1
0
27 views
27-1

How is the Component Pick and Place Center determined for a Footprint?

How is the Centroid data determined for a footprint? How does it determine center if the footprint has no Pad primitives?

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1
0
27 views
27-1

Single Layer Board

How do I define a single layer (single sided) board in the layer stack manager? I have two layers, but Layer Stack Manager won't let me delete one of the signal layers.

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0
0
44 views
440

On-Prem server issues after migration - Re-index

After updating an On-Prem server you may experience some of these issues: The "500 Internal Server Error" error message. Component cannot be released. Health monitor may show index errors. Re-indexing likely will resolve these issues. This article tells you how.

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6
0
231 views
231-6

how to change project release revision naming scheme

I have a project in Altium 365 cloud which already have one release done, and I want to change project release number from standard scheme A.1 to something else.

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0
0
58 views
580

Managed Content Server upgrade

This document covers a best practice quick review of the steps to follow when upgrading your current on-site managed content server to our current version. As when you have been using Vault and want to upgrade to Concord Pro or Altium Enterprise Server.

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0
0
118 views
1180

Viewing Copper in SOLIDWORKS

I can only see the bare board and components. How can I see the copper traces in SOLIDWORKS MCAD?

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0
2
89 views
892

Silkscreen not displaying in SOLIDWORKS

ECAD / MCAD CoDesigner transfer is not showing silkscreen in SOLIDWORKS. Sometimes the decals that represent copper and silkscreen and solder mask are not shown in SW 2019+ because of problems with the rendering on some video cards. The solution can be to change this flag in SOLIDWORKS preferences.

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36
0
184 views
184-36

How to short two different Nets - create a Net Tie

This article covers the basics for the creation of a Net Tie

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11
22
158 views
15811

Why is double-click necessary to select components

When components require a double-click to select them, the component is usually locked. Users generally lock components when they want to keep the component in its current position and rotation. Requiring a double-click to select a locked component helps to prevent accidental moving or dragging of a component. 

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1
0
25 views
25-1

General Slowness

Here is a long list of things that may help you track down an underlying cause.

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40
3
251 views
251-37

Signing into a managed content server from within Altium Designer

Signing into and Connecting to a managed content server (such as Altium 365 workspace, Concord Pro, NEXUS, or Vault server) from within Altium Designer. Includes trouble shooting for the message "You don't have any workspaces available" and "Failed to get available workspaces. NetworkActivity: Access Denied."

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0
0
308 views
3080

Multiple Server CAL checkout

Signing into Concord Pro or NEXUS Server, duplicate checkouts per user are happening.

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0
0
132 views
1320

Cannot change via style while using Interactive Route

The Via size are not changing while interactively routing. It always defaults to a large size.

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5
0
28 views
28-5

Error from Portal365.altium.com

I am receiving an error message when I try to sign in to Altium designer. "Error from portal365.altium.com: The server name could not be resolved" or "Error from portal365.altium.com: The attempt to connect to the server failed" or "Error from portal365.altium.com: A secure channel could not be established" or "Error from portal365.altium.com : Server SSL certificate is invalid

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16
4
239 views
239-12

How can I change the grid from mil to mm or set my designator to Visible in a Schematic Library

How can I change the grid from mil to mm or set my designator to visible in a Schematic Library

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119
14
120 views
120-105

Placing a logo into a PCB document

How to place your company logo or any Graphic object ( a non-electrical primitive that can be placed on a PCB and PCB Library document and populated with a standard image file (*.png, *.jpg, *.bmp, *.svg.).) into your PCB document.

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26
13
177 views
177-13

Could not decompress the image and Runtime error 216

When I start Altium appears a pop up error message "Could not decompress the image because it contains invalid compressed data. Description: data error(-3)" if I click Ok on the message, a new pop up error window appears with "Runtime error 216 at xxxxx" When I click OK again, Altium closes.

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0
0
52 views
520

Update gives error: This application requires Windows hotfix KB3140245

I can load up to 20.1.12, anything newer than that gives me the error. I ran the hotfix but I still get the error message. The error message opens up a Microsoft window that runs through the fix but after doing that it still doesn't work. When I try to install it manually, I'm getting: The update is not applicable to your computer" I am running Widows 7 professional 64bit

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48
2
82 views
82-46

Alternative Parts with Active BOM

I am trying to add an alternative part to an item on the active BOM for a non managed component, but when I right click on my item I do not get the option to add an alternative as expected according to documentation.

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33
1
176 views
176-32

Altium does not start per click (nview)

If I try to start Altium Designer by clicking from the start menu or from the task bar it usually takes a lot of tries to do this.

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13
7
70 views
70-6

How to import Allegro files to Altium

This document describes different approaches for getting Allegro files into Altium Designer.

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13
18
441 views
4415

Viewer

If you have engineers that sometimes need only to view a project and therefore don't need a full license, they can leave the full licenses available in your organization's pool by using a viewer license. This article reviews some options based on your circumstance.

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9
0
71 views
71-9

Title bar buttons display as characters

The title bar buttons for minimize, maximize, and close are displayed as characters 0, 2, and r respectively. This affects all versions of Altium. It happens regardless of which user is logged onto the PC. No other applications are affected.

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1
0
13 views
13-1

Tabbed or stacked fractal panel grouping

This article covers issues with how panels may be grouped, stacked, or docked one above the other in fractal grouping or tabbed mode when docking, and how they can be dragged to arrange them to dock as desired.

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4
9
126 views
1265

Thermal Relief Connections for Custom Pads

How to create Thermal Relief Connections between Polygons and Custom pads.

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18
4
162 views
162-14

Rename Altium 365 Workspace

If you don't like the default name given to your Altium 365 Workspace or your organization has more than one Workspace, or you want the name to better reflect it's function in your organization, the name can be changed.

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0
0
19 views
190

How do I use PerfView to collect additional data?

This article details the steps and settings to collect additional data for your support issue using Microsoft's PerfView tool.

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0
8
94 views
948

What Does the White Arrow on Some Documents Mean?

In the Project Panel, why do some document icons have a small arrow in a white box on them?

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2
2
65 views
650

Owning More Than One Workspace

An organization can only have one workspace.

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0
3
66 views
663

Active Bar how to disable or customize

The Active Bar can be disabled or customized like any toolbar.

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12
10
100 views
100-2

Changing Owner of an Altium 365 Workspace

This knowledge article provides the necessary details to change the owner of your company's active workspace.

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5
5
147 views
1470

Draftsman How to hide designators

Quickly disable / enable display of component designators in Assembly view.

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2
0
21 views
21-2

Release not available

"Release not available: Project is not registerd [sic] in PLM" may show up when using Project Releaser, if you have a PLM extension installed.

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4
2
42 views
42-2

Freezing or long delays

This article covers troubleshooting for the cause, when you experience freezing or long delays and Altium Designer hangs. This is usually the result of a communications issue with network traffic. Altium may be making a network request for which it never gets an answer or something is causing a delay.

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17
1
126 views
126-16

Altium Designer is crashing when trying to Open any project

Getting this error: HRESULT: [0x88990012], Module: [SharpDX.Direct2D1], ApiCode: [D2DERR_WRONG_FACTORY / WrongFactory], Message: The objects used together must be created with the same factory instance at ###... AdvSch.dll, Base Address: ###... Error when starting AD and eventually when I click on SCH sheet or a BomDoc file. Sometimes these error messages continue to pop up over and over again until I close AD from Task Manager.

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106
3
520 views
520-103

Legacy Private License Server using 90 to 100% of the system resources

This article discusses high resource usage by the legacy Private License Server (PLS.)

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0
0
35 views
350

BOM validation issue

I have a violation called "Solution is not recognized" yet some of the components within that violation group actually have solutions. I have solutions in the parts so why am I still getting this error?

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2
0
20 views
20-2

SOLIDWORKS MCAD is used with SW PDM (Product Data Management)

This article has some guidance for when SOLIDWORKS is used with SOLIDWORKS Product Data Management

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0
0
44 views
440

Save project back to server after external changes

I have a project that is stored on our server. I packaged it into a .zip file, and sent it out for edits. How do I replace the files in the managed content server (Workspace, Concord Pro, NEXUS, Vault)?

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2
0
15 views
15-2

Manufacturer Part Search (MPS) panel issues

How to resolve most Manufacturer Part Search (MPS) panel issues

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63
4
245 views
245-59

Having difficulty editing and selecting polygons

I am unable to select the Polygon even though selection filter is enabled. Only way to select is through the green selection box. Also with the Polygon selected, I am unable to change the size and shape.

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11
0
21 views
21-11

How do I click a wire and edit the Net Name

This article describes how to assign a net to a wire

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6
1
22 views
22-5

Annotate Components during Placement

How to annotate the schematic symbols during the placement? The only way I found is by placing several components of the same type, one after the other and by configuring a number behind the ref designator in the properties. When I insert a new component the annotation is always a question mark.

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0
0
12 views
120

Duplicate Net within Hierarchy

In a hierarchical design with the Net Identifier scope set to 'Hierarchical'. Two sub sheets have duplicate net names. These are local to each sheet. I am getting a Duplicate Net Names error.

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3
1
32 views
32-2

Components placed on a schematic or copied to a local schematic library from the Manufacturer Part Search (MPS) panel, Concord Pro, or NEXUS server (AD19 and newer) / Altium Content Vault (AD17 & 18) are still linked to the server and therefore are considered as Managed and can't be modified. You would not be able to remove/edit the existing footprint for example. This article explains how to break the link to the server.

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2
0
52 views
52-2

Searching text in PDF from PCB not found

This article covers when no results are found when searching on strings in the PDF created from a PCB.

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1
1
29 views
290

Slowness at startup

Here are some things that can cause a slow startup.

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1
1
67 views
670

How to import CircuitMaker files into Altium

How to import CircuitMaker / CircuitStudio files into Altium

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17
4
139 views
139-13

Unable to select objects

If you are unable to select objects, make sure to check your configuration in Selection Filter under Properties panel https://www.altium.com/documentation/altium-designer/interactiveproperties-pnl-propertiesproperties-ad#!pcb-support

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258
31
178 views
178-227

Heads up display sometimes not shown

Sometimes, the heads up display in Pcb View is not shown. Why? How can I bring it back?

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0
0
103 views
1030

Connection lines disappear when moving component

On a component with n-number pads the connections disappear when moving the component

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23
8
229 views
229-15

Unable to select and Delete Text

There are text on the PCB that the user is unable to select and due to this, they are unable to move / delete them.

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43
4
80 views
80-39

Library Importer to Altium 365

Importing File-Based libraries to Altium 365 workspaces

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7
2
162 views
162-5

Display mode for schematic symbol

The name of the pins for Alternate1 mode, have to be the same as the Normal mode, or you will get warnings for Missing pin found in component display mode &/or Extra pin found in component display mode.

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2
0
31 views
31-2

Endless looping when trying to sign in

When trying to sign in to the forum, Workspace, or Live.Altium.com, the browser enters an endless loop of re-directs (switches or redirects between alternate pages indefinitely.)

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6
0
62 views
62-6

Connection Lines on PCB - Rats nest display

How do I control the display of Rats nest on my PCB, I want to show or hide them

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35
23
305 views
305-12

Connection lines color

The connection lines do not change color when I select another color in the "View Configuration" panel. I can turn them ON/Off by pressing the "Eye" button. So Why doesn't the color change?

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2
1
42 views
42-1

3D Model Placement in Footprint Library

How to place a 3D Model precisely in your footprint in a PCB library

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11
17
227 views
2276

Library Migration of Different Components with same Graphical Symbols

This article describes how the Library Migrator, used to convert local libraries to managed components in an Altium 365 workspace or a managed server (Concord Pro or Nexus), handles duplicate symbols being used across multiple components with different parameters.

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1
0
264 views
264-1

Variant Printing in Schematic from Output Job

Variants Not showing on the schematic prints when generated through output job.

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35
9
119 views
119-26

Yellow line thru entire PCB window

If you have a yellow line through your PCB, it is probably a guide line (Snap Guide.) The color can be changed.

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2
9
38 views
387

Can't route between Flex and Rigid regions

If you are unable to route a trace between a rigid region and a flex region, there is probably a Board Outline Clearance rule with a Split Continuation value set to anything other than 0, which is causing the split line to be treated as an obstacle.

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4
2
41 views
41-2

Enabling VCS of an Uploaded Altium 365 Project

A previously released project may not have utilized the built-in VCS of Altium 365. This article discusses how to add the project to the built-in VCS of Altium 365 after it has been released.

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0
0
146 views
1460

Working with managed templates on Altium 365 vs file-based in private server

Do I need to add my templates to the managed content server, if so how, or is there a way to make the BOM exporter point to my templates on our company server?

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5
0
177 views
177-5

How to add line number to a BOM template

How to format BOM template column to include line # (line number). Unable to add Line # using the Column=Line Number Format in a BOM Template

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17
0
192 views
192-17

Board Cutout not in Gerber output

Board cutouts are not exported in Gerber file export. This article shows how to generate outlines for the cutouts onto a mechanical layer for documentation and inclusion in the fabrication output files.

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17
56
141 views
14139

Remove Solder Mask and Paste Mask from PCB Pads

How to remove the Solder Mask / Paste Mask from a Pad

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19
5
281 views
281-14

Importer for KiCAD

We see that Altium supports importing of files from Kicad to Altium but we do not see how to add that importer. Do we need a later version of Altium to see this?

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40
6
70 views
70-34

Unions

When I move or drag a component other components move with it. Also covers an error about a name already exists, and "This object is part of a locked union. Continue?"

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6
2
14 views
14-4

Power Port reduced to Local level warning

I get a warning when I compile my project schematics: "Global Power-Object ... has been reduced to local level by presence of port at ..." It is a Warning in the Message panel after validating the project.

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61
4
73 views
73-57

Updating schematic component footprints from the PCB Document.

For designs where the footprints in the PCB do not match the footprint configured in the schematic component, this will show you how to get them in sync.

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64
9
332 views
332-55

MCAD CoDesigner panel is not visible in Creo

There are different resolutions based on whether the add-in is loaded, failed to initialize, or is hidden in the User Interface.

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5
1
45 views
45-4

Graphics Support in Altium 365’s Web Viewer Interface

This knowledge article details the limited support of graphics in Altium 365's web-browser interface.

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1
0
76 views
76-1

Change Password

How to change the password for a user's account

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5
0
43 views
43-5

Sign In button is not active & Error From

When I start Altium, I first get an error "Error from :" which I can get past by clicking OK, but then the Sign in dialog box which follows, will not let me click the Sign in button after I enter my Username (Email) and Password. The Sign in button stays grayed out.

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0
0
71 views
710

SOLIDWORKS CoDesigner panel error: There is no document opened…

I get this message in the SOLIDWORKS CoDesigner panel, "There is no document opened or the active document is not linked with PCB design." (for PCBs pushed from Altium using MCAD CoDesigner to SOLIDWORKS) after creating a "SpeedPak" configuration in SOLIDWORKS, which prevents most parts from loading to improve performance.

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1
0
62 views
62-1

"The Internal ID Does Not Match" issue with SOLIDWORKS MCAD

This happens when several boards with the same set of components are used in a device assembly AND IF there is no common component folder set up in CoDesigner’s settings.

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7
1
88 views
88-6

MCAD collaboration in NEXUS

I can't find the CoDesigner panel in NEXUS.

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0
0
42 views
420

How can other Mechanical Engineers see my MCAD CoDesigner changes?

CoDesigner is not a storage system for synchronizing changes among Mechanical Engineers (MEs)

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0
0
45 views
450

Can I increase the quality of the decals in SOLIDWORKS MCAD?

This article has some options that can affect the quality of decals.

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1
1
38 views
380

MCAD Autodesk Vault is used with Autodesk Inventor

This article describes a short procedure to better enable this functionality

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0
0
34 views
340

MCAD Fusion 360: Bad performance with the boards with 500+ components

This is a known issue with Fusion (reported for all big assemblies, not only with the ones built by CoDesigner.)

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0
0
34 views
340

MCAD Fusion 360: The visibility of Copper and Soldermask

They are hidden by default.

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0
0
30 views
300

Changing the board origin in MCAD

We can't rely on the relative ECAD origin because it can be easily changed in ECAD, and it's not realistic to synchronize the changes with MCAD in that case.

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0
1
46 views
461

Can't export DXF or DWG files - Class not registered error

When I try to export a PCB as a DXF or DWG, I get an error with the following details: Class not registered at ###... SaveDxf.dll, Base Address: ###...

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5
19
98 views
9814

Which subscription plan do I have currently?

This article describes how you can determine your current subscription plan level

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12
1
54 views
54-11

PCB Why do I see Designator overlaid on my extra designators?

Special Strings Display - You toggle the display of the Special Strings overlay within the View Configuration panel, go to the View Options Tab and toggle the visibility of Special Strings.

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2
1
135 views
135-1

ECAD to MCAD transfer redraws board

This article describes why a transfer from ECAD to MCAD redraws board shape and loses board constraints.

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0
0
70 views
700

Altium Academy videos for ECAD-MCAD CoDesigner

Here is a link to a collection of videos from Altium Academy that may improve your experience with ECAD-MCAD CoDesigner

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2
0
72 views
72-2

Importing a logo into a PCB document

This article describes how to import your company logo or other bitmap file (*.bmp) into your PCB document.

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17
8
61 views
61-9

PCB Select and Dimming

This article discusses the ways you can affect Dimming, Masking, Zooming, and whether objects get selected in the document workspace when they are selected in the PCB panel lists.

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19
2
49 views
49-17

PCB Panel Selection and Highlight Controls

When objects are selected in the Primitives list in the PCB panel, the behavior in the editor may not be as expected. This article reviews settings that can change behavior such as Dim / Normal / Mask, Clear Existing, and Zoom etc. and whether objects get selected in the document design editor workspace window when they are selected in the PCB panel lists.

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18
3
72 views
72-15

Connection lines & move component

Why do the connection lines not move the same when I use the Edit ► Move ► Component as they do if I would use dragging of the component in PCB Editor

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21
4
59 views
59-17

Can Only Move Parts So Close To Each Other

How to change the mode of moving Components on a PCB

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9
15
56 views
566

Can you set Electrical Clearance in the Design Rules for the Route Tool Path

Route Tool Path is defined on Mechanical layer, how can I define clearance to this path?

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5
1
175 views
175-4

Can't add bending line/Split line cannot be moved after placing/Board region cannot be selected

How do I add and modify a bending line to my Rigid Flex design?

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23
7
94 views
94-16

Cannot delete Layer from Layerstack

This article describes a couple of scenarios in a Pcb document that can prevent layer deletion in the Layer Stack Manager.

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22
7
362 views
362-15

Clearance Constrain between polyregion on multilayer and pad on top layer

I have an error stating "Clearance Constrain between polyregion on multilayer and pad on top layer" on my PCB layout. Every pad is having this error, as well as a through hole component. When I click to "jump to" the violation... It goes to the corner of the board and just says there is a clearance violation.

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91
22
296 views
296-69

Combine OrCAD Schematic Import and PADS Allegro PCB import into single Project

Create a single project linking imported OrCAD Schematic Project and imported PADS/Allegro PCB Project

Read More
0
5
167 views
1675

Command line installation parameters

This article covers the command line installation parameters that are available for Altium Designer.

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3
6
166 views
1663

Compile Error: Duplicate Net Names(Multi-Channel, Bus)

[Error] TopSheet.SchDoc Compiler Duplicate Net Names Bus Slice - I am receiving this error on the buses from my multi-channel sheet, and my buses do not look like they are properly connecting in the netlist. The buses look to be properly formed. How do I fix this Duplicate Net Name on Multichannel design error?

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154
5
373 views
373-149

Component not created in Vault after running the batch file

We are tying to add components in Altium Vault/Concord Pro through .csv files. This method is working for some categories, but not for all.

Read More
0
0
92 views
920

Component placement for ODB++ files

I am importing ODB++ files into a fabrication house software MacroFab. Every time the component placement file comes in, it's position is offset from the actual board origin in the Gerber files. How do I make the component placement files match the PCB 0,0 origin when importing into MacroFab software.

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0
0
57 views
570

Components Panel Filter not Correctly Filtering on Database 'value' Parameter

Using a Database Library with Microsoft Excel, formatting in the Excel file can cause the filter to not work correctly when read by Altium Designer. For example, setting the filter to "greater than or equal to #" does not filter correctly. We will look at how to format the column in the Excel database so it can be processed correctly.

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0
0
128 views
1280

Configure and Animate the bending of a PCB that is entirely Flex

Configuring and Animating the bending of a PCB that is entirely Flex

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3
2
129 views
129-1

Convert a Fill or Region into a Polygon

When I try to create a polygon from the outline of overlapping shapes using Fills and Regions it does not work.  When I try to run the command it tells me it cannot find an enclosed shape (Tracks, Arcs, Full Circle) and when I click YES nothing happens.  How can I get this to work?

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31
6
250 views
250-25

Convert Plated via Backdrills to Non_Plated in ODB++ output

Exporting ODB++, as of AD20.1.7, the exported backdrills are incorrectly set as VIAs which are plated. This shows how to modify the output to set the vias as NON_PLATED

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0
1
91 views
911

Copying Circuit Selection From One Project to Another

What is the best method if I want to transfer a section of a schematic circuit and the associated layout from an existing project to another project?

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5
15
77 views
7710

Copying from Footprint (unlocked primitive) to PCB does not work

I can't select primitives of mechanical layers on a footprint and copy them to a mechanical layer on the PCB. I can only bring over the primitives to the PCB by changing the layer assignment in the properties panel. However, the primitives are still tide to the component footprint. How do I copy primitives from the footprint to the PCB?

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6
4
62 views
62-2

Delete a line from BOM

Is there a way to delete a line in the draftsman Bill Of Materials table? I have a test point that showed up there, and I am looking for a way to remove it.

Read More
3
7
37 views
374

Design Item IDs are reset and lost on update or placement from Schematic Library

Every time I update the schematic symbols, the Design Item IDs of some schematic symbols are reset. The same happens when I place these components from the components panel for components of Schematic (*.SchLib) and Integrated Libraries (*.IntLib).

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11
5
201 views
201-6

Draftsman Drill Table Plated Column is in Russian

It appears that the Plating column data in Draftsman Drill Table objects only displays in Russian - I cannot find a language setting somewhere to modify the language of the information in this column.

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0
5
80 views
805

DRC doesnt catch unconnected nets

I have a PCB design in which the DRC doesn't catch unconnected nets, although the check is enabled in the design rules.

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28
9
86 views
86-19

Error - Microsoft Visual C++ runtime library

Altium crashes with the error: Microsoft Visual C++ runtime library.

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18
0
81 views
81-18

Failed to create Key

Reported Error message "Failed to create Key" while trying to install Altium Designer even as an offline installation.

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2
2
145 views
1450

Generating IPC-D-356A document and compare to extracted netlist

I am trying to export an IPC-356 file from the Altium CAM editor. I am receiving the following error Cannot Open File for Netlist Output!

Read More
12
3
149 views
149-9

How can I copy everything to a new PCB

I suspect some sort of corruption with my PCB. I want to try copying as much as I can from my current PCB to a new "clean" one. I read that this might resolve my issue with "undo not working" in one particular PCB.

Read More
19
10
74 views
74-9

How to access the Content Vault in the Explorer panel?

In Altium Designer 20 the Content Vault is not accessible via the Explorer panel per default. This article describes how you can make the Content Vault accessible via the Explorer panel again.

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8
11
95 views
953

How to edit board shape

How to edit the board shape.

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28
14
46 views
46-14

How to select multiple Designators

This article describes different methods to select multiple Designators in a PCB.

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17
7
42 views
42-10

How to update Variant Parts with library?

After updating my schematic library the part does not get updated in the project when I run the BOM tool. On close inspection I can go into the Variants and the part to be varied is not showing the correct Part Number or Manufacturer fields. Going into the select alternative part I can confirm that the part in the Library is correct but there is no way to update the Variant listing. If I deselect it as fitted and then re-choose as a variant the data is corrected.

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19
1
74 views
74-18

I am getting a Validation Error on my Project Schematics what does this mean

When validating schematics in a Project, various messages can be generated by the compiler. Please review the list of messages provided here for more information

Read More
4
1
308 views
308-3

Supported Spice model

Altium Designer's Mixed Simulation (MixedSim) technology uses an improved core based on SPICE algorithms and is designed to simulate analog, digital or mixed analog-to-digital device electrical circuits. It is a true mixed-signal simulator, meaning that it can analyze circuits that include both analog and digital devices. It is fully SPICE3f5 compatible, as well as providing support for a range of PSpice® and LTSpice® device models. tags: model, simulation, file, ltspice, pspice, encrypt

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0
2
202 views
2022

Import or Export Design Rules

How to import and/or export design rules?

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25
53
59 views
5928

Importing a Mechanical Outline to PCB

Our mechanical engineer has created a PCB board outline complete with hole sizes & dimensions, and has sent it in 3D step file format. How to create a board shape from this file and other mechanical file types.

Read More
1
5
119 views
1194

Background Turns Dark when Placing Track

Pressing P, T to place track. Once a net is clicked on to route, the background turns dark. This is a problem because I am now routing my board blind. Can't find the setting to fix this

Read More
6
3
66 views
66-3

Altium.PCB.DataModel.dll Crash on PCBDoc

Altium crashes with a Altium.PCB.DataModel.dll error message when I try to route or when repouring polygons on the PCBDoc.

Read More
14
4
73 views
73-10

Is 3D view of a Cavity in PCB possible?

I would like to display my component in 3D while it is placed within a cavity, is this possible?

Read More
0
2
159 views
1592

Method to remove Managed Servers from Altium

How to remove previously connected managed servers from Altium? Even when signed out, the managed servers that were previously connected to would appear in the account drop down menu.

Read More
1
2
102 views
1021

My Update button is greyed out - Trying to update Altium Designer

There is an update Available for Altium Designer, but my update button is greyed out. How can I update?

Read More
0
2
159 views
1592

Numbering Sheets in Multi-channel

What are the steps and requirements to number my sheets in a multi-channel design?

Read More
12
1
115 views
115-11

Off Sheet Schematic Component Removal

Somehow I got a component outside of my sheet area and I cannot select or delete it. How to remove the component or get it back onto the sheet?

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41
12
88 views
88-29

PDF output - An error exists on this page

After creating a PDF via Output Job or Smart PDF creation, the Adobe Acrobat Reader throws the following error while opening the file: "An error exists on this page. Acrobat may not display the page correctly. Please contact the person who created the pdf to correct the problem" German version: Fehler auf dieser Seite. Die Seite wird unter Umständen nicht richtig in Acrobat angezeigt. Wenden Sie sich and den Ersteller des PDF-Dokuments, um das Problem zu beheben.

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13
8
146 views
146-5

Plane Clearance

Where can I find the plane to edge clearance?

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11
12
52 views
521

Provider Cannot Be Found Error when Translating .IntLib to .DBLib

Trying to convert an .IntLib into a .DBLib using the menu option Tools ► Import from Integrated Libraries when the .DBLib is active in the workspace brings up this Error: "An error was encountered exporting. Provider cannot be found. It may not be properly installed. The export has been aborted."

Read More
0
1
100 views
1001

Reverse Engineering from Gerber to PCB

I want to create a PCB from a Gerber file

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49
75
177 views
17726

Rollback entire SVN Repository

When there is an issue with the current revision of the repository, there is a method on how to rollback to a previous revision.

Read More
2
1
121 views
121-1

Scroll bars are missing from PCB and Schematic editor windows

I thought there were scroll bars when zoomed in sufficiently in the PCB and Schematic editors. I don't have them anymore. How do I get them back?

Read More
7
12
65 views
655

Search Paths tab missing in Project Options

If you are used to using the Search Paths tab from previous versions, this article explains how you can bring it back.

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2
2
74 views
740

Size Limits of PCB workspace

Move components left or down not working? Probably because you have reached the absolute zero coordinate. From there the workspace extends to the top and to the right, but you cannot reach any points below absolute zero. It would be best to move the whole board.

Read More
28
16
108 views
108-12

Status Bar is missing at bottom edge

I regularly rely on the XY location shown in the bottom left corner of the window frame as well as the hints and other messages that appear along the bottom of the window frame. For some reason, these are missing now. How do I get them back?

Read More
5
6
49 views
491

SVN Error Commit failed, or Working Copy locked, or is already locked

I appear to have a lock on my SVN files. Or, when I try to commit that file I get an error - Commit failed - Previous operation has not finished; run 'cleanup' if it was interrupted.

Read More
9
3
306 views
306-6

Unable to move component even with Online clearance rule disabled

It is not possible to place a component on the PCB near to another components. Something seems to block the component from the placing. The reason is the different mode of moving objects.

Read More
32
10
128 views
128-22

Unable to open *.DRL file in Altium

*.DRL generated by the CAM Editor is in ASCII Format and readable. The best practice is to always provide your Fabricator with the .TXT generated from the PCB Editor, and ignore the *.DRL generated by the PCB Editor.

Read More
6
3
134 views
134-3

Unknown Server - Can't make project available online

When it is opened, the project is shown in the projects panel under 'Unknown Server'. Even though I am logged into a workspace, I am not presented with the option to 'make project available online' when I right click on the project name in the projects panel. If I try to share the project, I am presented with a 'please switch to workspace to share this project' message.

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5
0
69 views
69-5

Using Local File Based Excel BOM templates

When signed into a managed server, why am I unable to use local file based Excel BOM templates.

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4
0
109 views
109-4

Why am I seeing different designators in my schematic?

This article summarizes how to remove board annotation if it was accidentally added to your project, or if it is no longer wanted.

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17
2
305 views
305-15

Why are PCB 3D Models not Displaying in the 3D View?

The display of 3D body models in the PCB 3D view is controlled by a setting in the View Configuration Panel. We will take a look at how to ensure this option is enabled.

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88
19
202 views
202-69

Why is my text upside down?

Text on my schematic is displaying upside-down

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8
8
49 views
490

Why is there a [1] in front of my schematic sheet name?

There is a [1] in front of my schematic sheet name in the Projects panel. How do I get the normal filename back?

Read More
0
29
76 views
7629

Working with 32-bit and 64-bit software compatibility

This article covers how to use Database Libraries with 32-bit and 64-bit Altium Designer Software on the same computer and how to use a 64-bit version of Altium Designer when you are using a 32-bit version of Office. This article should help you out if you get the message: "The operating system is not presently configured to run this application." as described in this forum post: https://forum.live.altium.com/#posts/238667/731116. Or if you get this message: "An error occurred while establishing a connection to the database. Altium Designer requires that the 64-bit Microsoft Access Database Engine be installed. For more information and application solutions, click here."

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4
1
242 views
242-3

LDAP syncing

We are having issues with LDAP syncing with our Altium Server. It was working prior and we are now receiving: "There was no endpoint listening at http://localhost:9791/LdapSyncStatus that could accept the message. This is often caused by an incorrect address or SOAP action. See InnerException, if present, for more details."

Read More
3
0
31 views
31-3

How do I log in as administrator to release seats when none are available

How is it possible to login as an Administrator to a locally managed content server (Vault/NEXUS/Concord Pro) web interface to release seats?

Read More
3
0
48 views
48-3

Design repositories SVN not available after update from Nexus server

How to enable SVN repository support for NEXUS or Concord Pro managed content servers

Read More
0
1
181 views
1811

How to rename a Managed Project and what happens to the local copy that was checked out previously?

This knowledge article describes how a project owner can rename an existing managed project, and how to propagate the same project name when opening the project again in Altium Designer.

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5
6
89 views
891

How To Control Lifecycle Transition Permissions in Altium 365?

This knowledge article discusses the different levels of support for controlled lifecycle transitions and lifecycle transitions through approval requests in Altium 365, and how to configure lifecycle definitions for the Altium 365 workspace in a supported web browser and Altium Designer client.

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0
0
102 views
1020

Managed Project Organization in Altium 365 Pro

With the latest release of Altium 365, projects can now be categorized by Folder Type.

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2
0
59 views
59-2

Soft Delete Items from an Altium 365 Workspace

The purpose of this documentation is to provide information on how to delete items permanently from the Altium 365 workspace.

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4
0
95 views
95-4

Can't delete empty folder

Can't delete empty folder from managed content server

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1
1
143 views
1430

FIPS and Backups

We're trying to migrate our Concord Pro server installation to a new server, and that new server has a FIPS mode requirement. I cannot perform nightly backups or do any restores on this server with FIPS mode enabled, and I can't disable it. Running the backup results in "This implementation is not part of the Windows Platform FIPS validated cryptographic algorithms."

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0
0
59 views
590

Share project via workspaces

Is share project via workspaces an included feature for the AD20 subscription?

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0
0
55 views
550

How to set permissions on change-of-state in Concord Pro?

Right now, all of our users are able to change the lifecycle state of components (i.e. draft, released, etc.) but we want to give only certain people permission. Is there a way to limit which users can change to which state?

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0
0
160 views
1600

Altium 365 Data Cleanup

How to remove all objects related to components, projects, templates, etc.

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1
2
88 views
881

Sharing Projects to Members Outside of the Organization Without Invitation to Workspace

Managed Projects to be edited by outside users needed to be invited to workspace, but not with the new update.

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4
0
84 views
84-4

Connection to Altium 365 is Lost While Working

It is possible that connection may be lost to the Altium 365 platform while working due to a number of reasons; ie. service provider outage, server outage, temporary disconnects. This Article discusses how this is handled from the server perspective.

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7
0
97 views
97-7

Installing multiple instances of AD versions

Can I install more than one version at a time? Do I have to remove older versions first? Do I have to use the same version to edit as was used to create the project?

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1
5
81 views
814

Offline installer

This article explains how to get an offline installer package and related information.

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5
1
180 views
180-4

Delete an Altium 365 Workspace

How can I delete or deactivate a Workspace that is no longer used or is preventing my AltiumLive account from being moved into my new company?

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0
1
60 views
601

You must have Microsoft(R) Excel installed on your machine

I can no longer generate any outputs that require MS-Excel since there seems to be an issue with Altium's ability to open the program. MS-Excel is working just fine for me and no other applications I use have issue with it, but I get this error, "You must have Microsoft® Excel installed on your machine to be able to generate a Board Stack Report."

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41
6
268 views
268-35

How to install Software Extensions in an offline environment

I run Altium on an offline computer. It is not possible to attach to the Internet or any other network. How do I install Software Extensions & modify the Core Feature Set in this environment.

Read More
0
1
157 views
1571

Altium 365 Workspace error - You do not have a valid subscription for Altium Designer

I'm getting this error message: You do not have a valid subscription for Altium Designer (Expired at 1-Jan-2000). Subscription is required for Altium Designer to work with an Altium 365 Workspace."

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3
4
294 views
2941

Can't connect to Altium Infrastructure Server (AIS) after installation

If you just installed the Altium Infrastructure Server (AIS), the most common reason connection fails is because the licenses that came with the installation package were not installed.

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10
0
224 views
224-10

How do I reset the Altium Designer configuration to the installation defaults?

Reset the configuration of Altium Designer.

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36
15
1073 views
1073-21

How to perform a thorough uninstall

Sometimes the operating system doesn't fully uninstall a software program. This document explains what you can do.

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2
6
193 views
1934

Altium Designer is not informing me of updates or allowing me to install them

When installing with the Offline Installer, online activity is disabled and 'greyed out'. Including the ability to check for and install updates. This is how you turn it back on.

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8
2
237 views
237-6

What determines whether Altium will update to the next version rather than separate install?

Sometimes Altium Designer lets me update the software to the next version and sometime it has to be a new install into a new folder. What's that about?

Read More
0
0
53 views
530

Uninstall Windows Updates

I suspect a recent Windows update is responsible for a new issue I am experiencing with Altium. How do I uninstall specific Windows Updates

Read More
1
0
49 views
49-1

Re-adding a project to the Altium 365 workspace

How to re-add a project to the Altium 365 workspace. If the project has been already deleted from the workspace but you want to re-release the project back to the workspace, we need to remove the links from the previous release to the workspace to allow for the re-release to be available.

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3
2
204 views
204-1

Hide old expired licenses

Our organization has a bunch of expired licenses. Is there some way to remove them from the list in the Altium Designer license management page so it will look less cluttered and be less confusing to our users trying to pick a valid license that is on subscription?

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2
3
92 views
921

Multiple Designer Licenses Being Used

The License Management screen shows Altium is using more than one license.

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0
0
32 views
320

Add and Managing Groups

How to add and manage Groups for your company account

Read More
0
0
40 views
400

On-Demand License Showing Incorrect Subscription Date

A renewed license shows the incorrect old subscription date

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0
0
73 views
730

Add and Managing Users

As an administrator, how to add and manage the users in your company

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6
0
45 views
45-6

Activating Student On-Demand License

How to activate a recently acquired Student On-Demand License

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38
2
58 views
58-36

Requesting to be made an Administrator

I want to be added to the Administrator Group

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0
0
40 views
400

Server License Not Set or All CALs in use

If you didn't get a chance to refresh the license for your on-site managed content server before it expired, you may see this error message when trying to sign in from a remote web browser. You can also use the method described in this article to log into your server when all the Client Access Licenses (CALs) are already in use.

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6
0
66 views
66-6

Student License

This article has information that will be helpful for students that want to start using Altium Designer.

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11
18
115 views
1157

Version not supported with private license server - Refresh PLS & AIS

This article covers what to do when you get "Version Not Supported" error when using a private license server. It also has a comparison of the legacy Private License Server (PLS) and our current license server, Altium Infrastructure Server (AIS.)

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1
1
735 views
7350

Release an On-Demand License

How to forcefully release a user from a license

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3
2
91 views
91-1

How to roam (Check Out) a license for offline use

When roaming, a seat of a license is acquired for a specified time. You do not need to remain signed-in to your account to use the license in this mode. You can sign out and work offline, in essence roaming freely with your license seat. This can be done with an On-Demand or Private Server licenses (not available if you are using the legacy Private License Server (PLS)

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8
0
87 views
87-8

Evaluation License only on a single PC

I'm trying to use a trial version of Altium, (Evaluation License) but now I'm getting a message with the title bar of "Warning License Renewal Failed", and the message, "You can use this license only on a single PC".

Read More
6
4
81 views
81-2

How to change email address-Username

This article discusses methods for changing your e-mail address for AltiumLive sign in and how to fix it if the e-mail address does not match the username (which has become a requirement now that Altium 365 Workspaces are so popular.)

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0
0
44 views
440

Nothing happens when trying to use a license

I can't use a license. I click on a license, then click the use control below, or right-click on the license and choose "use" but nothing happens.

Read More
29
15
163 views
163-14

Options for getting an AltiumLive password reset

Here are some ways a password can be reset.

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3
0
69 views
69-3

User's email address already exists in another organization

This article discusses the issue of getting a message that the "User's email address already exists in another organization" or "Failed to create user account: Username: xxxx@yyyy.com already in use", or "Cannot add user: user with this email is already registered in other organisation" when you try to add them from your dashboard.

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10
1
118 views
118-9

Warning: License Renewal Failed

This article has steps that should stop the pop-up message: Warning: License Renewal Failed The License Manager was not able to renew your license. Altium Designer will retry periodically.

Read More
69
15
264 views
264-54

How to use a license

I have purchased a license, and I've downloaded and installed the software for Altium Designer. What do I have to do to get the software licensed so I can use it?

Read More
13
0
98 views
98-13

Startup issue - Failure to Launch (or install)

This article has a long list of things to try when Altium won't start. Some of these also apply if Altium won't install.

Read More
18
10
346 views
346-8
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