KB: Objects Outline Mode in PCB
Created: May 07, 2025 | Updated: May 07, 2025
Altium Designer
Altium Designer provides a way to view objects like Pads, Vias, Tracks, and Polygons in an outline mode. This feature is useful for reviewing fine details such as kinks and small objects in tracks, helping ensure a precise layout review.
Solution Details
1. Using Draft Mode for PCB Objects
Altium Designer includes a Draft Mode that displays objects in an outline format. This mode can be enabled for various PCB objects under the Object Visibility Settings in the View Configuration Panel.
To enable Draft Mode for tracks:
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Open the View Configuration panel: View » Panels » View Configuration.
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Select View Options.
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Locate the Draft option for tracks and enable it.
Tracks in Draft Mode
2. Applying Draft Mode to Polygons
Similarly, you can enable Polygons Draft Mode to display polygons as outlines. If you want to completely hide polygons, you can:
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Disable their visibility in the View Options under the Object Visibility settings.
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Shelve Polygons: Shelving and Restoring a Polygon Pour
Polygon in Draft Mode