The OrCAD Layout FAQs have been organized into the following categories:
OrCAD Capture / OrCAD Layout
Automatic ECO
Backannotation
Component Renaming
Intertool Communication
Connectivity
Copper Pour/Plane
Free Vias
Ratsnests
Statistics
Thermal Reliefs
Component Placement
Auto
Circular
Manual / Interactive
Database Integrity
Batch Update - Update90.exe
MIN Interchange / MAX ASCII
Known Problems and Solutions
Documentation
Release Notes / Known Problems / Bug Fixes
Post Processing
Gerber / Drill
Printing / Plotting
Routing
Fanout
OrCAD Layout - Gridded Auto Router
Manual Routing
SmartRoute
Third-party Applications
GerbTool
Visual CADD
Tools
Cleanup Design - Cleanup Routing
Design Rule Check - Locating/Resolving
Board Editor / Database
Library Manager / Libraries
Query Window
Reports
Translators/Interfaces
DXF
GenCAD
IDF
SPECCTRA for OrCAD / Allegro PCB Editor
Third-party PCB Import / Export
User Interface
Colors / Color Rules / Technology Files
Options
Spreadsheets
System Settings
Tutorial
User Preferences
OrCAD Capture / OrCAD Layout
Automatic ECO
- Legal characers for OrCAD Layout netlist more>>
- How to get a new footprint into an existing board more>>
- OrCAD Layout ECO error: pin is not defined more>>
- ECO cannot locate a footprint more>>
- Net widths not changing in the Nets spreadsheet more>>
- Using OrCAD Layout's decoupler property more>>
- OrCAD Layout brings in an extra connector when PCI32_5V template file is used more>>
- OrCAD Capture needs OrCAD Layout .INI for netlist more>>
- Importing custom part properties from OrCAD Capture into OrCAD Layout more>>
- Unable to open a board after updating with the Automatic ECO command in OrCAD Layout Release 9.00b more>>
- Value property for components is not being changed by the Automatic ECO utility more>>
- Comparing the connectivity of a Layout board file against the schematic netlist more>>
- When I open an OrCAD Layout board file, OrCAD Layout reports an incorrect netlist source file more>>
- Why are my footprints not getting updated in OrCAD Layout? I changed them in OrCAD Capture. more>>
- Bringing properties and their values in from OrCAD Capture to OrCAD Layout more>>
- Bringing properties and their values in from OrCAD Capture to OrCAD Layout more>>
- When replacing components during AutoECO, I want all routed tracks connected to the replaced component ripped up more>>
- Footprint changes in OrCAD Capture do not show up in OrCAD Layout more>>
- Components pile up at the 0,0 point rather than in rows to the left of the board more>>
- AutoECO/DXF is no longer available on the OrCAD Layout Release 9.2 Tools menu; run from DOS more>>
Backannotation
- When creating OrCAD swap file, prompted to save board more>>
- A simple explanation of the backannotation process more>>
- Pin swapping in OrCAD Layout more>>
Component Renaming
- How to rename only certain components more>>
Intertool Communication
- Intertool Communication is not working between OrCAD Capture and OrCAD Layout. more>>
- Intertool Communication (ITC) is not working. What should I do? more>>
Connectivity
Copper Pour/Plane
- Cannot place a copper pour obstacle inside a copper pour obstacle more>>
- Splitting a plane for more than one net more>>
- Copper pour area does not fill more>>
- Pads are missing thermal relief on plane layers more>>
- Copper pour ignores thermal relief settings more>>
- Creating a copper-free area on a plane layer more>>
- Connecting two planes at a single point more>>
- Setting up direct connections to a plane layer more>>
- Thermal reliefs on a plane layer appear with a different color than the layer color. more>>
- Ratnests still visible with fully fanned out GND/PWR nets more>>
- Connectivity is not established through adjacent copper pours more>>
- Why are my Plane Layers shorted together? more>>
- Nets do not thermal to split plane with copper pours. more>>
- How can I keep the via on my bypass caps from thermalling to a plane layer? more>>
- How do I place routed tracks on my plane layers? more>>
- I'd like to have thermals appear on all of my power or ground pins whether or not they are routed more>>
- Copper area in footprint not displayed when placed on board more>>
- Border of Anti-Copper obstacle appears in an area that should be clear. more>>
Free Vias
- How can I manually place multiple free vias in Release 9.2 without reselecting the menu command for each free via? more>>
Ratsnests
- Triangular ratsnestsmore>>
- Connecting a single pin to multiple pads more>>
- Stopping Nets from Dynamically Reconnecting more>>
- A ratsnest will not go away when I minimize connections or refresh, even though that connection is routed. more>>
- Ratnests still visible with fully fanned out GND/PWR nets more>>
- Ratsnest still showing on a fully routed net. more>>
Statistics
- How to determine if a board is fully routed. more>>
- How do I get the drill chart to update or refresh? more>>
Thermal Reliefs
- How can I keep the via on my bypass caps from thermalling to a plane layer? more>>
- I'd like to have thermals appear on all of my power or ground pins whether or not they are routed more>>
Component Placement
Auto
- Missing component keepout obstacle more>>
- Problems with Autoroute, Autoplace, and DRC more>>
- Using OrCAD Layout's decoupler property more>>
Circular
- Circular placement of components more>>
- Information about circular placement in OrCAD Layout more>>
Manual / Interactive
- How to place a single pad on a board more>>
- Selecting and moving through-hole parts requires TOP layer to be visible more>>
- Pin Tool does not display pin information on a through-hole part. more>>
- What do the Rotation Increment and Snap settings in OrCAD Layout control? more>>
- Unable to verify/clear DRC more>>
- Rotating parts around pin 1 and not the center of the part more>>
- Preventing vias from being ripped up when sharing between two surface mount devices (SMDs) more>>
- How can I manually place multiple free vias in Release 9.2 without reselecting the menu command for each free via? more>>
- I'm having trouble changing the via definition used in a specific location more>>
- Error when using SWAP: Unable to Validate Pin Swap more>>
- Problems moving the footprint of a moire (fiducial) more>>
- How do I copy or move tracks, traces or routes from one layer to another? more>>
- Connection lines change colors when a component is selected for placement more>>
- Edit Segment routing mode inserts a new corner rather than allowing the selected segment to slide. more>>
Database Integrity
Batch Update - Update90.exe
- Pins import incorrectly into FabMaster when using MIN file to create a test fixture more>>
- Does the order in which I place pads when creating a footprint matter? more>>
- How do I move all of my insertion origins to the center of my components for the pick-and-place machine? more>>
- How can my footprints reflect the true center of the part? more>>
MIN Interchange / MAX ASCII
- How to create a netlist from a board file more>>
- Viewing the .MNL netlist file more>>
- Pins import incorrectly into FabMaster when using MIN file to create a test fixture more>>
Known Problems and Solutions
Documentation
- Errata for OrCAD Layout Release 9 User's Guide more>>
- Is there a list of Smart Route error codes and their meanings? more>>
- Is there a list of OrCAD Layout error codes and their meanings? more>>
Release Notes / Known Problems / Bug Fixes
- Unable to open a board after updating with the Automatic ECO command in OrCAD Layout Release 9.00b more>>
- The system crashes when using OrCAD Layout on systems using an ATI Rage Pro video adapter more>>
- Moving a free via rips up tracks that are on the same net. more>>
- MAX file will not open in OrCAD Layout if path to file contains extended characters. more>>
- Nets not connected to proper pads after Alternate Footprint command more>>
- OrCAD Layout crashes when I try to use Merge Boards more>>
- Zone clearance has not been specified for the zone or the layer more>>
- Text disappears when selected for move more>>
- I get DRC pad spacing errors on my ISA edge connectors more>>
- When I try to create my Gerber files, I get the message: Unknown exception at 0 more>>
- Limit for number of pins in a footprint in OrCAD Layout is 3200 more>>
- The autorouter will not route my board: in LAYOUT.LOG I have error 2167.011 more>>
- Selection box is not displaying (showing up) on the screen more>>
- I am trying to generate gerber files and I get the error 'Unknown Exception at 0' more>>
- In GerbTool, Auto Panelize cuts off the board, and part of my board is missing more>>
- 9.2 board is not able to be opened in older version of OrCAD Layout more>>
- Connection lines change colors when a component is selected for placement more>>
- 'Unable to create process...' message attempting to launch OrCAD Layout more>>
- Web Update 1 for OrCAD Layout version 9.20 fails with a message saying the time of the LAYOUT.CTL file is incorrect. more>>
- Screen colors are not as clean, crisp or distinct in OrCAD Layout Release 9.2 as they were in OrCAD Layout Release 9.1 more>>
Post Processing
Gerber / Drill
- Drill tapes to submit to the board house more>>
- Printing the board with the drill holes open more>>
- Thermal reliefs fail to appear in post process preview more>>
- Board fabricator unable to read Gerber files generated in OrCAD Layout post processing more>>
- OrCAD Layout boards with copper pour need 3.4 format output resolution more>>
- Understanding drill file names for blind and buried vias more>>
- Drill tape file format in OrCAD Layout more>>
- Gerber file contains three separate layers for each board layer more>>
- Error while loading Gerber files: "Invalid D Code, Undefined or Zero size apertures" more>>
- Gerber settings change in boards done in OrCAD Layout 7.10 when read into OrCAD Layout 9.0, 9.1. more>>
- Speed/Feed error message during Post Process more>>
- The Keep Drill Holes Open option for Layout's post-processing tool more>>
- When I try to create my Gerber files, I get the message: Unknown exception at 0 more>>
- How do I rotate thermal reliefs on a plane layer? more>>
- Drill tape file (THRUHOLE.TAP) is not generated more>>
- Files necessary to submit to board house more>>
- I am trying to generate gerber files and I get the error 'Unknown Exception at 0' more>>
- Discrepancy between the drill chart information and the tap file more>>
- When I run the post processor, OrCAD Layout is reset and no output files are created. more>>
Printing / Plotting
- Printing an individual layer more>>
- The Keep Drill Holes Open option for OrCAD Layout's post-processing tool more>>
- Printing and/or plotting to a D-size printer or plotter correctly more>>
Routing
Fanout
- Purpose and process behind fanout function more>>
OrCAD Layout - Gridded Auto Router
- Heuristics routing and maze routing more>>
- Fast routing and partial routing differences more>>
- >Problems with Autoroute, Autoplace, and DRC
- Rerunning Batch Route more>>
- Rerouting a board with the Autorouter more>>
- Checklist for proper placement of test points more>>
- Auto/Unroute Board leaves tracks on routing layers more>>
- The autorouter will not route my board: in LAYOUT.LOG I have error 2167.011 more>>
Manual Routing
- Determining routing and via grid more>>
- Assigning a via to a net more>>
- Moving a single segment of an obstacle or a track more>>
- Routing at other than 45-degree or 90-degree angles more>>
- How to move a routed track to another layer more>>
- Error message stating "Layer is not enabled for routing" more>>
- Using the Edit Segment routing tool in OrCAD Layout v9.00 more>>
- How to move a routed connection to another layer. more>>
- Layer is not enabled for routing more>>
- Auto/Unroute Board leaves tracks on routing layers more>>
- Moving a free via rips up tracks that are on the same net. more>>
- Via will not fit error message when attempting to insert a via while routing more>>
- Routing from one segment of a track to another segment or to a pad. more>>
- Creating a duplicate connection in OrCAD Layout more>>
SmartRoute
- SmartRoute unable to Calibrate more>>
- SmartRoute will not use a square via more>>
- Problem autorouting in SmartRoute when multiple vias are defined more>>
- SmartRoute limitations more>>
- Editing a board so SmartRoute routes on all layers more>>
- Off-grid vias after routing in SmartRoute more>>
- Opening SmartRoute in demo mode more>>
- Removing extra layers Inner1 (IN1) and Innner2 (IN2) from 2 layer routing board in SMART ROUTE more>>
- Is there a list of Smart Route error codes and their meanings? more>>
- SmartRoute has a routing problem when the the board outline contains arcs more>>
- SmartRoute reports routing problem (error code 9523.180) more>>
Third-party Applications
GerbTool
- Cannot open Gerber files with Gerbtool more>>
- GerbTool runs in demonstration mode more>>
- GerbTool macro that checks for drill breakage more>>
- Fix silkscreen error in GerbTool more>>
- Vias appear as plus symbols in GerbTool more>>
- Creating a drill tape for a panelized board more>>
- Problem opening files in GerbTool more>>
- Creating negative image prints of copper layers to create board prototypes more>>
- Changing the width of lines and line segments in GerbTool more>>
- Specifying the "thickness" of text in GerbTool more>>
- Creating a master aperture list for merging boards in GerbTool more>>
- Creating a single NC drill file for a set of merged boards in GerbTool more>>
- Gerber file contains three separate layers for each board layer more>>
- Error while loading Gerber files: "Invalid D Code, Undefined or Zero size apertures" more>>
- Arcs in gerber files saved from GerbTool display incorrectly when imported into third party CAM software more>>
- Adding drill information to a GerbTool file more>>
- Arcs appear as straight line segments in GerbTool more>>
- The Keep Drill Holes Open option for OrCAD Layout's post-processing tool more>>
- Creating annular via shapes using GerbTool more>>
- In GerbTool, Auto Panelize cuts off the board, and part of my board is missing more>>
- How do I print in color in GerbTool? more>>
- How do I add text to a Gerber file in GerbTool? more>>
- How do I delete a layer in GerbTool? more>>
Visual CADD
- Error executing file maxdmsg.exe more>>
- I am having trouble printing from Visual CADD. What should I do? more>>
- Minimum Search Tolerance settings in Visual CADD more>>
Tools
Cleanup Design - Cleanup Routing
- AutoDFM does not change routes to 45 degrees more>>
- How has the Cleanup Design command changed in OrCAD Layout Release 9.2? more>>
- How can I remove unused padstacks, footprints, or nets from a board file (.MAX)? more>>
Design Rule Check - Locating/Resolving
- Problems with Autoroute, Autoplace, and DRC more>>
- Board shrinks when choosing Zoom Fit command more>>
- Changing the width of nets that are already routed more>>
- Eliminating DRC markers in OrCAD Layout more>>
- Viewing error markers in OrCAD Layout more>>
- Space check not catching drill-larger-than-pad error more>>
- Selective error checking in OrCAD Layout more>>
- DRC box is not visible more>>
- DRC produces error indicating insufficient clearance on plane layer more>>
- Bad Net Continuity Error: What does this error mean? more>>
- How to resize the DRC box more>>
- I get DRC pad spacing errors on my ISA edge connectors more>>
- How do I get rid of all the error markers in my OrCAD Layout board file? more>>
- Unable to verify/clear DRC more>>
- Where do I enter the values for spacing used by Design Rule Check to check for route spacing violations? more>>
- Where do I set which design rules are checked when I run Design Rule Check? more>>
Board Editor / Database
- How to create a board without a netlist more>>
- Can't move alignment targets in translated board more>>
- Changing component footprints more>>
- Changing pad sizes more>>
- Creating a technology file from a board file more>>
- Board shrinks when choosing Zoom Fit command more>>
- Editing components on the board more>>
- Globally adding an oversize to all padstacks more>>
- The pads on my components are not rotating properly more>>
- Editing a custom padstack library more>>
- Creating a bus bar for plating finger connectors more>>
- Updating a footprint on a board to match the library footprint more>>
- Deleting obstacles and autodimensions more>>
- How to create a board outline more>>
- Setting up blind and buried vias more>>
- Verifying footprint insertion origins for pick-and-place machines more>>
- Segment mode is available when editing obstacles more>>
- Making global changes to the height of reference designators more>>
- Adding non-orthogonal dimensions more>>
- Adding absolute dimensions more>>
- Toggle Copper Pour Seed option is not available in the Right Mouse Button Menu more>>
- Padstack management in OrCAD Layout Release 9.0B. more>>
- Is there a list of OrCAD Layout error codes and their meanings? more>>
- OrCAD Layout crashes when converting jumpers to components more>>
- Adding extra plane layers to your board. more>>
- Can I set the Annular pad shape to specify the Inner Diameter? more>>
- OrCAD Layout crashes when I try to use Merge Boards more>>
- Creating arcs and circles using the obstacle tool more>>
- Zone clearance has not been specified for the zone or the layer more>>
- Pin Tool does not give me the option to assign a net to the pin more>>
- Cannot select obstacle on component in design view more>>
- Changing all occurrences of a footprint on a board without having access to the source library more>>
- Creating a board outline that has rounded corners more>>
- How do I make a copy of an existing part on the board? more>>
- How do I rotate thermal reliefs on a plane layer? more>>
- How can I remove unused padstacks, footprints, or nets from a board file (.MAX)? more>>
- How do I move all of my insertion origins to the center of my components for the pick-and-place machine? more>>
- Moving a dimension more>>
- How do I remove or delete text from my board? more>>
- 'Unable to create process...' message attempting to launch OrCAD Layout more>>
- 'Unable to create process...' message attempting to launch OrCAD Layout after installing OrCAD Layout v9.20 Web Update 1 more>>
- Copper area in footprint not displayed when placed on board more>>
- How do I get the drill chart to update or refresh? more>>
- Moving the Drill Chart. more>>
- Unroute Board does not unroute all of the nets. more>>
Library Manager / Libraries
- Can't see footprints in the library manager more>>
- Changing pad sizes more>>
- General information on the OrCAD Layout v7.00 libraries more>>
- Using a custom padstack library in OrCAD Layout v7.0 more>>
- OrCAD Layout footprint libraries and industry standards more>>
- Footprints in OrCAD Layout libraries more>>
- Using OrCAD Layout footprint libraries more>>
- 916 Design libraries more>>
- Creating a mounting hole footprint in OrCAD Layout more>>
- Editing a custom padstack library more>>
- Positioning a hole on a pad more>>
- Locating and adjusting component insertion origins more>>
- Segment mode is available when editing obstacles more>>
- Changing default settings for library manager more>>
- Creating a library of footprints from the footprints contained in a MAX file. more>>
- Editing a padstack library (i.e.: PADSTACK.LLB) more>>
- Adjusting Component Insertion Origins more>>
- How can I automate placing a staggered row of pins? more>>
- How can I place pins in my footprint using a constant offset? more>>
- Does the order in which I place pads when creating a footprint matter? more>>
- Creating arcs and circles using the obstacle tool more>>
- Changing all occurrences of a footprint on a board without having access to the source library more>>
- Limit for number of pins in a footprint in OrCAD Layout is 3200 more>>
- Changes for padstack definitions in library reflected on new parts placed more>>
- Is it possible to add a height property to a footprint in OrCAD Layout, then view it? more>>
- X (height) and Y (width) dimensions for padstack are reversed more>>
- Searching for a specific footprint in Layout's footprint libraries more>>
- Removing unused padstacks from a library file. Or, how to remove the"_n", where n is an integer representing the version number, from the padstack name. more>>
- I have footprints that loose obstacles and/or text from my footprints on one of the following layers: COMMENT, SPARE2, SPARE3. Why? more>>
- Copper area in footprint not displayed when placed on board more>>
- How can my footprints reflect the true center of the part? more>>
Query Window
- Negative Actual distances in the Query window more>>
- How can I print out the text in the query window? more>>
Reports
- Listing padstacks contained in a padstack library more>>
- OrCAD Layout v9.00 creates incorrect report more>>
- Determining the number of SMD pads per board side more>>
- I want to output a custom property in my Pick and Place report instead of VALUE. more>>
- Discrepancy between the drill chart information and the tap file more>>
- How can my footprints reflect the true center of the part? more>>
Translators/Interfaces
DXF
- Merging a .DXF file with a board file more>>
- DXF to MAX translator fails to translate symbols more>>
- Importing a company logo or DXF file into a board file. more>>
- Bringing properties and their values in from OrCAD Capture to OrCAD Layout more>>
- Batch translation of a DXF file to a MAX file creates a default U1 component more>>
- DXF to OrCAD Layout translation Error 0021.657 more>>
- What versions of AutoCAD are supported by Visual CADD for import of DXF files into OrCAD Layout? more>>
GenCAD
- Pins import incorrectly into FabMaster when using MIN file to create a test fixture more>>
IDF
- Warning: Bad PRO/E object name when exporting .MAX file to ProE format more>>
SPECCTRA for OrCAD / Allegro PCB Editor
- Specctra crashes or refuses to accept my OrCAD Layout-generated .CCT file more>>
- Unable to load OrCAD Layout generated .CCT file into SPECCTRA for OrCAD more>>
- Could not find a TELENV environment variable or the FAKE_ENV file more>>
- Keepouts appear in SPECCTRA that do not exist in OrCAD Layout more>>
Third-party PCB Import / Export
- Translated board outline is now free etch more>>
- PCAD v8.0 importation problems more>>
- Problems importing PCAD files more>>
- The export translator does not return all changes more>>
- Problems with imported Tango boards more>>
- Error importing PADS board file more>>
- Difficulty importing a PCAD file into OrCAD Layout more>>
- OrCAD Layout can't import a PCAD board more>>
- Bringing PCB II files into OrCAD Layout more>>
- Potential incompatibility between PADS PowerPCB v2.0 and OrCAD Layout v7.10 more>>
- Importing a PCB386+ library into OrCAD Layout more>>
- Third-party software supported by OrCAD Layout translators more>>
- Import from Protel to OrCAD Layout yeilds no nets more>>
- Tango conversion not bringing in vias and converting routes to obstacles more>>
User Interface
Colors / Color Rules / Technology Files
- How do technology files affect the board more>>
- Effects of routing strategy files more>>
- OrCAD Layout strategy file potential side effects more>>
- Unable to load strategy file in OrCAD Layout v9.0 more>>
- Highlight color does not indicate the layer of route more>>
- Setting up a template file for multiple plane layers more>>
- Text disappears when selected for move more>>
- Is there a way to assign a color to a free via? more>>
- Text is not visible when selected, moved, or edited more>>
- How do I remove or delete text from my board? more>>
- Selection box is not displaying (showing up) on the screen more>>
- Screen colors are not as clean, crisp or distinct in OrCAD Layout Release 9.2 as they were in OrCAD Layout Release 9.1 more>>
Options
- Manhattan option appears periodically in the Reconnection Type dialog box more>>
- Pin Tool does not give me the option to assign a net to the pin more>>
- Cannot select obstacle on component in design view more>>
Spreadsheets
- Valid thrucode names more>>
- Padstacks do not change when loading a footprint more>>
- Using hot link options more>>
- Assigning a via to a net more>>
- Changing pad sizes more>>
- Net widths not changing in the Nets spreadsheet more>>
- Changing the width of nets that are already routed more>>
- Globally adding an oversize to all padstacks more>>
- Grayed-out footprints display in OrCAD Layout spreadsheets more>>
- Updating a footprint on a board to match the library footprint more>>
- How to highlight all the nets attached to a component in the Nets spreadsheet more>>
- Setting up blind and buried vias more>>
- Rerouting a board with the Autorouter more>>
- Making global changes to the height of reference designators more>>
- How to highlight all connections in a net more>>
- How to delete multiple board outlines. more>>
- Layer is not enabled for routing more>>
- Adding extra plane layers to your board. more>>
- Can I set the Annular pad shape to specify the Inner Diameter? more>>
- How do I get rid of all the error markers in my OrCAD Layout board file? more>>
- How do I create a new via type and assign it to a particular net? more>>
- Removing unused padstacks from a library file. Or, how to remove the"_n", where n is an integer representing the version number, from the padstack name. more>>
- 9.2 board is not able to be opened in older version of OrCAD Layout more>>
- A net seems to be enabled for routing, yet it says NO in the Routing Enabled column of the Nets spreadsheet. more>>
- What do the values in the Routing Enabled column of the Nets spreadsheet mean? more>>
System Settings
- Adding non-orthogonal dimensions more>>
Tutorial
- THREED32.OCX registration problem when running OrCAD Layout Tutorial more>>
User Preferences
- Autopanning in OrCAD Layout more>>
- Editing components on the board more>>
- Manhattan option appears periodically in the Reconnection Type dialog box more>>
- Using the Allow Editing of Footprints option more>>
- Place outline is filled in with gray instead of showing as a regular outline more>>
- Screen colors are not as clean, crisp or distinct in OrCAD Layout Release 9.2 as they were in OrCAD Layout Release 9.1 more>>
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