Free web-based schematic and diagramming tool from Digi-Key

[JazzGuitarGimp]

Just got an email from Digi-Key, announcing a free, web-based schematic and diagramming tool. I thought some here may find this useful. Here's a blurb from the email:

Scheme-it comes equipped with an enhanced feature set, including:
- Ability to diagram at the Block, Icon, System, or Schematic level.
- A library of over 700 generic symbols, as well as custom symbol creation.
- Access to over 4 million components via Digi-Key Catalog integration.
- Freedom to keep designs private, make public, share via link, or embed into web pages, blogs or emails.
- Rapid design evolution via Bill of Material (BOM) import capability.
- A direct link to Digi-Key Technical Support for help with component selection activities.
- Integrated Bill of Materials and quoting.
- Export into PDF or PNG files.


Link: [http://www.digikey.com/en/resources/sch ... ub=4847955]

[xtian]

Cool!

No need to include all that marketing crap in the URL. Thus:

http://www.digikey.com/en/resources/scheme-it

[xtian]

I love it! 5 minute of work attached. Where is the GROUND symbol?!?

[xtian]

Answer: Schematic Symbols > Ports.

[matt h]

(deleted)

[xtian]

Please post any available schematics here. Cut and paste!

[xtian]

As cool as this tool is, it does not export vector, only bitmap. Not cool.

[gui_tarzan]

It's better than nothing, I wish it was downloadable.

[C Moore]

As cool as this tool is, it does not export vector, only bitmap. Not cool.

Pardon my ignorance...but what does that mean.?
Before 2014 is gone...I NEED to learn (and download) a Schematic Drawing Program. Is this not the right one for a first time schem maker who Is Not good with computers.?
Thank You

[xtian]

Vector drawing means graphics are described by coordinates and math, and are scalable to any resolution. Think Adobe Illustrator.

Bitmaps are pixels, locked in raster grid, and are not scalable (without loss). Think Photoshop.

[vibratoking]

Vector scalability is a nice to have IMO.

The bigger problem is that you can't download it. This means you have no control over versioning and that they could update it at any time. This can take away backwards compatibility and leave you in a position where you can no longer open your files. I would not sign up for that kind of platform unless I was desperate.

[Colossal]

As cool as this tool is, it does not export vector, only bitmap. Not cool.

Pardon my ignorance...but what does that mean.?
Before 2014 is gone...I NEED to learn (and download) a Schematic Drawing Program. Is this not the right one for a first time schem maker who Is Not good with computers.?
Thank You

Mr. Moore,

You might just want to find and use a basic (or advanced) drawing program and make your own library of virtual part symbols. I use a vector based drawing tool that can output to almost any format (including CAD formats) and just made my own collection of symbols. I do all of my schematic work using this program.

[C Moore]

As cool as this tool is, it does not export vector, only bitmap. Not cool.

Pardon my ignorance...but what does that mean.?
Before 2014 is gone...I NEED to learn (and download) a Schematic Drawing Program. Is this not the right one for a first time schem maker who Is Not good with computers.?
Thank You

Mr. Moore,

You might just want to find and use a basic (or advanced) drawing program and make your own library of virtual part symbols. I use a vector based drawing tool that can output to almost any format (including CAD formats) and just made my own collection of symbols. I do all of my schematic work using this program.

I believe you, but.....find a drawing program.?
Does that mean punch "drawing program" into my computer.?
Make my own collection of symbols...I understand what that means, but I have no idea How/Where I would generate the symbols.

Is there some type of...Duncan Tone Stack Calculator...for drawing a schematic.?
I am not kidding when I say I have NO computer skills. I probably need to learn some...but to put it into perspective...until 6 months ago, I thought Windows XP was THE best operating system for a computer. I had No Idea it was (by modern standards) obsolete, and on its way out.
Two weeks ago I bought a new Dell Laptop. Just a "simple" model...so I can access the Internet.
I have NO Idea what The F Windows 8.1 is.
I can barely turn the computer on. I cannot navigate the 8.1 at all.
It is completely different than XP.
It would be like taking somebody that had driven cars with an automatic transmission for 30 years, and then put them behind the wheel of a manual 5 speed. Yeah...its a car, but there is no way they will be able to drive it.
So I need THAT kind (if there is one) of a schem drawing program.
I did not even own computer until 1999

[Colossal]

I believe you, but.....find a drawing program.?
Does that mean punch "drawing program" into my computer.?
Make my own collection of symbols...I understand what that means, but I have no idea How/Where I would generate the symbols.

Is there some type of...Duncan Tone Stack Calculator...for drawing a schematic.?
I am not kidding when I say I have NO computer skills. I probably need to learn some...but to put it into perspective...until 6 months ago, I thought Windows XP was THE best operating system for a computer. I had No Idea it was (by modern standards) obsolete, and on its way out.
Two weeks ago I bought a new Dell Laptop. Just a "simple" model...so I can access the Internet.
I have NO Idea what The F Windows 8.1 is.
I can barely turn the computer on. I cannot navigate the 8.1 at all.
It is completely different than XP.
It would be like taking somebody that had driven cars with an automatic transmission for 30 years, and then put them behind the wheel of a manual 5 speed. Yeah...its a car, but there is no way they will be able to drive it.
So I need THAT kind (if there is one) of a schem drawing program.
I did not even own computer until 1999

Don't feel bad, Windows 8.1 is not...how to say this....easy or fun.

By find a program, I just meant find a dedicated drawing program that works for you. This could be as simple (and pretty limited feature-wise) as MS Paint, up to something more gnarly. By draw symbols, I meant start a new drawing and individually draw out a series of standardized symbols. Once these are drawn, you can group them as objects (more advanced programs allow you to group a series of lines as an object so that object can be replicated and used many times).

But I see your point, if you want a purpose built program that is meant for drawing schematics, check out JSchem, which is a simple and easy Java based editor. You can also download ExpressPCB's tool:

http://expresspcb.com/ExpressPCBHtm/Fre ... ftware.htm

It is designed to work with their PCB software but you don't have to use it for that. They have a library of objects like resistors, caps, etc. that you select and then drop into your drawing. Connect the dots, voila'...schematic.

If it's not too late to return your Dell and you are absolutely miserable on a Windows machine, check out a Mac. Just depends on your needs and budget vs. interest/patience dealing with Windows.

[C Moore]

Thank You -
I have Heard of Jschem...and I will look into the other program as well.
8.1 is here to stay. There are a few tutorial I need to watch.
To me, the Dell Laptop Screen looks like the screen of a Smart-Phone or Apple phone I see people using.
Anyway...it is the future of Windows I guess...So Be It.
Thanks Again