Document Version v2026.07.07.0

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PCBAtlas User Handbook

A workspace for viewing, organizing, and exporting PCB design and manufacturing data

The current version of PCBAtlas is built around a practical loop:
bring board data into the library, inspect it through 2D / 3D / Data, manage revisions, and export what you need from one consistent workspace.

Library Management 2D Main Workflow Board-Level 3D Review Original-Source Export Converted Export Project / schematic AI Workspace

Three things worth knowing before you dive in

• Data is not only a summary page. It also carries Quick Estimate / Revision Quote, revision details, and issue summaries in the current release.
• Export still has to start from 2D, and export access must already be unlocked. If it is still locked, the app opens the purchase center first.
• AI depends on your configured AI service setup, network access, and sharing settings. It helps with diagnosis and summaries, but does not replace engineering review or manufacturing validation.
• PCBAtlas currently supports Apple platforms: iOS / iPadOS 17.0 or later and macOS 14 or later.

What You Can Do Today

• Library management: import design files or manufacturing data and maintain multiple revisions of the same project.
• 2D inspection: pan, zoom, box-select, inspect object details, and use Workbench to narrow down what matters.
• 3D review: open documents that form a board session in 3D and inspect board body, surfaces, pads, vias, silkscreen, and component bodies. When imported component models are available and renderable, PCBAtlas prefers those model bodies; missing or unsupported models stay visible through proxy bodies or issue records.
• Data-page review: check document, revision, statistics, status summaries, and Quick Estimate / Revision Quote in Data.
• Export and sharing: export PNG / PDF, or export the current revision’s original project files and converted DSN / KiCad 8 outputs.

• Settings and AI: search settings, change terminology preferences, configure AI services, and review support and open-source information.

• Project and schematic review: after importing KiCad .kicad_pro / .kicad_sch, browse the source tree in Project, switch sheets in the schematic Workbench, search symbol / net / label / text / marker, and pick symbol / pin / wire / label directly on the canvas.

Quick Entry Points

• Install and launchMake sure the app starts cleanly and the library home page is ready.
• First launch and importWalk through first-run samples, import, and opening the workspace end to end.
• Five-minute tourTake the shortest path through the current library, 2D, Workbench, Data, 3D, and export flows.
• Library and revisionsUnderstand how documents, revisions, duplication, SES, pinning, and sharing fit together.
• 2D ViewerInspect objects, open View Info, and prepare exports in the current main working view.
• Quick EstimateUnderstand the local manufacturing estimate, Revision Quote status, and quote results shown on the Data page.
• Export and sharingUnderstand the difference between capture export, original-source export, and converted export.

Recommended Reading Order

1. Install and launch
2. First launch and import
3. Five-minute tour
4. Library and revisions
5. 2D Viewer
6. Quick Estimate
7. Workbench
8. Export and sharing
9. Settings

How This Handbook Is Organized

• Quick Start: first launch, import, and the shortest end-to-end walkthrough.
• Guides: task-based pages for the library, viewers, Workbench, export, and settings.
• Troubleshooting: the most common issues around import, permissions, and loading.
• QA Appendix: practical checklists for test and regression work.

Scope of This Handbook

• It documents the current code-backed user-visible behavior and does not explain internal architecture.
• When platforms differ, the handbook explicitly separates iOS / iPadOS and macOS.