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TinyCAD
What it is
TinyCAD is a free, open-source schematic capture program for drawing circuit diagrams. TinyCAD Web runs in a browser without installation, while TinyCAD v4 desktop is offered for Windows, macOS, and Linux. Both versions use .dsn drawings and .tclib libraries and can import symbols from KiCad. Drawings support multiple sheets, labels, buses, shapes, annotations, search, undo, redo, and automatic junction placement. Design Rules Check identifies common wiring and pin-type errors but cannot confirm that a circuit is functionally correct. TinyCAD generates netlists for PADS, Eagle SCR, Protel, and gEDA PCB workflows. Both versions support SPICE and SVG export; browser PDF export is available, while VHDL output requires desktop. Local browser mode stores work locally and sends no work files to TinyCAD servers.
For and against
For
- Free open-source project
- Desktop and browser versions
- Multi-sheet schematic support
- Netlist output for several PCB tools
- Local browser mode sends no work files
Against
- Design checks cannot prove functional correctness
- VHDL output unavailable in browser
- Project supplied as-is and may contain bugs
- Google Drive mode requires file access permission
The verdict
TinyCAD provides a broad schematic feature set across desktop and browser editions without a listed charge. Users should still back up work and verify designs because the project is community-driven and its checks have limits.
Who it suits
It suits people creating circuit schematics on supported desktop systems or in a browser. Users who need offline-style local browser storage, netlists, or downstream PCB formats may find it useful.
Plans and prices
TinyCAD
Free-of-charge open-source project · supplied as-is
Read 8 Oct 2026 · docs.tinycad.net
On the record
- Analytics
- TinyCAD says it uses Google Analytics to track site usage volumes.docs.tinycad.net · read 8 Oct 2026
- Browser app
- TinyCAD Web runs in a browser without installation and uses the same .dsn drawing and .tclib library formats as the desktop app.docs.tinycad.net · read 8 Oct 2026
- Design checks
- The Design Rules Check looks for common wiring and pin-type errors but does not guarantee that a circuit is functionally correct.docs.tinycad.net · read 8 Oct 2026
- Export
- TinyCAD can generate netlists for PCB layout and other downstream tools, including PADS, Eagle SCR, Protel, and gEDA PCB formats.docs.tinycad.net · read 8 Oct 2026
- Export limits
- The browser and desktop versions export SVG images; the browser can export PDF, and VHDL output is unavailable in the browser version.docs.tinycad.net · read 8 Oct 2026
- Google Drive
- Google Drive mode stores drawings in the user's Drive and requires access permission to Google files; TinyCAD says it sends no work or other files to its servers.docs.tinycad.net · read 8 Oct 2026
- KiCad integration
- TinyCAD browser and desktop versions can import symbols from KiCad.docs.tinycad.net · read 8 Oct 2026
- Local privacy
- In local-file mode, TinyCAD runs in the browser, stores work locally, and sends no work or other files to TinyCAD servers.docs.tinycad.net · read 8 Oct 2026
- Other outputs
- TinyCAD supports SPICE output in browser and desktop versions, while VHDL output is available in the desktop app only.docs.tinycad.net · read 8 Oct 2026
- Platform availability
- TinyCAD v4 desktop is offered for Windows, macOS, and Linux, and TinyCAD Web is intended for Windows, Mac, Chromebooks, and Linux.docs.tinycad.net · read 8 Oct 2026
- Project caveat
- The project is community-driven, supplied as-is, and may contain bugs or incomplete features; its manual advises users to back up work and check designs carefully.docs.tinycad.net · read 8 Oct 2026
- Purpose
- TinyCAD is an open-source schematic capture program for drawing circuit diagrams.docs.tinycad.net · read 8 Oct 2026
- Schematic features
- TinyCAD supports multi-sheet drawings, labels, buses, shapes, annotations, drawing search, undo and redo, and automatic junction placement.docs.tinycad.net · read 8 Oct 2026
- Support
- The TinyCAD Web quick-start page links to a Discord support community.docs.tinycad.net · read 8 Oct 2026
