Viewer interface

The commands on the Viewer tab let you visualize the PCB entities and their attributes when using the assembly, comparison, and collaboration functionalities.

Viewer tab

Viewer interface showing a PCB design layout in the graphics window with two open toolboxes listing available and selected entities

Option Description
(1) Viewer command ribbon Lets you open and close toolboxes to display specific PCB entities and attributes, and measure the distance between them. You can also modify the model position to better inspect the design.
Assembly Toolbox Opens or closes Assembly toolbox (2) that lets you specify which assembly, components, copper layers, and other layers to display.
Overlay Toolbox Opens or closes the Overlays toolbox that lets you specify which additional component data such as labels or pins to display. The specified entities are superimposed on the displayed model.
Selection Toolbox

Opens or closes the Selection toolbox (4) that displays the entities that you selected in the viewer toolboxes, the interactive tables or directly in the graphics window. When you click a selected entity, the software highlights it on the 2D layout of the PCB design.
Selection Mode Enables or disables the selection feature that lets you select PCB entities directly on the model to graphically inspect them. Use this command in conjunction with the Selection toolbox for better precision, for example, when selecting entities.
Reset Camera View Resets the model to the original position.
Focus Camera on Current Selection Zooms into the area surrounding the selected PCB entities, and automatically adjusts the opacity of the model to highlight the selection.
Measurement Mode Lets you measure the spacing between PCB entities and attributes in millimeters. Select the Snap to Geometry Points check box and specify two points on the edge of a PCB entity or attribute to display the shortest X and Y distance values between the points.
Camera Bottom View Displays the bottom board side.
Camera Top View Displays the top board side.
Export to PNG Captures an image of the displayed model and lets you save it as a PNG file.
(3) Graphics window Displays a 2D layout of the PCB design. You can customize the viewer options on the Settings main page.
(5) Animation commands Available when using the comparison and collaboration functionalities.

Lets you inspect the design history in an animated format.

  • rewinds to display the first PCB design revision.
  • animates the changes.
  • displays the second or final PCB design revision.

Assembly toolbox

The Assembly toolbox lets you specify the PCB entities that display in the graphics window to better inspect the design. You display entities by selecting the check box next to them. You can also search for specific entities using the search boxes.

Option Description
Assembly Displays or hides the PC board to let you more easily inspect the components, copper entities, restriction areas and drilled holes.
Components Displays or hides all PCB components. You can also control all components that are on the top or bottom board side.
Copper Displays or hides all copper entities. You can also control all copper restriction areas on layers or all copper nets.
Other Layers Displays or hides all restriction areas except copper areas and drilled holes. Copper areas are under Copper when you select the Layers list. You can also control restriction areas and drilled holes separately.

Overlays toolbox

The Overlays toolbox lets you display additional component data, which is superimposed on the model. You display components by selecting the check box next to them. You can also search for specific components using the search boxes.
Option Description
World Axis Displays the absolute coordinate system of the PC board.
Component Data Lists component reference designators and primary pins per component filtering list.
Comparison Results Available when using the comparison functionality.

Lists the PCB entity design changes by board side.

Components Changes, Holes Changes, and Areas Changes lists the component, holes, and restriction area design changes.
Bends Lists the bends in the flexible or rigid-flex PCB design.

Selection toolbox

Selection toolbox lists the selected PCB entities and attributes.
Option Description
Selection Options Lists the available options that you can select to further explore the PCB design.
  • Components allows you to select only components in the graphics window.
  • Holes allows you to select only holes in the graphics window.
  • Areas allows you to select only restriction areas in the graphics window.
  • Nets allows you to select only copper nets in the graphics window.
  • Pads allows you to select only copper pads in the graphics window.

For example, to select a drilled hole near a bigger component, make sure that the Holes check box is selected and clear the Components check box to easily select the drilled hole instead of the component next to it.
Selected Objects Lists all PCB entities selected using the toolboxes and cross-selected in interactive tables. Click x next to the entity to remove it from the selection list. When you select an entity from this list, it is highlighted in the graphics window.