[weblacky]

Yo,
I've wanted to figure out PCB layout for awhile, I'd tried easyEDA, DigiKey's PCB layout site, and one other (name escapes me) and I couldn't get them to do simple things.  The online ones seem to be bent on you telling them the part you want to use, then they will layout.  But their parts lists are tiny and don't allow you to enter much. I even have Visio, solidworks, and Autodesk CAD experience, and yet I couldn't get anything to work on what I've tried.

Suggestions would be welcome.  I need to do a lot of header layouts and adapter boards so I need to be able to align and layout 40, 50, 60+ header pin layouts (2.54mm IDC) as well as narrow SMD connectors.  Every guide I've found approaches the PDB layout from already existing parts.    I have data sheets for the footprints I want, but cannot seem to find a free PCB designer that allows me to just either dictate the component footprint or has the ability to know what connectors are (as components) to allow placement and connection.


I've not tried Eagle, I know that's a thing, I may try there next.

[robespierre]

The usual suspects are KiCad, gEDA, and HorizonEDA.

The traditional workflow is that footprints are different from parts. Most designers spend a great deal of time doing their own footprints, because they know the requirements of their manufacturing process better than anyone else (unless you use a tool from the board house like JLCPCBs). Footprints are critical to get right since they affect stencils, paste placement, and reflow. So your footprints for lead-free may actually need to be different... there are a lot of tricks to learn too.