Ultimate Altium Designer Cheatsheet

Introduction to Altium Designer

Altium Designer is a comprehensive electronic design automation (EDA) software that enables engineers to design, simulate, and produce printed circuit boards (PCBs). Known for its integrated approach, Altium Designer combines schematic capture, PCB layout, library management, signal integrity analysis, and documentation capabilities in a single platform. This unified workflow allows electronics engineers to move seamlessly from concept to production-ready designs, making it one of the industry’s most powerful PCB design tools for professionals and companies of all sizes.

Core Concepts and Interface

Workspace Organization

Document Types

Schematic Design Essentials

Component Placement and Wiring

Multi-Sheet Design

Schematic Verification

PCB Layout Fundamentals

Board Setup

Component Placement

Routing Techniques

Via Types and Usage

Design Rules and Constraints

Rule Categories

Creating Custom Rules

1. Navigate to Design » Rules
2. Select rule category from left panel
3. Right-click and select New Rule
4. Name the rule appropriately
5. Define rule scope using query language
6. Set constraint values
7. Organize rule priority (higher rules override lower ones)

Rule Query Language Examples

InNet('GND')                   // All objects in GND net
InNetClass('USB_Differential') // All nets in USB_Differential class
IsVia                          // All vias
IsPad                          // All pads
Layer = 'Top Layer'            // Objects on Top Layer
InComponent('U1')              // Objects in component U1

Library Management

Component Creation Workflow

1. Create Schematic Symbol:

   • Design » New Component
   • Add pins and graphics
   • Define designator and properties

2. Create PCB Footprint:

   • File » New » PCB Library
   • Add pads, silkscreen, assembly drawing
   • Define origin and courtyard

3. Create Integrated Library:

   • Create SchLib and PcbLib
   • File » New » Library Package
   • Add components and link symbols to footprints
   • Compile to create IntLib

Library Organization Best Practices

• Use Categories: Organize by function (connectors, ICs, passives)
• Consistent Naming: Establish naming conventions
• Version Control: Track library changes with Git/SVN
• Documentation: Include datasheets and notes
• Parameterization: Define variable parameters
• Component Types: Use consistent types (standard, alternate part)
• Model Links: Associate 3D models with footprints
• Central Library: Consider Altium 365 or network location

Component Parameters

High-Speed Design Techniques

Impedance Control

Length Matching

Signal Integrity Analysis

Design for Manufacturing (DFM)

Manufacturing Output Generation

DFM Checks

Documentation Best Practices

• Include fabrication notes with special requirements
• Specify material requirements (FR4 grade, copper weight)
• Define impedance requirements clearly
• Include stack-up diagram with materials
• Specify finish type (HASL, ENIG, etc.)
• Define assembly-specific instructions
• Include reference designators on silkscreen
• Provide test specifications

Project Management and Collaboration

Version Control Integration

Collaboration Tools

Advanced Features and Extensions

Simulation Tools

3D Design Integration

Programming and Extension

Keyboard Shortcuts Quick Reference

General Shortcuts

Schematic Specific Shortcuts

PCB Specific Shortcuts