How to Do Manual Routing in PCB: Step-by-Step Guide

Manual routing in PCB involves using the Route or Interactive Routing tool in your PCB design software to draw traces between components by hand. You select the start and end points, then guide the trace along the desired path, adjusting width and layers as needed.

Syntax

Manual routing uses the Route tool in PCB software. The basic steps are:

• Select Trace Tool: Choose the manual routing or interactive routing tool.
• Pick Start Point: Click on the pad or pin where the trace begins.
• Draw Trace: Move the cursor to draw the trace along the desired path.
• Set Width and Layer: Adjust trace width and select the PCB layer if multilayer.
• End Trace: Click on the destination pad or pin to complete the route.

This process is repeated for each connection you want to route manually.

plaintext

Route Tool Usage:
1. Select Route Tool
2. Click Start Pad
3. Drag Trace Path
4. Adjust Width/Layer
5. Click End Pad

Example

This example shows manual routing of a simple connection between two pads on a single-layer PCB.

plaintext

1. Open your PCB design software (e.g., KiCad, Eagle).
2. Select the manual routing tool from the toolbar.
3. Click on the first pad of the component.
4. Drag the cursor to draw the trace along the desired path avoiding obstacles.
5. Click on the second pad to complete the trace.
6. Adjust trace width if needed in the properties panel.
7. Repeat for other connections.

Output

Trace manually routed between two pads following the chosen path without overlapping other components or traces.

Common Pitfalls

• Overlapping Traces: Avoid routing traces over existing ones or pads, which causes shorts.
• Ignoring Design Rules: Not following minimum trace width or clearance can cause manufacturing issues.
• Routing on Wrong Layer: Ensure you select the correct layer for the trace, especially in multilayer boards.
• Sharp Angles: Avoid 90-degree bends; use 45-degree angles for better signal integrity.
• Not Using Grid: Manual routing without grid snapping can cause misalignment and errors.

plaintext

Wrong Way:
- Route trace crossing another trace causing short.

Right Way:
- Route trace around existing traces with proper clearance.

Quick Reference

Step	Action	Tip
1	Select Route Tool	Use interactive/manual routing mode
2	Click Start Pad	Ensure correct pad selected
3	Draw Trace	Follow grid and avoid obstacles
4	Adjust Width/Layer	Match design rules and layer stack
5	Click End Pad	Complete connection cleanly

Key Takeaways

Use the manual routing tool to draw traces by clicking start and end pads.

Follow design rules for trace width, clearance, and layer selection.

Avoid overlapping traces and sharp 90-degree angles.

Use grid snapping to keep traces aligned and neat.

Check your routing visually to prevent shorts and errors.