This tab allows you to setup parameters which define how the Online Design Rule Checking behaves.
Shortcuts
Default Keys: O
Default Menu: Tools
Command: Options
Locating this option
Available from: Tools menu > Options > Online DRC page
Using the Online DRC Options Tab
Online DRC
If this is checked, some level of design rule checking will be performed during manual editing of the items in the design. the depth of this checking is determined by the following options.
Continuous
Use this to automatically avoid creating design rule errors during some interactive operations. Generally it is used if the operation involves editing a simple single item on an electrical layer.
For example, whilst adding a track it will not be able to cross other items on the same electrical layer. Moving a via will not allow you to place it on top of any tracks on layers it spans.
Moving multiple components is generally regarded as too complex to use continuous checking on as it would be too slow to check every layer for pad violations on the fly. The same is true when moving a track segment which may have many other tracks or vias attached to it. For such items, ‘On Drop’ checking applies to these kinds of items instead.
Note: Enabling the Allow Checking of Multiple Items option at the bottom of the dialog will allow Continuous Online DRC to be performed for multiple items.
You can temporarily disable continuous checking during an interactive operation by holding the left Alt key down whilst moving the mouse. This allows you to keep the continuous DRC checking on, but still occasionally place items in error, and maybe move the item they are in error against after the operation.
On Drop
Use this to automatically check the changed items in the design after any interactive operation. If an error is found, you will be asked if the error is allowed, or if the operation should be reversed. For example, if you drop a component on top of another you are warned of a Pad to Pad error. You may then leave the component in error, or carry on moving it to find a safer place.
Check Attached Tracks On Drop
When moving or rotating a component that has dynamic tracks attached it is hard to drop the component in a place where the tracks do not violate items. Generally, these tracks will be tidied up at a later stage. Uncheck this switch to avoid getting errors reported for these tracks.
After Edit
Use this to automatically check changed items after being edited by options such as Item Properties and Add Teardrops.
If, when applying the changes in a Properties dialog, an error would occur you will be asked if the error is allowed. If not the changes are not applied and you are returned to the Properties dialog page.
Add Error Marker
If using On Drop or After Edit and you wish to continue even though the change will result in an error, use this switch to automatically insert an error marker into the design. This will remind you of the error so that you can fix it at a later stage.
Check Poured Copper
Uncheck this option if you do not want Online DRC to check poured copper.
Note: If the Check Poured Copper option is left unchecked, you will not see the Design Rule Clearance on Copper Templates.
Check Comp To Comp
Uncheck this option if you do not want Online DRC to check the spacing between components. This is only checked on drop.
Check Via In Pad
Uncheck this option if you do not want Online DRC to check for vias within pads. This is only checked on drop.
Check Same Net Via To SMD
Uncheck this option if you do not want Online DRC to check the spacing between vias and SMD pads on the same net. This will only be checked on drop.
Show Design Rule Clearance
Use this to automatically display the clearance around static items during some interactive operations. Generally it is used if the operation involves editing a simple single item on an electrical layer. The clearance shown is set to the size of the allowed spacing between the static item and the item being interactively edited. This clearance shows how close the item can be placed to another without violating it. As the dynamic item moves within the allowed clearance gap, the clearance will change colour to indicate that the moving items is in error. The two clearance colours can be set up in the Colours - Highlights dialog.
If checked, there are three modes of operation as follows:
On All Items
As you start the interactive operation, all the electrical items that are visible on the same layer as the item being edited will have the clearance drawn around them. This will be cleared when the operation is over.
Note: If the Check Poured Copper option from the Online DRC section is left unchecked, you will not see the Design Rule Clearance on Copper Templates.
Within Set Distance
When the item being edited comes within the entered distance of the clearance of another static item on the same electrical layer, the static item will have it’s clearance drawn around it to warn you that you are getting close. The clearance will disappear as you move away from the static item again.
Within Grid Steps
When the item being edited comes within the entered number of grid steps of the clearance of another static item on the same electrical layer, the static item will have it’s clearance drawn around it to warn you that you are getting close. The clearance will disappear as you move away from the static item again. The grid step is of the current grid which the items are moving on (which could be 0).
Show Clearances On Breakouts
Breakouts are only potential items in the design, you can turn off clearances on these.
Allow Checking of Multiple Items
Use this switch to allow Continuous Online DRC and Show Clearances when moving multiple items.
Note: on a very dense design, checking multiple items can be slow. If this is the case, you should switch off checking of multiple items.
If On All Items is checked, the Refine Within Distance options are used only for selections of multiple items. The clearances shown when moving multiple items will be the clearances of whichever item is clicked when starting the move. If an item in the selection has different clearances to this item, they will be shown once that item comes within the defined distance or grid steps of this clearance.
Other Options Tabs
| General Options: | Design Backups | Display | Edit Shape | File Extensions | Find | Folders | General | In-Place Names | Macros | Move | Multi-Screen | Pan & Zoom | Resolve Net Names | Select | Synchronisation | Tooltips | Warnings |
| PCB Options: | Edit Track | Interaction | Track Length Limits |
| Schematics Options: | Edit Connection | Interaction | Online ERC |
| Footprint Options: | Edit Breakout |
Related Topics
Add Teardrops | Colours - Highlights | Design Rule Check | Design Rule Spacings | Item Properties