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DesignSpark PCB - How do I add a keep-out area so that the router avoids it?

1 Jan 2010

Martin Keenan

United Kingdom

  You should add a copper area to the layer where you wish the router to avoid.

Replies

bigrob

United Kingdom
1 year ago

Define a copper pour area and then select properties and tick "Pour Keepout "

chapmanmr

United States
1 year ago

Note that the question is about a keepout area so that the autorouter will avoid putting traces in it.  Your reply is regarding defining a "Pour Keepout" which does only that - keeps the "pour" function from putting down poured copper.  The autorouter will still put traces through that area if it wants to.  If you have an area that you strictly don't want copper in (such as under many Micro-SD card sockets) it appears that you have to lay down a copper pour area first then do your routing, and then remove the poured copper area.  It's an extra step that relys on you to remember to remove that copper area when you do the last routing of your board.  I'm fairly new at this but it seems that there should be a plain function for "keepout" of all copper.  (Suggesting that it be added)  Having said that, I am really having a fun, easy time learning this package and am blown away by the power of it especially having it made available at no charge!!  Thank you DesignSpark PCB guys!

LStacey

United Kingdom
1 year ago

Thanks for the extra info!