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TinyCAD

tinycad.net

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Spec score 7.4 #31 of 41 in 2D CAD Software

What it is

TinyCAD is an open-source program for drawing circuit schematics, available as desktop software and TinyCAD Web. The browser version needs no installation, and both versions use the same .dsn drawing and .tclib library formats. Drawings can span sheets and include labels, buses, shapes, annotations, and automatic junction placement; search, undo, and redo are also available. Both versions can import symbols from KiCad.

A Design Rules Check flags common wiring and pin-type errors, but it cannot confirm that a circuit works correctly. TinyCAD can create netlists for downstream tools, including PADS, Eagle SCR, Protel, and gEDA PCB formats. Both versions support SPICE output and SVG export; browser PDF export is available, while VHDL output is desktop-only. In local-file mode, TinyCAD Web keeps work in the browser and sends no work or other files to TinyCAD servers. Google Drive mode stores drawings in the user’s Drive and requires permission to access Google files. TinyCAD is free and supplied as-is; the project advises backing up work and checking designs carefully.

Spec sheet

Purpose
TinyCAD is an open-source schematic capture program for drawing circuit diagrams.Read 8 Oct 2026 · docs.tinycad.net
Support
The TinyCAD Web quick-start page links to a Discord support community.Read 8 Oct 2026 · docs.tinycad.net
Analytics
TinyCAD says it uses Google Analytics to track site usage volumes.Read 8 Oct 2026 · docs.tinycad.net
Browser app
TinyCAD Web runs in a browser without installation and uses the same .dsn drawing and .tclib library formats as the desktop app.Read 8 Oct 2026 · docs.tinycad.net
Design checks
The Design Rules Check looks for common wiring and pin-type errors but does not guarantee that a circuit is functionally correct.Read 8 Oct 2026 · docs.tinycad.net
Export
TinyCAD can generate netlists for PCB layout and other downstream tools, including PADS, Eagle SCR, Protel, and gEDA PCB formats.Read 8 Oct 2026 · docs.tinycad.net
Export limits
The browser and desktop versions export SVG images; the browser can export PDF, and VHDL output is unavailable in the browser version.Read 8 Oct 2026 · docs.tinycad.net
Google Drive
Google Drive mode stores drawings in the user's Drive and requires access permission to Google files; TinyCAD says it sends no work or other files to its servers.Read 8 Oct 2026 · docs.tinycad.net
KiCad integration
TinyCAD browser and desktop versions can import symbols from KiCad.Read 8 Oct 2026 · docs.tinycad.net
Local privacy
In local-file mode, TinyCAD runs in the browser, stores work locally, and sends no work or other files to TinyCAD servers.Read 8 Oct 2026 · docs.tinycad.net
Other outputs
TinyCAD supports SPICE output in browser and desktop versions, while VHDL output is available in the desktop app only.Read 8 Oct 2026 · docs.tinycad.net
Platform availability
TinyCAD v4 desktop is offered for Windows, macOS, and Linux, and TinyCAD Web is intended for Windows, Mac, Chromebooks, and Linux.Read 8 Oct 2026 · docs.tinycad.net
Project caveat
The project is community-driven, supplied as-is, and may contain bugs or incomplete features; its manual advises users to back up work and check designs carefully.Read 8 Oct 2026 · docs.tinycad.net
Schematic features
TinyCAD supports multi-sheet drawings, labels, buses, shapes, annotations, drawing search, undo and redo, and automatic junction placement.Read 8 Oct 2026 · docs.tinycad.net

Plans and prices

TinyCAD Free Free-of-charge open-source project · supplied as-is Read 8 Oct 2026 · docs.tinycad.net

Every TinyCAD plan and price →

Strong points and limits

Strong points

  • Desktop and browser versions share drawing formats
  • Multi-sheet schematics and automatic junction placement
  • Netlist exports for several downstream tools
  • Local-file mode keeps work in the browser
  • Free-of-charge open-source project

Limits

  • Design Rules Check cannot verify circuit function
  • VHDL output is unavailable in the browser
  • Project is supplied as-is and may contain bugs
  • Google Drive mode requires Google file access permission

Who it suits

TinyCAD suits people drawing circuit diagrams who want a free desktop or browser option and downstream netlist exports. Those needing VHDL output must use the desktop application.

Verdict

TinyCAD provides practical schematic drawing and export features across desktop and browser workflows. Its design checks are limited, so circuit correctness still needs careful verification.

Where Specifiction places it

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