Setting environment preferences

In Layout, you can edit the default settings that affect your design environment.

To set user preferences

1 From the Options menu, choose User Preferences. The User Preferences dialog box appears.

2 Edit the options to reflect your preferences and requirements, then choose the OK button.

Display Preferences

Enable Full Screen Cursor

Changes the cursor to a full screen cursor, with X and Y axes that extend the width and height of the design window.

Enable Auto Pan

With an object selected, placing the pointer at the horizontal edge of the design window causes Layout to pan in the direction of the pointer. The pointer and selected object move to the middle of the screen after panning.

Use Opaque Graphics

When selected, tracks and other objects are solid. You cannot see what, if anything, is under them. When not selected, tracks and other objects are translucent and you can see the tracks and objects beneath them.

Use Hollow Pads

Displays solid pads as hollow squares or circles to reduce redrawing time. They do not print or plot as hollow.

Show 3D Effects

Displays three-dimensional images representing component heights on the screen, and indicates the height on the image. Also displays the identifying text associated with height restrictions or group restrictions for height or group keepins and keepouts.

Global Preferences

Activate Online DRC

Enables online design rule checking. Equivalent to choosing the online DRC toolbar button. With this option selected, you can only draw routes that conform to your space settings.

Instantaneous Reconnection Mode

Enables reconnect mode, which you can use to show or hide nets. Equivalent to choosing the reconnect toolbar button.

Allow Editing of Footprints

Enables you to edi component footprints on the board without opening the library manager. You can edit obstacles, text, and pins attached to separate components.