Using manual routing tools

You can use add/edit route mode to create new tracks from a ratsnest. To edit existing tracks without unrouting them, place your cursor on any routed vertex or segment and click the left mouse button. You can use edit segment mode to move existing segments of tracks, create new segments, or remove segments. When a horizontal segment is moved up or down, the connecting segments lengthen or shorten in order to accommodate the changes to the selected segment. The selected segment and its connecting segments change size as necessary.

While routing, if you press the A key and click the left mouse button on a track, you can begin a new track on another track of the same net, which is known as T-routing. When using the manual route tools, the following options are available in the Route Settings dialog box (from the Options menu, choose Route Settings).

· The Use All Via Types option allows Layout to use the optimal via type from among all the vias defined in the Padstacks spreadsheet. If this option is not selected, and you have not specified a via for use with a given net, then Layout uses Via 1 (the default via type).

With the Snap to Grid Routing option selected, the segment that you are routing moves from grid point to grid point, so that you cannot create a track off of the routing grid. When you deselect this option, you are able to route regardless of the track’s relationship to the routing grid.

· The Any Angle Corner option allows you to create an angle of any kind. When you select this option, the connection segment attached to the routing tool’s crosshairs rotates freely through 360°.

· The 135 Corners option allows you to create angles of 90° or 135° while you route.

· The 90 Corners option restricts angles to 90°.

· The Curve Corners option gives you the ability to place curved tracks on your board while you route manually. With a routing tool selected, you can create curved, horizontal and vertical tracks (however, you cannot readily create 135° angles with this option selected).