You Won’t Lose Your Data When You Switch
Use the industry’s best migration tool to import your designs
Use a built-in importer to convert your designs
The Import Wizard in Altium Designer converts your OrCAD database to Altium’s format in minutes.
Take your libraries with you
The migration process converts your OrCAD libraries into Altium’s library format.
Minimal cleanup required
The Import Wizard helps you minimize cleanup in your converted schematics and PCB layouts.
Easy to learn, easy to use
Once you’ve converted your projects, you can instantly start working on your designs in an intuitive user interface.
Talk to a Migration Specialist
1-800-544-4186
Schedule a Demo
See How Simple It Is to Migrate to Altium Designer
The industry’s fastest conversion and cleanup process
Switching from OrCAD to
Altium Designer in 3 Simple Steps:
STEP 1
Prepare Your
OrCAD Files
Ensure data is saved in OrCAD file formats (*.BRD, *.DSN, *.OLB, and *.LLB)
STEP 2
Convert Designs
Use the Import Wizard in Altium Designer to convert to Altium’s file format
STEP 3
Start Working in Altium Designer
You can start updating your converted files and reuse your OrCAD libraries in new Altium Designer projects
Thousands of Customers Are Happy
They Switched From OrCAD
“I have used Altium Designer since 1994, when it was called Protel. Over the years I have used a number of other electronic CAD systems including OrCAD, DxDesigner and PADS, but I prefer Altium Designer for its tight integration from schematic capture through PCB design to output file generation.”
Howard Robson
“In addition to Altium Designer we concurrently used other toolsets such as OrCAD and PADS. We are opted to use Altium Designer exclusively due to Altium’s unrivaled track record against other toolsets of putting the design engineer back in the driver’s seat by providing us with intuitive and easy-to-use features that deliver real world benefits.”
Josh Ross
“It’s much easier to come up with an idea and see it turn into reality maybe in a couple of weeks instead of a couple of months with our old workflow. So the Altium transition has been phenomenal for us.”
Dugan Karnazes
Explore Information to Help You Successfully
Complete the Migration Process
Step-By-Step Guide to Migrate from OrCAD
Our migration guide shows you how to use the Import Wizard in Altium Designer to convert an OrCAD project into Altium’s file format.
Access Migration Guide >
View Technical Documentation >
Training Programs for Users of All Levels
Altium offers on-demand and instructor-led training programs so that you’re able to quickly and efficiently master PCB design with Altium Designer.
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From Migration to Design, We Care About Your Success
Altium offers multiple support options to ensure your success
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Engage with support team members via a live chat session. Through chat support, you can get answers to many common issues, including installation, licensing, error messages, or unexpected software behavior. Need more support? You can escalate your chat to a ticket.
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Altium's online technical documentation is an expansive set of resources that helps you find the information you need. Whether you’re looking for a high-level overview or need precise information regarding the functionality of a specific UI element, the documentation center and knowledge base has you covered.
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Altium Academy is an online learning platform for PCB designers and engineers of every skill level. Learn directly from professionals and industry experts who provide instruction on many topics, including basic PCB design principles, advanced engineering topics, and everything in between.
Migrate to Altium Designer
Discover Why So Many Engineers Choose Altium Designer Over OrCAD
Migrate to Altium Designer
- All design tools and files are accessible in a single program
- Altium Designer is easy to learn and easy to use
- Simple project and library migration process for OrCAD users
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- Includes access to an Altium 365® Product Design platform
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which OrCAD files are needed for migration?
Users only need their .BRD and .DSN files to migrate from OrCAD to Altium Designer. To convert models and components, .OLB and .DRA files are also needed.
How much rework is needed after importing?
The amount of rework varies with each project, but the Import Wizard in Altium Designer was engineered to minimize any required cleanup. After running the Import Wizard, make sure to view the migration log and review the converted design for any required changes.
Can we go back and forth between using Altium Designer and OrCAD?
After converting your files to the Altium Designer file format, your original files will still be available and can be accessed in OrCAD.
Can we import existing parts libraries?
Yes, all OrCAD parts and component libraries can be converted into Altium’s library format.
How long does it take to convert a project to Altium Designer?
It takes just a few minutes for the Import Wizard to complete the conversion process. As with any importer, it is advisable to review the converted files to ensure no cleanup is needed.
What happens to OrCAD-specific features?
Some features in OrCAD files may not translate as expected. Therefore, it is essential to review specific features before finalizing your converted files. Please refer to ourmigration guide to see what features should be reviewed and if any cleanup is required. The overall process is short and can usually be completed in a few minutes for smaller projects.
OrCAD® is a registered trademark of Cadence Design Systems, Inc., and/or its
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