Here’s the 3-step workflow:
: Selecting a macro displays a footprint preview at the bottom of the library. drag-and-drop a macro from the preview window onto your design board. Component Data Macros Sprint Layout 6.0
| Feature | Macros (.mac) | Library (.lib) | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Ease of creation | Very easy (select → save) | Requires manual entry | | Load speed | Instant | Instant | | Layer settings | Preserved | Preserved | | Parametric values | No | Yes (e.g., pin count) | | Best use | Specific, complex footprints | Simple, regular components | Here’s the 3-step workflow: : Selecting a macro
Creating a macro is straightforward. Let’s walk through saving a custom as an example. Let’s walk through saving a custom as an example
If a specific component is missing, you can create a custom macro:
The primary advantage of using macros in Sprint-Layout 6.0 is the sheer speed they bring to the design process. The software comes pre-loaded with an extensive library of over 4,600 standard components. This library is organized into logical groups, allowing designers to quickly find and "drag and drop" footprints for standard packages like DIP, SMD, or TO-220. By utilizing these existing templates, a hobbyist can move from a schematic idea to a completed physical layout in a fraction of the time required by more cumbersome CAD software. The Power of Customization