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Bane Stojkovic 2003e54b3e Enhance QuickStart with more key commands 
Added additional key commands and controls for components.
2026-10-12 11:12:30 +02:00

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DIY Layout Creator (DIYLC) – Quick Start Guide

Welcome to DIY Layout Creator (DIYLC) — the open-source layout tool designed specifically for DIY electronics enthusiasts, pedal builders, tube amp makers, and guitar modders.

1. System Requirements & Installation Quick-Check

DIYLC runs cross-platform on Windows, macOS, and Linux. The current release is built on Java 21 LTS.

Installation by Operating System

  • Windows (64-bit):
    • Download diylc-6.x.x-win64.exe (Installer) or diylc-6.x.x-win64.zip.
    • Includes bundled Java JRE. If Windows Defender flags the file, click More Info → Run Anyway.
  • macOS (Intel & Apple Silicon):
    • Download diylc-6.x.x-osx-silicon.zip (M-series) or diylc-6.x.x-osx-intel.zip.
    • Extract and drag DIYLC.app to your Applications folder.
    • If macOS blocks launch, navigate to System Settings > Privacy & Security and select Open Anyway.
  • Linux (64-bit):
    • Download diylc-6.x.x-linux.zip, extract, and double-click the executable AppImage.
  • Universal Package (All Platforms):
    • Requires Java 21+ installed (java -version).
    • Run via run.bat (Windows) or run.sh (macOS/Linux).

2. Interface Overview

  1. Component Library (Left Drawer): Browse components grouped by category (Boards, Passive, Semiconductors, Guitar, Tubes, Schematics, Shapes).
  2. Canvas (Center Area): The grid-based work region with adjustable rulers (mm/inches) and zoom controls.
  3. Properties & Layer Tree (Right Panel): Displays properties of selected components and Z-order layer management.
  4. AI Assistant (Right Drawer): In-app chat for troubleshooting, design tips, and circuit questions.

3. Essential Key Commands & Controls

  • Q: Jump to search the component tree.
  • ~ (Tilde): Repeat and place another instance of the previously created component.
  • Ctrl / Cmd + D: Duplicate selected component(s).
  • Ctrl / Cmd + E: Edit selected component properties (value, package, color, etc.).
  • Alt / Option + Left / Right Arrow: Rotate selected component(s) counter-clockwise or clockwise.
  • Arrow Keys: Nudge selected component by one grid increment.
  • Shift + Arrow Keys: Nudge selected component by one pixel for precision alignment.
  • Shift (while dragging): Lock movement along a single axis (horizontal or vertical).
  • Ctrl (while dragging): Temporarily toggle Sticky Points to prevent unwanted snapping.
  • Ctrl / Cmd + G / Ctrl / Cmd + U: Group or ungroup selected components.
  • Ctrl / Cmd + 1 – 6: Toggle visibility of layers (Chassis, Board, Trace, Component, Wiring, Text).
  • Ctrl / Cmd + F: Find a component by name, select it, and pan to it on canvas.

4. Key Workflows & Features

Creating a Layout

  1. Place a Board: Drag a Veroboard, Perfboard, or PCB shape from the Boards category onto the canvas.
  2. Add Components: Drag resistors, capacitors, transistors, or ICs onto board holes/pads.
  3. Route Connections & Wires: Use the Connectivity menu to add flexible wires, jumpers, trace cuts, or ground busses.

Analysis & Debugging Tools (Analyze Menu)

  • Guitar Wiring Analyzer: Verifies switch matrix combinations, coil splits, phase relationships, and hum-canceling positions.
  • Virtual Multimeter: Graphically traces electrical paths between two points as series/parallel sub-circuits.
  • Compare With...: Compares two layouts or schematics to check if they are electronically equivalent.
  • Highlight Connected Areas: Click any point/node to highlight all connected paths on the board.

5. Exporting & Sharing Your Work

  • Image / PDF Export: Go to File > Export Image/PDF for high-resolution documentation.
  • Bill of Materials (BOM): Go to File > Export BOM to generate a complete list of required parts and quantities.
  • Gerber PCB Fabrication: Go to File > Export Gerber to generate manufacturing files for PCB fabricators.
  • DIYLC Cloud Integration: Use the Cloud menu to search, download, and publish community layouts.

6. Keeping DIYLC Updated

  • Look for the glowing lightbulb icon in the bottom-right corner of the status bar when an update is available.
  • Official download channels: GitHub Releases and Patreon.
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