AutoTRAX EDA adds intelligent PDF file archiving and data exchange.

AutoTRAX EDA can now save and archive your designs as Adobe PDF document files.

PDF is the file format that underlies the Adobe® Intelligent Document Platform, and facilitates managing, securing, collecting, and exchanging digital content on diverse platforms and devices.  There are over 500 million copies of the free Adobe Reader distributed around the world.

AutoTRAX EDA saves your composite designs consisting of a schematic design and associated PCB together with a hierarchical page outline consisting of views of all the sheets and the PCB in your design. This places your design in a Portable Document Form which you can archive and/or distribute to others.

Unlike other programs which emulate a printer driver, AutotTRAX EDA outputs PDF files with each page tailored to the exact size of your design; there is no white printer margin around your sheets. There is also no additional cost.

The PDF file can also optionally contain either your schematic design and/or your PCB design. These are set as links on the first page of the PDF file. Simply double clicking on the link will automatically open the schematic or PCB using AutoTRAX EDA. The design files are embedded in the PDF file.

You also have the option of embedding both the standard and non-standard fonts used by your design in the PDF file. This ensures that recipients of your design will see the text exactly as you intended.

The natural file format for AutoTRAX design is XML. This is a human readable form that you can view in any text editor. To support the ‘Open Design’ adopted by AutoTRAX, you can optionally generate the PDF file as a pure text file readable in any text editor.

The AutoTRAX EDA Send feature allows you to quickly and easily email the PDF as an attached file to others.

PDF files can be included in your web pages so you can share your designs, parts and footprints. Others can view your files using their favorite Internet Brower and optionally double click and open the design, part or footprint.

To help others to review your design, many 3^rd party software developers provide PDF file editors than can add red lining, text and graphical annotations to your PDF file and return them to you for your approval.

Kovac Software is committed to supporting PDF and future enhancements will include:

• Addition of hyperlinks to design objects. This will allow you to dynamically link items to web pages such as manufacturer’s data sheets and also your web site.
• Addition of CAM files such as Gerber files, Drill files and Pick and Place files.
• Optional addition of a Bill of Materials page.
• An assembly page detailing the placement of parts.
• Embedding a 3D model of your PCB which can be rotated and viewed from any angle.