Drawing electrical symbols

Editing an existing symbol

  1. In the symbol palette or symbol search window, right-click the symbol and select Open Symbol.
  2. The symbol opens in the symbol editor. Make your changes.
  3. Save the symbol (Ctrl + S) and close the editor (Ctrl + W).
  4. ⚠️ Changes won't appear in existing drawings automatically. You need to delete the old symbols from your drawings and re-insert the corrected version.

Creating a symbol

Use File - New symbol to create a new document. Then draw the graphical elements (lines, rectangles) that make up the symbol.

When creating a symbol, place graphical shapes symmetrically so the symbol is centered on the axes of the working screen.

center objects

Save the completed symbol in the library - the directory set in your program settings (F12 - Paths).

Creating a symbol based on another symbol

If your new symbol is similar to one that already exists, it's best to start from a copy. This keeps dimensions, connection point positions, and overall style consistent across the library.

In the symbols palette, right-click the model symbol and select Create similar symbol.

creating similar symbol

A dialog box appears. Enter the new symbol's title. If it should belong to a different group, press the Change button and select the target group.

Click OK to create the new symbol. Now just make the changes that differentiate it from the original and save.

Symbols are stored in files with the .ppd extension (normal symbols) or the .picd extension (integrated circuits).


Connection points

You draw connection points using this icon: icon: connection point. Connection points must be properly aligned. The figure below shows an incorrectly positioned connection point - this makes it impossible to wire the symbol because the wire to another symbol wouldn't be horizontal.

incorrectly positioned connection points

Most built-in symbols use connection point spacing of 2 mm or 4 mm. Stick with these values in your own symbols to keep everything consistent.

recommended spacing of outlets

Connection point numbers in print reports are based on the order you inserted them into the symbol. To check this order, use View - Show output numbers. You can change the order using the arrows in the Explorer panel.

outlets order

Test your symbol

Before using a new symbol in real drawings, test it in a blank drawing. Insert it in various positions, verify it can be wired correctly, and check that it looks consistent with existing symbols.

If you've created several symbols, you can print them all with Outputs - Batch Print Symbols to verify they look as intended.

Renaming a symbol

A symbol's name matches its filename, so simply rename the file in any file manager (e.g. Windows Explorer, Total Commander).

Moving a symbol to a different group

Move the file to a different folder using Windows Explorer or another file manager.

Deleting a symbol

Delete the file from the symbol library. You'll find the library path in File - Options - Paths.

You can use any file manager to organize symbol files.

Nested symbols

A symbol can contain other symbols. ⚠️ Nested symbols cannot contain text - this is a program limitation.

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