Altium Designer 6 videos These videos have been developed to get you up and running with Altium Designer as quickly as possible. Each video runs for around 5 minutes (no longer then a coffee break) and provides an in-depth and practical discussion of how to use Altium Designer’s features to help solve common design challenges. Click below to access each set of videos. Project management What is a project? Understanding what a project is and how it is used is a fundamental concept that impacts on all aspects of design in Altium Designer. http://videos.altium.com/trainingcenter/contents/1072/flv/1072_ch1.flv http://videos.altium.com/trainingcenter/contents/1072/flv/1072_ch2.flv http://videos.altium.com/trainingcenter/contents/1072/flv/1072_ch3.flv http://videos.altium.com/trainingcenter/contents/1072/flv/1072_ch4.flv How do I create a project and add documents to it? Projects are a central aspect of Altium Designer’s operation and provide the means to group related design documents together along with any ancillary design information. http://videos.altium.com/trainingcenter/contents/1033/flv/1033_ch1.flv http://videos.altium.com/trainingcenter/contents/1033/flv/1033_ch2.flv http://videos.altium.com/trainingcenter/contents/1033/flv/1033_ch3.flv How do I link projects? The ability to link various design projects together to define a complete systems is one of the unique capabilities of Altium Designer‘s unified approach to electronics product development. http://videos.altium.com/trainingcenter/contents/1073/flv/1073_ch1.flv http://videos.altium.com/trainingcenter/contents/1073/flv/1073_ch2.flv http://videos.altium.com/trainingcenter/contents/1073/flv/1073_ch3.flv How do I break up a big design into subsheets? Breaking a large design into subsheets helps to promote design reuse, design abstraction and helps to keep printouts to a manageable size. http://videos.altium.com/trainingcenter/contents/1021/flv/1021_ch1.flv http://videos.altium.com/trainingcenter/contents/1021/flv/1021_ch2.flv http://videos.altium.com/trainingcenter/contents/1021/flv/1021_ch3.flv Setting up the PCB How do I define the PCB shape? Modern product packaging means that boards are often designed with unusual shapes. Learn different techniques on how to define the PCB shape in Altium Designer. http://videos.altium.com/trainingcenter/contents/1048/flv/1048_ch1.flv http://videos.altium.com/trainingcenter/contents/1048/flv/1048_ch2.flv http://videos.altium.com/trainingcenter/contents/1048/flv/1048_ch3.flv http://videos.altium.com/trainingcenter/contents/1048/flv/1048_ch4.flv http://videos.altium.com/trainingcenter/contents/1048/flv/1048_ch5.flv How do I configure the layer stackup and drill pairs? Configure the layer stackup for a new design and set up drill pairs to support blind or buried vias. http://videos.altium.com/trainingcenter/contents/1022/flv/1022_ch1.flv http://videos.altium.com/trainingcenter/contents/1022/flv/1022_ch2.flv http://videos.altium.com/trainingcenter/contents/1022/flv/1022_ch3.flv http://videos.altium.com/trainingcenter/contents/1022/flv/1022_ch4.flv How do I position components in my PCB? Use Altium Designer's tools to assist with the positioning of components and optimize the route-ability, performance and manufacturability of your PCB. http://videos.altium.com/trainingcenter/contents/1036/flv/1036_ch1.flv http://videos.altium.com/trainingcenter/contents/1036/flv/1036_ch2.flv http://videos.altium.com/trainingcenter/contents/1036/flv/1036_ch3.flv http://videos.altium.com/trainingcenter/contents/1036/flv/1036_ch4.flv http://videos.altium.com/trainingcenter/contents/1036/flv/1036_ch5.flv How do I use PCB classes? Defining a class from a collection of PCB objects allows you to select and reference them as a set. This simplifies the process of scoping design rules. http://videos.altium.com/trainingcenter/contents/1032/flv/1032_ch1.flv http://videos.altium.com/trainingcenter/contents/1032/flv/1032_ch2.flv http://videos.altium.com/trainingcenter/contents/1032/flv/1032_ch3.flv http://videos.altium.com/trainingcenter/contents/1032/flv/1032_ch4.flv Constraints-driven design How do I set up track widths and clearances? Setting up track widths and clearances is a common task in PCB design. Understanding Altium Designer’s rules-driven PCB design environment and how they apply to track widths and clearances will ensure that you get your design right first time. http://videos.altium.com/trainingcenter/contents/1016/flv/1016_ch1.flv http://videos.altium.com/trainingcenter/contents/1016/flv/1016_ch2.flv http://videos.altium.com/trainingcenter/contents/1016/flv/1016_ch3.flv http://videos.altium.com/trainingcenter/contents/1016/flv/1016_ch4.flv http://videos.altium.com/trainingcenter/contents/1016/flv/1016_ch5.flv How do I ‘keepout’ components or copper from areas on my PCB? Having the ability to specify where copper or components are (and are not) allowed to go is an important part of controlling your PCB design. http://videos.altium.com/trainingcenter/contents/1028/flv/1028_ch1.flv http://videos.altium.com/trainingcenter/contents/1028/flv/1028_ch2.flv http://videos.altium.com/trainingcenter/contents/1028/flv/1028_ch3.flv How do I track down and resolve DRC errors? The Design Rule Checker allows you to check your PCB design against a set of user configurable design rules. Finding the source of DRC errors will help you to eliminate them. http://videos.altium.com/trainingcenter/contents/1026/flv/1026_ch1.flv http://videos.altium.com/trainingcenter/contents/1026/flv/1026_ch2.flv http://videos.altium.com/trainingcenter/contents/1026/flv/1026_ch3.flv How do I find and resolve ERC errors? Trap design errors early with an electrical rules check as part of the design compilation process. http://videos.altium.com/trainingcenter/contents/1027/flv/1027_ch1.flv http://videos.altium.com/trainingcenter/contents/1027/flv/1027_ch2.flv http://videos.altium.com/trainingcenter/contents/1027/flv/1027_ch3.flv http://videos.altium.com/trainingcenter/contents/1027/flv/1027_ch4.flv Layout, route and fill How do I position components in my PCB? Use Altium Designer's tools to assist with the positioning of components and optimize the route-ability, performance and manufacturability of your PCB. http://videos.altium.com/trainingcenter/contents/1036/flv/1036_ch1.flv http://videos.altium.com/trainingcenter/contents/1036/flv/1036_ch2.flv http://videos.altium.com/trainingcenter/contents/1036/flv/1036_ch3.flv http://videos.altium.com/trainingcenter/contents/1036/flv/1036_ch4.flv http://videos.altium.com/trainingcenter/contents/1036/flv/1036_ch5.flv How do I set up track widths and clearances? Setting up track widths and clearances is a common task in PCB design. Understanding Altium Designer’s rules-driven PCB design environment and how they apply to track widths and clearances will ensure that you get your design right first time. http://videos.altium.com/trainingcenter/contents/1016/flv/1016_ch1.flv http://videos.altium.com/trainingcenter/contents/1016/flv/1016_ch2.flv http://videos.altium.com/trainingcenter/contents/1016/flv/1016_ch3.flv http://videos.altium.com/trainingcenter/contents/1016/flv/1016_ch4.flv How do I route multiple traces? Find out how to route multiple traces together in one routing operation http://videos.altium.com/trainingcenter/contents/1010/flv/1010_ch1.flv http://videos.altium.com/trainingcenter/contents/1010/flv/1010_ch2.flv http://videos.altium.com/trainingcenter/contents/1010/flv/1010_ch3.flv How do I control pad shapes and holes? Find out how to create PCB pads with just about any shape. http://videos.altium.com/trainingcenter/contents/1011/flv/1011_ch1.flv http://videos.altium.com/trainingcenter/contents/1011/flv/1011_ch2.flv http://videos.altium.com/trainingcenter/contents/1011/flv/1011_ch3.flv http://videos.altium.com/trainingcenter/contents/1011/flv/1011_ch4.flv How do I create and manage polygons? Fill unused areas of the board with copper polygons that intelligently pour around existing copper objects. http://videos.altium.com/trainingcenter/contents/1009/flv/1009_ch1.flv http://videos.altium.com/trainingcenter/contents/1009/flv/1009_ch2.flv http://videos.altium.com/trainingcenter/contents/1009/flv/1009_ch3.flv http://videos.altium.com/trainingcenter/contents/1009/flv/1009_ch4.flv http://videos.altium.com/trainingcenter/contents/1009/flv/1009_ch5.flv Design documentation How do I create a bill of materials (BOM)? Use the fully customizable bill of materials (BOM) generator to create a complete list of components required as part of the assembly process and output this report in a variety of formats. http://videos.altium.com/trainingcenter/contents/1050/flv/1050_ch1.flv http://videos.altium.com/trainingcenter/contents/1050/flv/1050_ch2.flv http://videos.altium.com/trainingcenter/contents/1050/flv/1050_ch3.flv http://videos.altium.com/trainingcenter/contents/1050/flv/1050_ch4.flv How do I export a Smart PDF? Use the smart PDF feature to create fully indexed and bookmarked PDF files of your schematic and PCB design without the need for a 3rd party generator. http://videos.altium.com/trainingcenter/contents/1038/flv/1038_ch1.flv http://videos.altium.com/trainingcenter/contents/1038/flv/1038_ch2.flv http://videos.altium.com/trainingcenter/contents/1038/flv/1038_ch3.flv http://videos.altium.com/trainingcenter/contents/1038/flv/1038_ch4.flv How do I use assembly variants? Use assembly variants to load different components onto the same PCB. Generate all variant-specific documentation including BOM, pick and place, PCB assembly drawings and schematics. http://videos.altium.com/trainingcenter/contents/1012/flv/1012_ch1.flv http://videos.altium.com/trainingcenter/contents/1012/flv/1012_ch2.flv http://videos.altium.com/trainingcenter/contents/1012/flv/1012_ch3.flv http://videos.altium.com/trainingcenter/contents/1012/flv/1012_ch4.flv http://videos.altium.com/trainingcenter/contents/1012/flv/1012_ch5.flv What are special strings? Special strings are text strings that can contain a calculated value. Use them to display system information or parameters on your design documents. http://videos.altium.com/trainingcenter/contents/1051/flv/1051_ch1.flv http://videos.altium.com/trainingcenter/contents/1051/flv/1051_ch3.flv http://videos.altium.com/trainingcenter/contents/1051/flv/1051_ch4.flv http://videos.altium.com/trainingcenter/contents/1051/flv/1051_ch5.flv How do I use dimensions on my PCB? Use dimensions to precisely document the size and shape of your board or the position of critical components. By locking them to design objects, dimensions will automatically update with changes to the board. http://videos.altium.com/trainingcenter/contents/1023/flv/1023_ch1.flv http://videos.altium.com/trainingcenter/contents/1023/flv/1023_ch2.flv http://videos.altium.com/trainingcenter/contents/1023/flv/1023_ch3.flv http://videos.altium.com/trainingcenter/contents/1023/flv/1023_ch4.flv Navigating design data How do I find things on my PCB? Sometimes you know the component or net you are looking for but finding it on a tight PCB can be a challenge without the right tools. http://videos.altium.com/trainingcenter/contents/1019/flv/1019_ch1.flv http://videos.altium.com/trainingcenter/contents/1019/flv/1019_ch2.flv http://videos.altium.com/trainingcenter/contents/1019/flv/1019_ch3.flv How do I use queries to help me design? Find out how to use queries to filter your view of PCB design objects on a densely populated PCB http://videos.altium.com/trainingcenter/contents/1013/flv/1013_ch1.flv http://videos.altium.com/trainingcenter/contents/1013/flv/1013_ch2.flv http://videos.altium.com/trainingcenter/contents/1013/flv/1013_ch3.flv How do I cross probe between schematic and PCB? Find out how to work seamlessly between the schematic and PCB editors. http://videos.altium.com/trainingcenter/contents/1020/flv/1020_ch1.flv http://videos.altium.com/trainingcenter/contents/1020/flv/1020_ch2.flv http://videos.altium.com/trainingcenter/contents/1020/flv/1020_ch3.flv http://videos.altium.com/trainingcenter/contents/1020/flv/1020_ch4.flv http://videos.altium.com/trainingcenter/contents/1020/flv/1020_ch5.flv Editing design data How do I edit individual design objects? Editing individual design objects can be done at the time they are placed or later. The process is simple, consistent across all design objects, and easy to master. http://videos.altium.com/trainingcenter/contents/1014/flv/1014_ch1.flv http://videos.altium.com/trainingcenter/contents/1014/flv/1014_ch2.flv http://videos.altium.com/trainingcenter/contents/1014/flv/1014_ch3.flv How do I edit text across multiple design objects? Use the Find and Replace text feature to update text across multiple design objects. http://videos.altium.com/trainingcenter/contents/1015/flv/1015_ch1.flv http://videos.altium.com/trainingcenter/contents/1015/flv/1015_ch2.flv http://videos.altium.com/trainingcenter/contents/1015/flv/1015_ch3.flv How do I use the advanced selection features? Use advanced selection techniques to move, or apply edits to, multiple design objects. http://videos.altium.com/trainingcenter/contents/1065/flv/1065_ch1.flv http://videos.altium.com/trainingcenter/contents/1065/flv/1065_ch2.flv http://videos.altium.com/trainingcenter/contents/1065/flv/1065_ch3.flv http://videos.altium.com/trainingcenter/contents/1065/flv/1065_ch4.flv http://videos.altium.com/trainingcenter/contents/1065/flv/1065_ch5.flv How do I edit multiple design objects with the Inspector? Use the Inspector panel to simultaneously apply edits across multiple design objects. http://videos.altium.com/trainingcenter/contents/1066/flv/1066_ch1.flv http://videos.altium.com/trainingcenter/contents/1066/flv/1066_ch2.flv http://videos.altium.com/trainingcenter/contents/1066/flv/1066_ch3.flv How do I edit multiple design objects with the list panel? Use the tabular view of the List panel to simultaneously apply edits across multiple design objects. http://videos.altium.com/trainingcenter/contents/1067/flv/1067_ch1.flv http://videos.altium.com/trainingcenter/contents/1067/flv/1067_ch2.flv http://videos.altium.com/trainingcenter/contents/1067/flv/1067_ch3.flv http://videos.altium.com/trainingcenter/contents/1067/flv/1067_ch4.flv Component libraries How do I create a PCB footprint? The footprint defines the space that the component occupies on the board and provides the connection points between the pins on the component and the routing on the board. http://videos.altium.com/trainingcenter/contents/1043/flv/1043_ch1.flv http://videos.altium.com/trainingcenter/contents/1043/flv/1043_ch2.flv http://videos.altium.com/trainingcenter/contents/1043/flv/1043_ch3.flv http://videos.altium.com/trainingcenter/contents/1043/flv/1043_ch4.flv http://videos.altium.com/trainingcenter/contents/1043/flv/1043_ch5.flv PCB utilities How do I measure between two points on my PCB? When designing a PCB to exact measurements or when resolving DRC errors, it is often necessary to measure the distance between two points or between two electrical objects. http://videos.altium.com/trainingcenter/contents/1046/flv/1046_ch1.flv http://videos.altium.com/trainingcenter/contents/1046/flv/1046_ch2.flv http://videos.altium.com/trainingcenter/contents/1046/flv/1046_ch3.flv