CAD Software

KLayout – viewer and editor for integrated circuit and mask design

KLayout is a Qt-based layout viewer and editor for integrated circuit and mask design work.

It’s designed to handle very large hierarchical layouts accurately while also providing editing, scripting, and verification capabilities in a single application. Alongside interactive GUI use, the project also supports automation-oriented workflows through its built-in scripting environment and related tooling.

This is free and open source software.

Key Features

  • Provides fast and accurate viewing of huge layout files.
  • Reads layout data in formats including GDS2, OASIS, DXF, CIF, Gerber, and LEF/DEF.
  • Supports hierarchical layout editing with polygons, boxes, wires, labels, transformations, boolean operations, and other advanced editing functions.
  • Offers overlay capabilities for multiple layouts together with flexible layer configuration, rulers, bookmarks, and browsers for shapes and instances.
  • Includes parametrized cells for creating complex geometries and reusable layout elements.
  • Integrates Ruby and Python scripting with a built-in development environment for writing and debugging automation code.
  • Includes analysis tools such as XOR, layout diff, design rule checking, and layout versus schematic verification.
  • Supports technology package management and the Salt add-on package manager.
  • Can be built on Linux with gcc or clang using Qt, and also supports command-line and Python module oriented configurations.

Website: github.com/KLayout/klayout/
Support:
Developer: Matthias Köfferlein
License: GNU General Public License v3.0

KLayout is written in C++. Learn C++ with our recommended free books and free tutorials.


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