Summary of 3D Eagle BRD Viewer
3D BRD Viewer is a free WebGL-based tool that visualizes CadSoft EAGLE PCB designs in 3D by dragging .brd files to generate a 360-degree assembly view. It includes nearly 200 component models, supports custom box definitions or file uploads (STP/DAE) for missing parts, and saves alignment changes locally. The tool works best on Firefox, Chrome, and Opera, though it has known rendering issues with circular boards and complex dimensions.
Parts used in the 3D BRD Viewer Project:
- CadSoft EAGLE PCB Designs
- .brd files
- WebGL technology
- 3D component models
- STP files
- DAE files
- Datasheets
- Browser local storage
3D BRD Viewer is a free tool to visualize CadSoft EAGLE PCB Designs in 3D. You can drag your .brd file anywhere on this page and have a full 360 degree view of how your board will appear after assembly.
Overview
3D BRD Viewer is a free tool to visualize CadSoft EAGLE PCB Designs in 3D. You can drag your .brd file anywhere on this page and have a full 360 degree view of how your board will appear after assembly.
Models
The tool currently has close to two hundred 3D models of different components. We’ve tried to include the most used packages, but we can’t account for every device out there, and probably your board won’t render completely the first time you load it. “Not found” models are red-ish colored (right hand side list), once you select an element click “Manage Model” and try to find your element model in the list of available models. If you can’t there are two other options:
1. Define a box – find the datasheet for your device and get the dimensions from there.
2. Upload a file – stp and dae formats are currently supported. Most connector manufacturers provide a step file for their products.
After you click “Place” the tool will add that model to the scene for all elements with the same package. Then if there are alignment issues you can move each element individually from it’s dropdown menu. The changes you make are saved in your browser local storage based on the filename of the board, so that next time you load it it will have the same translations/offsets/models/boxes.
Browser Support
We’ve implemented the viewer using WebGL so browser support isn’t great. It’s stable under the latest versions of Firefox, Chrome and Opera, you can try other (IE) browsers at your own risk.
EAGLE Support
We’ve only tested the tool with EAGLE 7.1 and 7.2, but in theory it should be able to render a board made with version 6 since thats when they introduced the xml file structure. Let us know if you experience any issues.
Known problems
- After a file import the changes made to the board are forgotten.
- Circular-shaped boards most often do not render correctly.
- Curved dimension (layer 20) with an angle larger than 180 degrees render incorrectly.
- Currently the rotation controls of an object are not ideal. It is possible to achieve any rotation, but it takes some trial and error.
- Text, traces and other stuff outside the board dimension area produce incorrect texture renderings. Board size and component placement are correct but the image on top and bottom of the board showing the traces, resist and silk are compressed to fit the board outline.
Step 3: HOW TO DO :
You can Go to the link and just drag your .brd file anywhere in Webpage and click submit. You can get 360* view of your board.
Step 4: WATCH THIS VIDEO :
for more detail: 3D Eagle BRD Viewer
- How do I view my PCB design in 3D?
Drag your .brd file anywhere on the webpage to get a full 360-degree view. - Can I use this tool with EAGLE version 6?
Yes, it should theoretically render boards made with version 6 since they introduced the xml file structure. - What happens if a model is not found?
Not found models appear red-ish colored, and you can define a box or upload an STP or DAE file. - Which browsers are supported?
The viewer is stable on the latest versions of Firefox, Chrome, and Opera. - Does the tool save my layout changes?
Changes are saved in browser local storage based on the filename so offsets and models persist. - What formats are supported for uploading custom models?
STP and DAE formats are currently supported for uploading files. - Why do circular boards not render correctly?
Circular-shaped boards are listed as a known problem where they most often do not render correctly. - Are rotation controls easy to use?
No, achieving any specific rotation takes some trial and error as controls are not ideal.
