I've found that bEagle is OK for a freebie, but if you buy the "full-up" version, it isn't any better, though it's capable of larger boards and more layers than the "free" stuff. The schematic capture tool, however is absolutely the worst I've ever encountered, as it takes what should be, and is with the old DOS-OrCAD tools) a 15-minute task, and turns it into a week-long painful effort.

First of all, you have to build a PCB footprint for every device you can't find in their library. Secondly, you have to repair the defective footprint that is provided, and, thirdly, if you have to change the package for any reason, you have to repeat the entire process. Once it's done, you'd best put everything in library of your own, else you'll never find it again.

If you try to be sensible, using a third-party schematic package, you lose the ability to pin-swap, etc, because they can't back-annotate at that point.

Overall, it's designed for a one-man effort, wherein the same guy who lays out the PCB is the one who draws the schematic. If you try to use two people the process takes on a completely different character.

It's not fun.

RE