Freedom251 › Electrical Design Software
Fritzing
What Fritzing is
Fritzing is desktop software and an open-source hardware initiative for documenting prototypes, sharing projects, teaching electronics, and laying out PCBs. Its workflow uses a breadboard metaphor, with schematic capture and PCB layouts that can be prepared for manufacturing. Fritzing Fab is presented as a way to turn a circuit into a custom-made PCB. The project supports designers, artists, researchers, and hobbyists, and its source code is available on GitHub for participation. Version 1.0.8 is listed for 64-bit Windows, macOS Monterey through Tahoe, Linux 64-bit, and Linux ARM64. Release notes include part migration, multi-selection editing, a printer-friendly bill of materials, and BOM CSV export with a Value column. Standards libraries and basic electrical simulation are listed; the simulator is described as a limited first beta. Source code uses GNU GPL v3, while documentation and breadboard graphics use CC Attribution-ShareAlike. The individual desktop download costs €8, paid once, and the supporter option costs €25, paid once.
Who it suits
Fritzing suits designers, artists, researchers, hobbyists, educators, and others documenting or building electronic prototypes. It fits users needing breadboard-based design, schematics, and PCB layouts.
What it does well
- Breadboard, schematic, and PCB workflows
- Runs on Windows, macOS, and Linux
- Exports bills of materials as CSV
- Open-source code available on GitHub
What to know first
- Electrical simulator is described as limited beta
- Linux AppImages require specified glibc versions
- No free plan
- Desktop download is paid
Plans
| Plan | Billed and limits | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Fritzing 1.0.8 supporter | Desktop download | €25, paid once |
| Fritzing 1.0.8 individual | Desktop download | €8, paid once |
| Business customer | Business customer option shown; price not stated | On request |
As fritzing.org lists them, read 11 Oct 2026. The maker's own page has the final word.
Verdict
Fritzing connects visual circuit documentation with PCB preparation and community participation. Its limited simulation and paid desktop downloads are important considerations.
Facts from Fritzing's own pages
- Circuit simulation
- The FAQ says a first beta of the simulator is available for testing and describes the simulation as limited. · fritzing.org, 11 Oct 2026
- Company location
- Fritzing GmbH lists its address as Zionskirchstrasse 20, 10119 Berlin, Germany. · fritzing.org, 11 Oct 2026
- Design workflow
- The software uses a breadboard metaphor and lets users create PCB layouts for manufacturing. · fritzing.org, 11 Oct 2026
- Desktop platforms
- Version 1.0.8 is listed for 64-bit Windows, macOS Monterey through Tahoe, Linux 64-bit, and Linux ARM64. · fritzing.org, 11 Oct 2026
- Headquarters
- Berlin, Germany · fritzing.org, 28 Sept 2026
- History
- Fritzing says it was started in August 2007 by the Interaction Design Lab at the University of Applied Sciences Potsdam. · fritzing.org, 11 Oct 2026
- Intended users
- Fritzing describes itself as suited to designers and artists and says its initiative supports designers, artists, researchers, and hobbyists. · fritzing.org, 11 Oct 2026
- Latest version
- Version 1.0.8 was released on August 12, 2026. · fritzing.org, 11 Oct 2026
- License
- The FAQ states that Fritzing source code is licensed under GNU GPL v3 and documentation and breadboard view graphics under CC Attribution-ShareAlike. · fritzing.org, 11 Oct 2026
- Linux requirements
- The download page says the x86-64 AppImage needs glibc 2.31 or newer and the ARM AppImage needs glibc 2.39 or newer. · fritzing.org, 11 Oct 2026
- Parts and BOM
- The 1.0.8 release notes list part migration, multi-selection editing, a printer-friendly bill of materials, and BOM CSV export with a Value column. · fritzing.org, 11 Oct 2026
- PCB manufacturing
- Fritzing Fab is presented as a way to turn a circuit into a custom-made PCB. · fritzing.org, 11 Oct 2026
- Privacy
- The privacy policy says the website can be used without providing personal data, while special website services may require processing personal data. · fritzing.org, 11 Oct 2026
- Purpose
- Fritzing is an open-source hardware initiative with software and community services for documenting prototypes, sharing projects, teaching electronics, and laying out PCBs. · fritzing.org, 11 Oct 2026
- Source and contributions
- Fritzing says its source code is available on GitHub and everyone is welcome to participate in development. · fritzing.org, 11 Oct 2026
- Support
- Fritzing directs users to report bugs through its issue tracker or forum and provides a contact form for installation problems. · fritzing.org, 11 Oct 2026
Where Fritzing stands on Freedom251
- Electrical Design Software#26 of 41