The align tool is simple, which makes it very versatile:
Just select two objects and Align.
It’s quick and easy to use, we recommend using it with a hotkey.
Just press the letter “A” and Align takes care of the rest!
Works with components, vias, and test points
![](https://i0.wp.com/www.exactcad.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/align_1.jpg?resize=450%2C626)
You can also select four pins to align the objects along the centerline:
Aligning parts simplifies discrete placement and keeps the fanout clean.
![](https://i0.wp.com/www.exactcad.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/align_2.jpg?resize=1029%2C268)
Here is a list of all of its functions:
– Align a single via to a single pin.
– Align two vias to two pins, such as might be encountered when routing differential pais away from an IC.
– Align one part
to another, based on the location of a pin selected from each part. This can happen several ways:
– Align a two-pin chip part to an IC. For example, a series resistor to a pin on an IC.
– Align a pin on a part on the bottom of the board to the pin of another part on the top of the board.
– Align two small parts to two pins on a larger part. Such as two series capacitors to two pins on an IC or connector.
– Align a row of vias to each other. Works horizontally, vertically, or diagonally
Bonus function: Adds vias to large pads.
– Uses the default via for whatever net the pad is connected to.
– Makes a rectangular grid arrangement for rectangular or square pads, a radial arrangement for round pads.
– Uses the net’s spacing rules to to calculate how many vias will fit in the pad,
– Places vias right at the edges of the pad to completely fill it.
– I added this just because it’s useful and I don’t have anywhere else to put it, without making a new separate tool.
Here’s a video of the tool working: