PCB Object Types

AI Tools

The PCB layout editor workspace is organized as a tree and each object in that tree is of a specific type that defines its function.

Info

These object types can be used as part of the selector in Selector-Based Layout Rules.

Object Types

Top level

Syntax

Meaning

What it selects

root

The topmost level of the tree

The root object

layout

Defines a PCB board

Any layout object

element

Defines a component and is linked to its equivalent in the Schematic

Any sub-layouts that have a corresponding schematic element. Please note that there is one special case: pad could also be an element because it could be associated with a Terminal

Containers

Essentially folders which contain other object types. Either created and managed by the system or by the user.

Syntax

Meaning

What it selects

container

A system-specific object type that helps organize the tree in the app. It cannot be altered by the user

Any system object, such as the "Components" or "Nets" containers

group

Similar to the container type but is instead user defined

Any group object

footprint

Defines the actual footprint of a component

Any footprint object

model

Used to represent 2D or 3D models

Any 2D/3D models

net

A system-specific object type similar to container which organizes related trace objects into one place.

Any Net object. Since a net object is also a system object, it also will be selected by the container selector.

Copper

Bundled objects which typically contain copper and/or drill holes.

Syntax

Meaning

What it selects

pad

Defines a PCB pad

Any pad object

via

Defines a PCB via

Any via object

trace

Defines a PCB trace

Any trace object

fill

Defines a PCB fill

Any fill object

Silk

Objects in this category get assigned to the Top or Bottom Silk layers.

Syntax

Meaning

What it selects

text

Defines a PCB silk text

Any text object

line

Defines a PCB silk line

Any line object

circle

Defines a PCB silk circle

Any circle object

rectangle

Defines a PCB silk rectangle

Any rectangle object

Utility

Objects in this category provide additional utilities.

Syntax

Meaning

What it selects

zone

Defines copper keep out zone

Any zone object