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PCB Object Types
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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.
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 |
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