PCB Object Types

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

SyntaxMeaningWhat it selects
rootThe topmost level of the treeThe root object
layoutDefines a PCB boardAny layout object
elementDefines a component and is linked to its equivalent in the SchematicAny 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.

SyntaxMeaningWhat it selects
containerA system-specific object type that helps organize the tree in the app. It cannot be altered by the userAny system object, such as the "Components" or "Nets" containers
groupSimilar to the container type but is instead user definedAny group object
footprintDefines the actual footprint of a componentAny footprint object
modelUsed to represent 2D or 3D modelsAny 2D/3D models
netA 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.

SyntaxMeaningWhat it selects
padDefines a PCB padAny pad object
viaDefines a PCB viaAny via object
traceDefines a PCB traceAny trace object
fillDefines a PCB fillAny fill object

Silk

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

SyntaxMeaningWhat it selects
textDefines a PCB silk textAny text object
lineDefines a PCB silk lineAny line object
circleDefines a PCB silk circleAny circle object
rectangleDefines a PCB silk rectangleAny rectangle object

Utility

Objects in this category provide additional utilities.

SyntaxMeaningWhat it selects
zoneDefines copper keep out zoneAny zone object
Type to search, ESC to discard
Type to search, ESC to discard
Type to search, ESC to discard