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How to Draw Schematics in Microsoft Word

11/20/2009 4:28 PM

Is there an easy way to draw schematics in Word, i.e., some way that's no more than 5 times as slow as doing it by hand?

Kris, this sort of sounds like something you might know. Help! Please??

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#1

Re: How to Draw Schematics in Microsoft Word

11/20/2009 4:49 PM

Word has a Draw function built-in, if that's what you mean. But it has no pre-made symbols, you have to make them yourself one at a time; it's tedious. If you do it, make everything big as you make the symbols, then when you have everything the way you want it, use the "Group" function to lock them all together into one object. After doing that, you can shrink the object to a smaller size by grabbing the corner of the object box. I made a separate document where I store them as a form of "library", then copy and paste from it when I am doing a sketch.

Not easy though, I don't recommend it as a schematic drawing tool. If you need something that is importable into Word documents, I recommend Visio. They have electrical libraries available for that program. Then when you finish your drawing, you can copy and paste the whole thing into Word seamlessly.

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#2
In reply to #1

Re: How to Draw Schematics in Microsoft Word

11/20/2009 5:07 PM

Thanks. That's a tad over my budget these days. I got clobbered pretty good when those Iceland pension brokers bankrupted Wall Street.

Any idea of something that might be a lot closer to free?

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#3

Re: How to Draw Schematics in Microsoft Word

11/20/2009 5:55 PM

http://www.cadsoftusa.com/ has Eagle. It is a nice schematic editor and for non commercial work it is free. There will probably be no "Microsoft way" of getting the schematics into Word, but it can be done several ways. Easiest would be a screen capture (shift-alt-print_screen) and paste into Word or print, scan and insert picture.

Bruce

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#4

Re: How to Draw Schematics in Microsoft Word

11/20/2009 8:56 PM

There are a number of pretty good, free schematic capture programs out there that can safe the image to a variety of formats, some of which are directly importable in to Word, or, as noted above, one can always do the screen capture thing. Check out Engineer's Edge for some suggestions. I used to have even better references to engineering software, but, unfortunately, lost all my bookmarks when I lost my old computer...

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#5

Re: How to Draw Schematics in Microsoft Word

11/20/2009 9:05 PM

I don't know if you can import these drawings into MS Word but it fits your budget.

http://www.doublecad.com/ It's free.

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#6

Re: How to Draw Schematics in Microsoft Word

11/20/2009 11:58 PM

Hi TVP45,

If you can draw OK in Word, try out any of these sites, or just search for 'schematic drawing, or 'schematic symbols', or 'MS Word Draw function symbols' in Google and click the "images" hyper-link second from left at top of page.

Got this direct from the Microsoft site so it should be useful?

MS Word schematic symbols

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Under #8 Circuit Symbols of Electronic Components there is a whole load of charts which list all kinds of symbols about circuits, but the diagrams are not formatting properly for me. But the link will still work for you. I hope!

  1. Circuit Schematic Symbols Circuit Schematic Symbols. Note: The schematics symbols for most major electrical components can be found in this table. However, each component may have ...
    library.thinkquest.org/10784/circuit_symbols.html
  2. CIRCUIT SCHEMATIC SYMBOLS : Volume V - ReferenceCIRCUIT SCHEMATIC SYMBOLS. Published under the terms and conditions of the Design Science License · Sitemap Disclaimer Contact.
    www.allaboutcircuits.com/vol_5/chpt_9/index.html
  3. Schematic Symbol ReferenceAll you need to do is move your mouse over the symbol you want information about and click. Note that when you move your mouse over any symbol, ...
    www.aaroncake.net/electronics/schem.htm
  4. Image results for schematic symbols - Report the following images as offensive. Confirm Cancel Thank you for the feedback.
  5. Circuit Symbols of Electronic ComponentsCircuit symbols are used in circuit diagrams which show how a circuit is connected together. The actual layout of the components is usually quite different ...
    www.kpsec.freeuk.com/symbol.htm -
  6. Schematic Symbols Home · Articles · Theory Schematic Symbols. SCHEMATIC SYMBOLS. These are common schematic symbols used in electronics. SEMICONDUCTOR SYMBOLS ...
    www.electronics-lab.com/articles/basics/theory/schem.htm
  7. Xilinx Spartan/Virtex FPGA Orcad Schematic Symbols, PCB layout and IP21 Jul 2009 ... Xilinx Orcad schematic symbol and PCB layout footprint libraries of Virtex / Spartan FPGA and CPLD components.
    www.schematicsymbol.com/
  8. Schematic symbolsSymbols, schematic. Image. 1381 IC. Image. Battery. Image. Buffer. Image or Image. Capacitor, fixed. Image. Capacitor, fixed, polarized.
    encyclobeamia.solarbotics.net/articles/symbols.html
  9. CAD/CAE Schematic Symbols and Footprints by Accelerated Designs ...Microchip and Accelerated Designs Inc. have collaborated together to provide Microchip customers with schematic symbols and PCB footprints for Microchip ...
    www.microchip.com/stellent/idcplg?IdcService=SS...
  10. Make: Online : Vector graphic schematic symbols5 Sep 2009 ... From the MAKE Flickr pool Matt Beckler posted a handy collection of electronic component symbols in .svg format -When I need to draw up a ...
    blog.makezine.com/.../09/vector_graphic_schematic_symbols.html
  11. gEDA/gaf's symbols Jump to How do I create new schematic symbols?‎: There are three ways of creating schematic symbols: Use gschem to draw the symbols. ...
    www.gpleda.org/tools/symbols/index.html

Searches related to:schematic symbols

circuit schematic symbols

orcad schematic symbols

npn schematic symbol

mosfet schematic symbol

capacitor schematic symbol

You have removed results from this search. Hide themLoading...

I have found out recently that when researching, clicking on the 'images' link can often save a whole lot of time. It is sometimes easier to chose between a picture or images than to try and describe a particular type of image, size, shape, colour, use etc?

Good luck

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#7

Re: How to Draw Schematics in Microsoft Word

11/21/2009 12:17 AM

Hi TVP45,

I also found this advice on Microsoft own site.

Unfortunately I only got 531,000 entries for the schematic subject. ...... Thought is wise not to list them all!

This is the best free software for PCB and electronic schematic drawing.

Free schematic software

http://www.expresspcb.com/

Both these are for the same site I was just seeing if one or other of them works and they do!

Good luck

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#10
In reply to #7

Re: How to Draw Schematics in Microsoft Word

11/21/2009 3:03 AM

Hi babybear,

The expresspcb has worked quite well for me. I have used it for the past 4 yrs.

Here's a sample schematic of something I've worked on for the past 4 months:

Good recommendation!

Mike

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#11
In reply to #10

Re: How to Draw Schematics in Microsoft Word

11/21/2009 4:16 AM

Hi Mikerho,

I appreciate your reply post, I really did not expect it, thank you!

It looks really detailed and it certainly appears you know how to use it. It makes everything look so much more neat? The eye naturally follows the lines to there conclusion where the list of icon and graph marks list each line or cable.

When you do the lines, do you set a distance N to S, E to W? Is that how the lines are drawn automatically?

Other may not agree but some well designed schematic drawings are nice to look at and can be very 'arty'.

It takes me a while to pick up things I am not used to but I get there in the end. Just give me 15 years! LOL

Good luck

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#8

Re: How to Draw Schematics in Microsoft Word

11/21/2009 12:24 AM

If you are looking for a "free" "cad" type program ExpressPCB is a good source for electronic layout and you can print the schematic. Also it will do board layout with some limits on printing views of the board layouts. If you then want the PCB's they will process's them and ship them out quickly.

If your design is smaller than there stander board size you can duplace the design to fill the board space. So you could get more boards for the same price. You wouls have to just cut them apart.

Charles

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#9

Re: How to Draw Schematics in Microsoft Word

11/21/2009 3:03 AM

Without a doubt... try tinycad its simple... very basic... but its free..!!

http://tinycad.sourceforge.net/

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#12

Re: How to Draw Schematics in Microsoft Word

11/21/2009 7:47 AM

What sort of schematic are you trying to draw?

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#14
In reply to #12

Re: How to Draw Schematics in Microsoft Word

11/21/2009 8:22 AM

I just want to put simple schematic figures (perhaps a dozen) so that I can describe them. I understand that this might be easy for those who are whizzes at Word, but I'm not. I've spent decades now drawing with CAD. I don't use Paint, Word, or whatever for drawing. I also can't afford Visio at the moment; if I had that much money, I'd buy a new scope - my old one died in it's infancy (barely 45 years service out of it). I can also appreciate that I'm on a fool's errand, but I'm trying to work with two people who, until recently, didn't know that electrolytics aren't suitable for ac circuits (and I think they still don't believe me).

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#15
In reply to #14

Re: How to Draw Schematics in Microsoft Word

11/21/2009 8:55 AM

Neither do I. Of course electrolytic capacitors are suitable for AC.

After all that was the earliest application. It's the DC-blocking versions (polarised electrolytics, or most of them) that are not suitable.

Sorry to hear about the early demise of your 'scope. I still have my 530.

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#17
In reply to #15

Re: How to Draw Schematics in Microsoft Word

11/21/2009 9:17 AM

Yes, for Chrissakes, I forgot to say "polarized".

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#16
In reply to #14

Re: How to Draw Schematics in Microsoft Word

11/21/2009 9:03 AM

I use SIMetrix for electronics schematic capture and simulation.

The schematics capture is a bit idiosyncratic - but as fast and capable as anything else, and quick and easy to learn. Plus you can easily cut and paste into Word (both colour and black-and-white are supported).

There's a free version available for download; naturally the simulator is somewhat crippled, but that may not worry you.

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#13

Re: How to Draw Schematics in Microsoft Word

11/21/2009 8:06 AM

It is actually very easy, buy a copy of Visio proffesional.

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#18

Re: How to Draw Schematics in Microsoft Word

11/21/2009 11:25 AM

P.S. Although I think the free version of SIMetrix matches your stated requirements almost to a T, there is another free simulation program that would be better of you want to simulate larger circuits. It's LTSpice, and Linear Technology use it to support their reputation and product range. Personally, I don't like the drawing package quite as much as SIMetrix's, but LTSpice offers unrestricted circuit size for simulation, and the post-simulation facilities are good.
The LTSpice simulator itself is amongst the best available for transient simulations (although paid-for SIMetrix is still better for DC convergence, which affects all other aspects of simulation).
Hmm - you didn't ask for a review now, did you

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#19

Re: How to Draw Schematics in Microsoft Word

11/21/2009 11:56 AM

Thanks, guys for all the good ideas.

I'm been messing with this a bit more. It looks like the best short-term fix (for me) is to draw in AutoCad and save as a jpg which I can then crop in Word and control the size. Seems a little contrived, but it works.

Cheers.

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#20
In reply to #19

Re: How to Draw Schematics in Microsoft Word

11/21/2009 4:49 PM

Hi TPV45,

If you run Vista then you should have "snipping tool". This is a screen capture program that lets you capture whatever part of the screen you want i.e. effectively cropping as you capture, and then copies it direct to clipboard. Where word is concerned you can then just paste it direct.

This program is also available for XP but you have to go and get it. It is still free I believe.

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#21
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Re: How to Draw Schematics in Microsoft Word

11/21/2009 5:15 PM

OK. Thanks.

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#25
In reply to #21

Re: How to Draw Schematics in Microsoft Word

11/22/2009 6:21 AM

Sounds like hard work. Why not draw it in one of the free CAD packages and then cut and paste it into word (or whatever)?

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#24
In reply to #19

Re: How to Draw Schematics in Microsoft Word

11/21/2009 8:30 PM

Hi TVP45,

Just to say thanks for the short description of what you want to do! It could 'save somebodies life'! You know it is possible to do like that, but any newbies don't, or at least 'didn't' but, do now!

Cheers.

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#26
In reply to #19

Re: How to Draw Schematics in Microsoft Word

11/22/2009 6:43 AM

Using SIMetrix you can select exactly what you wish to copy. The edge of the devices you select coincides with the edge of the image - so there's no clipping required.

N.B. Hans Camenzind (amongst his other achievements, the designer of the original 555 timer) used SIMetrix to draw all the schematics in his (recommended) e-book "Designing Analog Chips".

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#27
In reply to #26

Re: How to Draw Schematics in Microsoft Word

11/23/2009 4:26 AM

"Designing Analog Chips".

Great steer Fyz: thanks.

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#29
In reply to #19

Re: How to Draw Schematics in Microsoft Word

01/12/2010 11:37 AM

You must have bought Autocad before you got "clobbered" by Wall Street -- it ain't cheap!

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#30
In reply to #29

Re: How to Draw Schematics in Microsoft Word

01/12/2010 4:07 PM

Actually, I have AutoCAD LT, and I bought it a long time ago. I haven't been able to afford the upgrades, so I'm at 2006 I think. But, it's not bad.

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#31
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Re: How to Draw Schematics in Microsoft Word

01/13/2010 6:01 AM

Checkout the free version of DoubleCad. The interface mimics Autocad.

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#32
In reply to #31

Re: How to Draw Schematics in Microsoft Word

01/13/2010 8:21 AM

For now, I have AutoCAD and I more or less remember how to use it. I don't think there's been anything new in 2D since about 2000, except the interface keeps getting worse, and the $%%$#@ marketing people keep messing with the icons. I'm too old to rememorize stupid icons every year. Most of my work is in 3D so I try not to pay much attention to 2D.

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#33
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Re: How to Draw Schematics in Microsoft Word

01/13/2010 8:25 AM

3D is just as bad, the Autodesk Inventor 2010 upgrade introduced the Office style ribbon tool-bar so that none of the commands are where they used to be.

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#22

Re: How to Draw Schematics in Microsoft Word

11/21/2009 7:17 PM

Hi,

ExpressSCH is free and very easy to use. I like it better than DIA, which is also free. You can make your own parts in ExpressPCB, but it has many built in. It has a companion ExpressPCB which you can make the PC board from the schematic. My son uses Eagle CAD, which is also free and can do the same thing. He had some small PC boards made for under $10 US each. Bottom line is don't mess with mikeysoft when there is better stuff that is free.

-S

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#23

Re: How to Draw Schematics in Microsoft Word

11/21/2009 8:25 PM

Hi TVP45,

I may have found just what you want unless you have decided on something already?

Check this out for future reference....... There is hundreds here.

http://pdfdatabase.com/index.php?q=electrical+schematic+symbols+for+word

Good luck. And please let me/us know when you make a decision, OK?

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#28

Re: How to Draw Schematics in Microsoft Word

11/23/2009 5:18 AM

Word includes basic shapes for flowcharts etc. but it is laborious as the shapes don't interact. Several people have recommended Visio which works well but the free programme 'Dia' does the same job & can be imported into Word. Several symbol libraries are available for free download including electrical & electronic sets.

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