It’s important to note: PCB Wizard 3.50 is now obsolete. The software was designed for Windows 98/XP and relies on a 32-bit architecture. It does not run natively on modern 64-bit Windows 10/11 without compatibility mode or virtual machines. The company, New Wave Concepts, has since ceased development and support.
However, the software retains a cult following for specific use cases:
You might ask: "Why use 20-year-old software when KiCad and EasyEDA are free?" PCB Wizard 3.50 Pro Unlimited
PCB Wizard 3.50 Pro Unlimited is a Windows-based software application designed for creating printed circuit board (PCB) layouts and schematic diagrams. Originally developed by New Wave Concepts Ltd., this version represents the peak of the classic 3.x series before the software evolved (or, according to some users, became bloated) into later versions.
The "Pro" designation indicates the professional edition, which includes advanced features over the standard version: It’s important to note: PCB Wizard 3
The "Unlimited" suffix is critical: it signifies no restrictions on board size, component count, pin limits, or copper area. In the standard or trial versions, users often faced crippling limits (e.g., 6x4 inch boards, 200 pins). The unlimited variant removes all artificial barriers, making it suitable for complex, commercial-grade projects.
| Feature | PCB Wizard 3.50 Pro | KiCad 8.0 | EasyEDA (Web) | |---------|---------------------|-----------|----------------| | Board size | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited (cloud) | | Max layers | 8 | 32 | 6 (free tier) | | Autorouter | Basic but fast | External (Freerouting) | Cloud-based | | 3D view | Yes (basic) | Yes (STEP export) | Yes (WebGL) | | Offline use | Yes | Yes | No | | Gerber export | Yes | Yes | Yes | | Learning curve | Very low | Moderate | Low | | Modern component libs | No (manual creation) | Yes (DigiKey integration) | Yes (LCSC) | | Cost | Free (abandonware) | Free (open source) | Free (with limits) | The "Unlimited" suffix is critical: it signifies no
For absolute beginners or anyone with older Windows hardware, PCB Wizard is still a viable entry point.
Despite its accessibility, PCB Wizard 3.50 suffers from modern deficiencies:
The built-in auto-router can route traces on single-sided, double-sided, or multi-layer boards. For the 3.50 Pro edition, the algorithm includes:
As the name states, you are not confined to standard template sizes. Design PCBs for backplanes, large LED arrays, or custom form factors without segmentation.