PCB Processes

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The following content has been imported from Legacy Help systems and is in the process of being checked for accuracy.

This section covers the PCB processes and their parameters (if any).

Table of PCB processes

AdvancedRoute process
AlignComponents process
Annotate process
ApertureLibrary process
ArrangeComponents process
AutopositionComponentTexts process
AutoRoute process
BackAnnotate
BoardInformation process
BreakTrack process
ChangeComponentName process
ChangeObject process
Clear process
ComponentRuleCheck process
ConfigureHeadsUpDisplay process
ConnectSubnets process
ConvertSelected process
Copy process
CopyComponent process
CreateApertureList
CreateComponent
CrossProbeChoose process
CrossProbeNotify process
Cut process
DeleteComponentFromLibrary process
DeleteObjects process
DensityMap process
DeSelect process
DesignRuleCheck process
DocumentPreferences process
EditClasses process
EditFromTo process
EditInternalPlanes process
EditRules process
EngineeringChangeOrder process
EqualizeNetLengths process
ExplodeComponent process
Export process
Fanout process
FilterSelect process
FindTestPoints process
FirstComponent process
FlipSelectedObjects process
GenerateLibraryReport
GotoLibraryComponent process

GroupPrimitives process
FlipSelectedObjects process
GotoLibraryComponent process
GroupPrimitives process
HideConnections process
IdentifyNet process
Import process
Jump process
LastComponent process
LibraryBrowse process
ListAllSelectedPins process
ListComponents process
ListInternalPlanePins process
ListNets process
Manage Unions
ManageLayerSets
ManualRoute process
MeasureDistance process
MeasureSelectedObjects process
MoveAllComponentsToGrid process
MoveCursor process
MoveObject process
Netlist process
NextComponent process
OffsetSelection process
OutlineSelectedObjects process
Paste process
PasteComponent process
PinSwap process
PlaceArc process
PlaceBoardOutline process
PlaceComponent process
PlaceComponentBody process
PlaceComponentFromLibraryEditor process
PlaceComponentsFromFile process
PlaceCoordinate process
PlaceDifferentialPair process
PlaceDimension process
Place EmbeddedBoard
PlaceFill process
PlacePad process
PlacePolygonPlane process

PlaceRoom process
PlaceSplitPlane process
PlaceString process
PlaceTrack process
PlaceVia process
PreviousComponent process
PrimitiveSelect process
PrintDocument process
ReAnnotate process
Redo process
ReportBoardSpecs process
ReportBOM process
ReportLayerStackUpCompatibility process
ReportNetlistStatus process
ReportPickPlace process
ResetAllErrorMarkers process
ResetOrigin process
ResetCamera process
RotateSelectedObjects process
RunQuery process
RunQueryBuilder process
RunConvertedDrilledSMTPadsToMultiplayer
RunPolygonManager
RunScissors process
RunSpecctraForDos
RunSpecctraForWindows
Select process
SelectionMemory process
SetComponentReference process
SetCurrentLayer process
SetOrigin process
Setup process
SetupPreferences process
SetupPrinter process
ShowApplicableRules process
ShoveComponents process
ShowConnections process
ShowNetlistLength process
SnapGrid process
SwitchTo2D3D
TearDropSelectedPads process
TestGraphicsSystem process
ToggleSelection process
Undo process
UnRoute process
UpdateFootprints process
UpdateRotationOnSelectedComponents process
Zoom process

AdvancedRoute process

Description
The AdvancedRoute process starts the interactive router on a PCB document.

Parameters
N/A

Example
Process: PCB:AdvancedRoute

AlignComponents process

Description
The AlignComponents process aligns selected objects on a PCB document using specified parameters. There are different alignment parameters.

Parameters

Parameter

Value

Description

Alignment

MoveComponentsToGrid, MoveRoomsToGrid, Bottom, Left, Right, Top, CenterHorizontal, CenterVertical, ExpandHorizontal, ExpandVertical, ContractHorizontal, ContractVertical, SpreadHorizontal, SpreadVertical

If the Alignment parameter and its value is not supplied, then the Align Components dialog appears.

Example
Process: PCB:AlignComponents
Parameters : Alignment = CenterHorizontal

ArrangeComponents process

Description
Re arrange components within a room, rectangle, outside the board on a PCB document.

Parameters

Parameter

Value

Description

Action

ArrangeWithinRoom, ArrangeWithinRectangle, ArrangeOutsideBoard

The Action parameter with one of the values specifies how components can be arranged within a room on the PCB document.

Example
Process: PCB:ArrangeComponents
Parameters : Alignment = ArrangeWithinRoom

AutopositionComponentTexts process

Description
The AutopositionComponentTexts process auto positions component texts on the current PCB document

Parameters

Parameter

Value

Description

TextType

Name, Comment

If TextType value is not specified or invalid, then the Autoposition dialog appears.

Autoposition

LEFT-ABOVE, LEFT-CENTER, LEFT-BELOW, CENTER-ABOVE, CENTER-CENTER, CENTER-BELOW, RIGHT-ABOVE, RIGHT-CENTER, RIGHT-BELOW

Specifies how strings can be auto positioned in respect to components on the PCB document.

Autoroute process

Description
Perform an autoroute of the PCB board, or a section of the PCB board, or by a specified net etc. You can also save the current routing process and exit from Altium Designer.

Parameters

Parameter

Value

Description

Action

Start,Net,Connection,Component,SingleComponent,Area,Room,SingleRoom,Setup,Stop,Reset,Pause,Restart, ExportRoutes

If SingleComponent value is specified for the Action parameter, you will need to specify the ContextObject which is usually Component
If SingleRoom value is specified for the Action parameter, you will need to specify the ContextObject which is usually Room.

SeeFile

RenameDSN

If Action=ExportRoutes, you need to specify the SeeFile parameter.

Example
Process: PCB:AutoRoute
Parameters : Action=Setup

BoardInformation process

Description
Generates a board information report based on the current PCB or PCB library document.
Parameters
N/A
Example
Process: PCB:BoardInformation

BreakTrack process

Description
Breaks a whole focussed track into track segments on a PCB document.
Parameters
N/A
Example
Process: PCB:BreakTrack

ChangeComponentName process

Description
Renames a component name and some of its properties.
Parameters
N/A
Example
Process: PCB:ChangeComponentName

ChangeObject process

Description
Obtains object properties dialog where you can change the properties for the object on a PCB document.

Parameters

Parameter

Value

Description

Action

RepourAllPolygons, RepourSelectedPolygons,RepourSinglePolygon, RepourViolatingPolygons,
ConvertHatchedPolygonsToSolid

Assign ContextObject = Polygon first for Single Polygon, Selected Polygons or All Polygons.

ContextObject

Polygon, Net

If ContextObject = Polygon, then only these single polygon, all polygons or selected polygons will be repoured.
If ContextObject = Net, then Change Properties dialog for a Single Net will appear.

Example
Process: PCB:ChangeObject
Parameters : ContextObject = Polygon | Action=RepourAllPolygons

Clear process

Description
The Clear process is used to remove the selected objects from the current PCB document. The objects in the clipboard are not affected.
Parameters
N/A

ComponentRuleCheck process

Description
Checks whether components of a current PCB library are valid.
Parameters
N/A
Example
Process: PCB:ComponentRuleCheck

ConvertSelected process

Description
Convert either selected pads to vias or selected vias to pads.
Parameters
Action (PadsToVias, ViasToPads)
Example
Process: PCB:ConvertedSelected
Parameters : Action = ViasToPads

Copy process

Description
The Copy process is used to copy all selected objects to the clipboard. The Paste process can be used to place a copy of the selection back into any PCB document. However Copy with the Action=RoomFormat parameter can be used to copy a room format to other similar rooms.
Parameters
Action = RoomFormat
Example
Process PCB:Copy

CopyComponent process

Description
Copy a library component from a PCB library document which can be pasted as new components.
Parameters
N/A
Example
Process: PCB:CopyComponent

CrossProbeChoose process

Description
Cross probes or references a selected text string (such as a net identifier) in a linked document such as a schematic document from a PCB document.
Parameters
N/A
Example
Process: PCB:CrossProbeChoose

Cut process

Description
Cuts a selected object permanently from the PCB into the Clipboard. The original object that is cut is erased.
Parameters
N/A
Example
Process: PCB:Cut

DeleteComponentFromLibrary process

Description
Removes a currently focussed library component from the PCB library.
Parameters
N/A
Example
Process: PCB: DeleteComponentFromLibrary

DeleteObjects process

Description
The DeleteObjects process deletes any object from the current PCB document whether the objects are focussed or you are prompted to delete depending on the parameters.

Parameters

Parameter

Value

Description

Object

Prompt, Focused

Specifies how objects are deleted; whether they are focused or you are prompted to delete them.

Example
Process: PCB: DeleteObjects
Parameters : Object = Prompt

DensityMap process

Description
Obtains the density of the nets of a PCB document. The different colors indicate how dense the nets are within the regions of a PCB document.
Parameters
N/A
Example
Process: PCB: DensityMap

Deselect process

Description
The Deselect process is used to de-select objects in the current PCB and library editor window. Using parameters, all objects in the current document may be de-selected, all objects of a certain kind, objects inside or outside a specified area, all free objects, or all objects on a specific layer.

Parameters

Parameter

Value

Description

Scope

All, InsideArea, OutsideArea, Free, Layer

Defaults to All if no parameters are specified

InsideArea

Location1.X, Location1.Y, Location2.X, Location2.Y

All four parameters must be supplied as integers otherwise you are prompted to define the select rectangle.

OutsideArea

Location1.X, Location1.Y, Location2.X, Location2.Y

All four parameters must be supplied as integers otherwise you are prompted to define the select rectangle.

Layer

Current, Top, Bottom, Topoverlay, Multilayer, Bottomoverlay, Connect, Bottompaste, Bottomsolder, Drilldrawing,Drillguide,Keepout, Mechanical1, Mechanical2, Mechanical3, Mechanical4, Mechanical5, Mechanical6, Mechanical7, Mechanical8, Mechanical9, echanical10, Mechanical11, Mechanical12, Mechanical13, Mechanical14, Mechanical15, Mechanical16, Mechanical17, Mechanical18, Mechanical19, Mechanical20, Mechanical21, Mechanical22, Mechanical23, Mechanical24, Mechanical25, Mechanical26, Mechanical27, Mechanical28, Mechanical29, Mechanical30, Mechanical31, Mechanical32, Mid1, Mid10, Mid11, Mid12, Mid13, Mid14, Mid15, Mid16, Mid17, Mid18, Mid19, Mid20, Mid21, Mid22, Mid23, Mid24, Mid25, Mid26, Mid27, Mid28, Mid29, Mid30, Mid2, Mid3, Mid4, Mid5, Mid6, Mid7, Mid8, Mid9, Bottompaste, Bottomsolder, Drilldrawing, Drillguide, Plane1, Plane2, Plane3, Plane4, Plane5, Plane6, Plane7, Plane8, Plane9,Plane10, Plane11, Plane12, Plane13, Plane14, Plane15, Plane16, Toppaste, Topsolder

However, you can only place arcs on available used layers of the current PCB document. The layer list is a list of all possible layers that the PCB editor can support. If no layer is specified then this process defaults to the current layer.

DesignRuleCheck process

Description
Either run the design rule checker to check the integrity of PCB rules on a PCB board, or obtain information on violations of the current PCB board.
Parameters

Parameter

Value

Description

InspectViolation

True, False

Defaults to false. If True, and Index not specified, all violations are shown.

Index

(1..n)

Specify which violation to display. If no value supplied, all violations are shown.

Example
Process: PCB : DesignRuleCheck
Parameters : InpsectViolation = True | Index = 1

DocumentPreferences process

Description
The DocumentPreferences process is used to define various PCB and library document settings, such as toggling the display of PCB layers and changing the visible grid values.

Parameter

Value

Description

'NoLayer','TopSignal','Mid1', 'Mid2', 'Mid3', 'Mid4', 'Mid5', 'Mid6', 'Mid7', 'Mid8', 'Mid9', 'Mid10','Mid11','Mid12','Mid13','Mid14','Mid15', 'Mid16', 'Mid17', 'Mid18', 'Mid19', 'Mid20', 'Mid21', 'Mid22', 'Mid23', 'Mid24', 'Mid25', 'Mid26','Mid27','Mid28','Mid29','Mid30',
'BottomSignal','TopOverlay','BottomOverlay','TopPaste','BottomPaste','TopSolder','BottomSolder',
'Plane1', 'Plane2', 'Plane3', 'Plane4', 'Plane5', 'Plane6', 'Plane7', 'Plane8','Plane9', 'Plane10', 'Plane11', 'Plane12', 'Plane13','Plane14','Plane15','Plane16',
'DrillGuide','KeepOut','Mechanical1','Mechanical2','Mechanical3','Mechanical4','Mechanical5','Mechanical6','Mechanical7','Mechanical8','Mechanical9','Mechanical10','Mechanical11','Mechanical12','Mechanical13','Mechanical14','Mechanical15','Mechanical16','Mechanical17','Mechanical18','Mechanical19','Mechanical20','Mechanical21','Mechanical22','Mechanical23','Mechanical24','Mechanical25','Mechanical26','Mechanical27','Mechanical28','Mechanical29','Mechanical30','Mechanical31','Mechanical32','DrillDrawing','MultiLayer','ShowDRCErrors','ShowVisibleGrid1','ShowVisibleGrid2','ShowPadHoles','ShowViaHoles'

True, False, Toggle

One of the three states sets the visibility of the specified layer. If true, the specified layer is displayed, if false, the layer is not displayed. If the Toggle parameter is used, the visibility of the layer is toggled.

SnapGrid

Real

Denotes the size of the snap grid. X and Y sizes are the same. The snap grid is used to define the alignment grid for manual movement and placement.

SnapGridX

Real

Denotes the snap grid X size (horizontal value set)

SnapGridY

Real

Denotes the snap grid Y size (horizontal value set)

ComponentGrid

Real

The ComponentGridSize is set in internal coordinates. (X and Y values are the same for this parameter).

ComponentGridX

Real

Denotes the component grid in X size in current PCB Units.

ComponentGridY

Real

Denotes the component grid in Y size in current PCB Units.

RoutingTrackGrid

Real

Denotes the track grid size in current PCB Units.

RoutingViaGrid

Real

Denotes the via grid size in current PCB Units.

VisibleGrid1

Real

Denotes the size of the first visible grid size in current PCB Units.

VisibleGrid2

Real

Denotes the size of the second visible grid size in current PCB Units.

VisibleGridMultFactor1

Real

Denotes the size of the visible grid multi factor1 in current PCB Units.

VisibleGridMultFactor2

Real

Denotes the size of the visible grid multi factor 2 in current PCB Units.

ElectricalGridRange

Real

Denotes the electrical grid size in current PCB Units. See MeasurementUnit parameter.

ElectricalGridMultFact

Real

Denotes the electrical grid multi factor value in current PCB Units. See MeasurementUnit parameter.

ElectricalGridEnabled

True, False, Toggle

Denotes whether the electrical grid is enabled or not.

MeasurementUnit

Imperial, Metric, Toggle

This denotes the default measurement units for the current PCB document. Defaults to imperial units. The default units are used to display any distance related information on screen or in reports. They are also used if units are not specified when editing a distance value in an object dialog field. The Toggle value changes from one unit to the other.

VisibleGridKind

Dots,
Lines, Toggle

Denotes the visible grid type on the PCB document. By default the grid contains lines.

ShowSheet

True, False, Toggle

Denotes whether to display the sheet behind the board on the PCB document.

MaskLevel

Increase, Decrease

When the INCREASE parameter is applied, the MaskLevel is increased by one unit and when DECREASE parameter is applied, the MaskLevel is decreased by one unit.

ChangeFromLegacyToDXPPlaneMode

True, False

Change from legacy mode to DXP plane mode when importing from legacy designs and updating them.

Tab

LayerStack, DrillPairs, Mechanical, Layers,
<empty>

When Tab is set to one of the following values, the appropriate dialog is displayed, for example, Tab = LayerStack, the Layer Stack manager dialog is invoked and displayed. Tab = DrillPairs, Drill Pairs dialog appears. Tab = Mechanical or Layers, the View Configurations dialog appears. When Tab is empty or invalid string, the Board Options dialog appears.

EditClasses process

Description
Display ObjectClasses dialog and you can manipulate object classes.
Parameters
N/A
Example
Process: PCB:EditClasses

EditRules process

Description
Displays the PCB design rules where you can manipulate and create new PCB rules.
Parameters
N/A
Example
Process: PCB : EditRules

EngineeringChangeOrder process

Description
Not implemented.
Parameters
N/A

EqualizeNetLengths process

Description
Equalize or make net lengths similar where possible in consideration of signal runs on a PCB document.
Parameters
N/A
Example
Process: PCB:EqualizeNetLengths

Export process

Description
This Export process exports a current PCB document open in Altium Designer into a different file format to be used in other applications other than Altium Designer.
Parameters

Parameter

Value

Description

Format

PROTEL NETLIST, SPECCTRA DESIGN, DXF, HYPERLINX, IPC, NETLIST, SHAPE, SELECTED

Specifies the file format for the current PCB document to be converted to.

Filename

String

Denotes the full path and filename of the PCB document to be exported.

Examples
Process: PCB:Export
Parameters: Format = HyperLynx | FileName = PCBBoard.PCBDoc
This automatically exports a file called PCBBoard.PCBDoc to the current directory in HyperLynx format.

Process: PCB:Export
Parameters: Format = Specctra Design| FileName = PCBBoard.dsn
This automatically exports a file called PCBBoard.PCBDoc to the current directory in HyperLynx format.

Fanout process

Description
Fanout process attempts to improve the quality of routing by arranging the pads and their tracks in a predetermined order.
Parameters

Parameter

Value

Description

Action

All, PowerPlaneNets, SignalNets, Room, Component, Selected, Net, Connection, Pad, SingleComponent, SingleRoom

If SingleRoom or SingleComponent values used, then specify the value (Room, Component) for the ContextObject parameter as well.

ContextObject

Component, Room

If Action = SingleRoom or SingleComponent, then ContextObject has to be assigned to Room or Component respectively.

Example
Process: PCB:Fanout
Parameters : Action = All

FilterSelect process

Description
Perform one of the many filtering processes and display the PCB Filter panel.
Parameters

Parameter

Value

Description

Edit

True, False

True to display the PCB Filter panel

Value

String

a valid expression or expressions.

Notes
Take note of the underscores
_ for the _Edit_ and _Value_ name parameters.
Examples
Process: PCB:FilterSelect
Parameters : Value=IsTrack and OnBottom"

FindTestPoints process

Description
Find test points on a current PCB document or remove all test points from this PCB document. A testpoint is a point on a net that can be used for electrical continuity testing.
Parameters

Parameter

Value

Description

Action

ClearAllTestPoints

If no parameter supplied, test points are created.

Example
Process: PCB:FindTestPoints
Parameters: Action = ClearAllTestPoints

FirstComponent process

Description
Go to the first component in the library editor.
Parameters
N/A
Example
Process: PCB:FirstComponent

FlipSelectedComponents process

Description
Flip selected components across the axis (like a mirror).
Parameters
N/A
Example
Process: PCB:FlipSelectedComponents

GotoLibraryComponent process

Description
The GotoLibraryComponent process is used to go to the specified component in the specified library document in the Library Editor.
Parameters
FileName (String) The full path and file name of the library to be opened.

Footprint (String) Specifies the footprint.

GroupPrimitives process

Description
Group free primitives to an existing component on the current PCB document. You can also convert a group object into a set of free primitives, or create/break unions of components depending on parameters. Using component unions, unions are sets of components that you want to work as a block. The components in a union maintain their relative positions within the union as they are moved.
Parameters

Parameter

Value

Description

Action

Explode, CreateComponentUnion, BreakComponentUnion, BreakAllComponentUnions

If Action = Explode then use the following parameters; Object (Component, Coordinate, Dimension, Polygon)

Object

Component, Coordinate, Dimension, Polygon

By default, free selected primitives are grouped into a component you have selected.

ContextObject

Polygon, Component

To explode a single polygon or component, you need to specify the ContextObject.

Example
Process: PCB:GroupPrimitives
Parameters: Action=Explode | Object=Component

HideConnections process

Description
The HideConnections process is used to hide ratsnest connections for unrouted nets in the current PCB document.

Parameters

Parameter

Value

Description

Hide

All, Net, ComponentNets

All: Hides all ratsnest connections; Net: Hides a specified net and you will be prompted to choose which net to hide.
ComponentNets: Hides nets connected to components only

IdentifyNet process

Description
The IdentifyNet process is used to display the net name for a chosen ratsnest connection or any object that belongs to a net on the status bar.
Parameters
N/A
Example
Process: PCB:IdentifyNet

Import process

Description
This Import process imports a document data of a different file format into a current PCB document in Altium Designer.

Parameters

Parameter

Value

Description

Format

PROTEL NETLIST, SPECCTRA DESIGN, DXF, HYPERLINX, IPC, NETLIST, SHAPE, SELECTED

Specifies the file format to be imported into Altium Designer.

Filename

String

Denotes the full path and filename of the PCB document to be imported.

Example
Process: PCB:Import
Parameters: Format = HyperLynx | FileName = PCBBoard.PCBDoc.
This automatically imports a file called PCBBoard.PCBDoc to the current directory.

Jump process

Description
The jump process can be used to jump to the reference point of a component, or jump to a selected primitive or group of primitives. You can also place up to 10 location markers and jump to one of them.

Parameters

Parameter

Value

Description

Object

Relative, Selected, Absolute, Location, Component, Net, Pad, String, DRCError,JumpToLocation1, JumpToLocation2, JumpToLocation3,JumpToLocation4,JumpToLocation5,JumpToLocation6,JumpToLocation7,JumpToLocation8,JumpToLocation9,JumpToLocation10, PlaceLocation1, PlaceLocation2,PlaceLocation3,PlaceLocation4,PlaceLocation5,PlaceLocation6,PlaceLocation7,PlaceLocation8,PlaceLocation9,PlaceLocation10

Relative: the jump process jumps to the reference point of the component
Selected: depending on the Type parameter, the Jump process jumps to a selected primitive or a selected group of primitives.
Absolute: jump to the absolute origin
Location: jump to the specified location
Component: jump to the specified component
Net: jump to the specified net
Pad: jump to the specified pad
String: jump to the specified string object
DRCError, jump to the specified string object.
To define a location marker (1..n), execute a jump process with a location marker and then click on the screen to define the coordinates. To jump to this defined marker, execute the jump process with a JumpToLocationX parameter.

Type

First, Previous, Next, Last, FirstGroup, PreviousGroup, NextGroup, LastGroup

Jump to first, previous, next or last selected primitive or group only if Object = Selected.

Example
Process: PCB:Jump
Parameters : Object = Selected | Type = First

LastComponent process

Description
The LastComponent process is used to go to the last component in the current library document when in the Library Editor.
Parameters
N/A
Example
Process: PCB:LastComponent

LibraryBrowse process

Description
Used to graphically browse through the currently listed PCB libraries. The Library browse dialog box also allows placement of components.
Parameters
N/A
Example
Process: PCB:LibraryBrowse

ListAllSelectedPins process

Description
The ListAllSelectedPins process is used to list the component label and pin designators for all selected pads in the current PCB document. Entries are sorted by component designator then pad designator (e.g. U1-16).
Parameters
N/A
Example
Process: PCB : ListAllSelectedPins

ListComponents process

Description
The ListComponents process is used to generate a report listing all components placed on the current document. Components are listed by designators and comments. The report is automatically loaded and opened in the Text Editor.
Parameters
N/A
Example
Process: PCB:ListComponents

ListInternalPlanePins process

Description
This process when executed can display net information for an internal plane in Altium Designer. One of the 16 Internal planes can be listed.

Parameters

Parameter

Value

Description

InternalPlane

(1..16)

Only can display internal planes 1 to 16. Otherwise the Power Pins information dialog appears.

Example
Process: PCB:ListInternalPlanePins
Parameters : InternalPlane=2

ListNets

Description
This process when executed displays loaded nets information in a Nets Information dialog for the currently focussed PCB document.
Parameters
N/A

ManageLayerSets

Description
This process allows you to toggle the display of a group of layers in one go. These groups of layers are called Layer Sets. Altium Designer PCB Editor has 5 pre-defined layer sets, All Layers, Signal Layers, Plane Layers, Non SIgnal Layers and Mechanical layers.

Parameters

Parameter

Value

Description

SetIndex

0..4 (system)
5..X (user defined if any)

0 = All Layers
1 = Signal Layers
2 = Plane Layers
3 = Non Signal Layers
4 = Mechanical Layers
5 onwards correspond to any existing user defined layer sets.

Examples
Process: PCB:ManageLayerSets
Parameters : SetIndex=1
Notes
If there are no layers in the PCB document and you attempt to run the process with a setindex that displays those layers. Altium Designer will prompt you a warning dialog with "Can't Enable an empty layer Set! To rectify this issue, you need to display these layers first in the PCB document first. For example, some PCBs don't have internal planes and when you attempt to SetIndex to 2 for the ManageLayersSet process, you will get this warning dialog.

ManualRoute process

Description
Place a series of tracks to complete a connection from a pad to another pad using the legacy routing tools.

Parameters

Parameter

Value

Description

mode

line

By default, interactive router is active when no parameters are supplied. To place a line, mode = line. To place a track (signal aware), mode = line | keepout = true.

keepout

True, False

Set it to true and when a signal aware track is being placed the keepout restrictions are observed. The keepout layer generally defines areas on the PCB document that you don't want automatically or manually routed, and this can include clearance areas around mounting hole pads or high voltage components for example.

Example
Process: PCB : ManualRoute
Parameters: mode = line | keepout = true

MeasureDistance process

Description
Used to measure and display the distance between any two points on the PCB document. The measured distance will be displayed using the current units (mils or mm).

Parameters

Parameter

Value

Description

SnapToGrid

(True,False)

Defaults to True. If true, the cursor snaps to a grid point.

Repeat

(True,False)

Defaults to True

Primitives

(True,False)

Defaults to False. When Primitives is true, you are prompted to click on two primitives.

Example
Process: PCB:MeasureDistance
Parameters : Primitives = True

MeasureSelectedObjects process

Description
Used to calculate the total physical connection length of selected tracks within the current PCB document. Arcs will be included in the calculation (if selected), however the end point diagonal distance will be calculated, not the chord.
Parameters
N/A
Example
Process: PCB:MeasureSelectedObjects

MoveAllComponentsToGrid process

Description
Move all components to a specified grid.

Parameters

Parameter

Value

Description

Grid

Real

Specifies the grid value to move components to. If no parameters are used then a dialog box will prompt for a value.

GridX

Real

Specifies the grid X value to move components to. If no parameters are used then a dialog box will prompt for a value.

GridY

Real

Specifies the grid Y value to move components to. If no parameters are used then a dialog box will prompt for a value.

Example
Process: PCB:MoveAllComponentsToGrid
Parameters : Grid = 20

MoveCursor process

Description
Move a cursor across a PCB document programmatically.

Parameters

Parameter

Value

Description

Position

Up10, Down10, Left10, Right10, Up, Down, Left, Right

Up10 = Up 10 snap grid units. Up = Up 1 snap grid unit.

Example
Process: PCB:MoveCursor
Parameters : Position = Up

MoveObject process

Description
Move a specified group of objects across a PCB document.

Parameters

Parameter

Value

Description

Drag

True, False

If the Drag parameter is set to true, the object and its associated objects are moved together when it is being dragged.

Object

Component, Reroute, TrackEnd, Selection, PolygonVertices, Polygon, BoardOutlineVertices, BoardOutline, SheetAutoposition, Selection, Room, Room_Vertices

If TrackEnd, then the end of the track segment is repositioned. For the BoardOutlineVertices, you are prompted to edit the boardoutline, for the BoardOutline, you are prompted to move the outline.

ContextObject

Component, Polygon, Room

Specify the objects type when the MoveObject process is being carried out.

Example
Process: PCB:MoveObject
Parameters : Object = Drag

Netlist process

Description
Execute this process to edit nets, update free objects from nets, clear all nets, export netlist etc.

Parameters

Parameter

Value

Description

Action

EditNets, UpdateFreePrimitiveNets, ClearAllNets, ExportNetlistFromPCB, CreateNetlistFromConnectedCopper, CleanupNets, CleanUpSingleNets, AnalyseSingleNets

Specifies a specific action for the current netlist.

Example
Process: PCB:Netlist
Parameters: Action = EditNets

NextComponent process

Description
Go to the next component within the opened PCB library in the library editor.
Parameters
N/A
Example
Process: PCB:NextComponent

Paste process

Description
Paste the contents from the clipboard onto the current PCB board.

Parameters

Parameter

Value

Description

Mode

Special

Set the Mode to Special and this feature enables you to control what happens to certain object attributes when they are pasted back into the workspace. The special features allow you to create arrays of objects or create a panelized PCB layout. The Paste Special dialog appears allowing you to toggle the paste attributes.

OnCurrentLayer

True, False

If pasting on the current layer of the PCB document, specify true.

Array

True,False

If pasting an array of objects, specify true. An array of objects needs to be specified and copied to the clip board.

Action

RubberStamp

If Action = RubberStamp, you can click on the board multiple copies of the same object.

Example
Process: PCB: Paste
Parameters : OnCurrentLayer = True | Array = False | Action = RubberStamp

PasteComponent process

Description
Puts a selected component form a schematic into a library.
Parameters
N/A
Example
Process: PCB: PasteComponent

PinSwap process

Description
Invokes the Setup Pin Swapping dialog which attempts to minimise net crossovers and total routing length for FPGA based projects.
Parameters
N/A
Example
Process: PCB: PinSwap

PlaceArc process

Description
The PlaceArc process is used to place arc objects onto PCB and library editor documents, using the arc center or arc edge as the starting point. Arcs can be used to define component shapes on the overlay layers or on the mechanical and keepout layers to indicate the board outline, mounting holes or general documentation. Arcs can also be placed on signal layers as tracks to create curved corners.

Parameters

Parameter

Value

Description

Method

Circle, Edge,EdgeAnyAngle

Defaults to Center if no parameter supplied.

Location.X

Real

X-location of the arc center point.

Location.Y

Real

Y-location of the arc center point.

Width

Real

Specifies the width of the arc in current PCB units.

StartAngle

Real: 0-360

Specifies the starting angle of the arc

Radius

Real

Specifies the radius of the arc

EndAngle

Real: 0-360

Specifies the ending angle of the arc

Keepout

True, False

Defaults to False if no parameters supplied.

Selected

True, False, Toggle

Specifies whether the arc is selected or not.

DRCError

True, False, Toggle

Specifies whether the arc has a DRC error or not

Locked

True, False, Toggle

Specifies whether the arc is locked from being graphically edited or not.

Layer

Current, Top, Bottom, Topoverlay, Multilayer, Bottomoverlay, Connect, Bottompaste, Bottomsolder, Drilldrawing, Drillguide, Keepout, Mechanical1..32, Mid1..30, Bottompaste, Bottomsolder, Drilldrawing, Drillguide, Plane1..16, Toppaste, Topsolder

Specifies the layer the arc object is on.

Example
Process: PCB: PlaceArc
Parameters:

PlaceBoardOutline process

Description
Create and place a board outline on the PCB document either by deriving from the selected primitives on the board or by defining the vertices of the board outline.

Parameters

Parameter

Value

Description

Mode

BOARDOUTLINE_FROM_SEL_PRIMS

By default, you have to define the vertices on the PCB document to draw a board outline. If the mode is set to BOARDOUTLINE_FROM_SEL_PRIMS parameter then the board outline is generated by the selected primitives.

Example
Process: PCB: PlaceBoardOutline

PlaceComponent process

Description
The PlaceComponent process is used to place a library component from any open footprint library in the current PCB document window.

Parameters

Parameter

Value

Description

NameOn

True, False

Sets the designator visibility on or off.

CommentOn

True, False

Sets the comment visibility on or off.

NameAutoPosition(0..10)

Manual,TopLeft,CenterLeft, BottomLeft,TopCenter, CenterCenter, BottomCenter,TopRight, CenterRight, BottomRight
CommentAutoPosition (0...10) Manual,TopLeft,CenterLeft, BottomLeft,TopCenter, CenterCenter, BottomCenter,TopRight, CenterRight, BottomRight

Sets the auto position of the name (Designator) object relative to the component.

UnionIndex

Integer

Unions are sets of components that will be manipulated as a block for the PCB placement. Components in a union maintain their relative positions within the union as they are moved.

GroupNum

Integer

Not used internally. Can use for specific purposes such as a tag.

Height

Real

Sets the height of the component

Pattern

String

See the footprint parameter.

FileName

String

The filename of the component.

Footprint

String

Name of the component to be place from a library in the current library list.

Location.X

Real

Location of the component on the x axis.

Location.Y

Real

Location of the component on the y axis.

Rotation

Real: 0-360

Defaults to 0 degrees.

Layer

Top, Bottom

Defaults to Top layer.

Designator.Text

String

String of the designator

Designator.Visible

Boolean

Visibility of the designator

Designator.Location.X

Real

Location of the designator in X coordinate

Designator.Location.Y

Real

Location of the designator in Y coordinate

Designator.Height

Real

Height of the designator in the current PCB Units

Designator.Font

Default, SansSerif, Serif

Set to one of the available 3 fonts (default, SansSerif or Serif). You can use True Type font instead (UseTTFonts parameter instead).

Designator.Rotation

Real

Rotation of the designator in degrees

Designator.Mirror

Boolean

Set it to true to mirror the designator text. If Mirror is set to true, the text string is flipped across the vertical axis.

Designator.Width

Real

The width of the designator in pixels.

Designator.UseTTFonts

Boolean

Use True Type fonts if set to true, otherwise use Comment.Font parameter.

Designator.Bold

Boolean

Set it to true to set the designator font style to bold.

Designator.Italic

Boolean

Set it to true to set the designator font style to italic.

Designator.FontName

String

Specify the font name for the Designator if UseTTFont parameter is set to true.

Designator.WideString

String

Wide String of the Designator bypassing the character limit.

Comment.Text

String

String of the commentr

Comment.Visible

Boolean

Visibility of the comment

Comment.Location.X

Real

Location of the comment in X coordinate

Comment.Location.Y

Real

Location of the comment in Y coordinate

Comment.Height

Real

Height of the comment in the current PCB Units

Comment.Font

Default, SansSerif, Serif

Set to one of the available 3 fonts (default, SansSerif or Serif). You can use True Type font instead (UseTTFonts parameter instead).

Comment.Rotation

Real

Rotation of the comment in degrees

Comment.Mirror

Boolean

Set it to true to mirror the comment text. If Mirror is set to true, the text string is flipped across the vertical axis.

Comment.Width

Real

The width of the comment in pixels.

Comment.UseTTFonts

Boolean

Use True Type fonts if set to true, otherwise use Comment.Font parameter.

Comment.Bold

Boolean

Set it to true to set the designator font style to bold.

Comment.Italic

Boolean

Set it to true to set the designator font style to italic.

Comment.FontName

String

Specify the font name for the CommentTTFont parameter is set to true.

Comment.WideString

WideString

Wide String of the Comment bypassing the character limit.

Example
Process: PCB: PlaceComponent
Parameters : Footprint = RES10.55-7X2.8 | CommentAutoPosition = 6 | NameOn = False | Designator.Text = DesignatorText | Comment.Text = Commentary

PlaceComponentFromLibraryEditor process

Description
Places a currently selected component from a current library onto a PCB document.
Parameters
N/A
Example
Process: PCB : PlaceComponentFromLibraryEditor

PlaceComponentsFromFile process

Description
Position components based on the PIK (Pick and Place) file.
Parameters
N/A
Example
Process: PCB: PlaceComponentsFromFile

PlaceCoordinate process

Description
The PlaceCoordinate process is used to place coordinate markers onto the current PCB document.

Parameters

Parameter

Value

Description

Location.X

Real

The X location of the coordinate object.

Location.Y

Real

The Y location of the coordinate object.

Size

Real

The length of the marker of the coordinate object.

LineWidth

Real

The current line width used to draw the coordinate marker lines, which form a cross centered on the measurement point of the coordinate.
Set a value in internal coordinates.

TextHeight

Real

The current height of the coordinate characters. The character width used to display or print the text is automatically proportioned to the height. A minimum height of 36mil (0.9mm) will allow the string to be legibly photoplotted.
Set a value in internal coordinates

TextWidth

Real

The current coordinate text stroke width
- the "thickness" of the lines used to produce the lettering. Set a value in internal coordinates for the text stroke width (range between 0.001 to 255mil).

Font

Serif, SansSerif, Default

The Default style is a simple vector font which supports pen plotting and vector
photoplotting. The Sans Serif and Serif fonts are more complex and will slow down vector output generation, such as Gerber. Stroke-based fonts are built into the software and cannot be changed. All three fonts have the full IBM extended ASCII character set that supports English and other European languages.

Style

None, Normal, Brackets

The current setting for the display style of coordinate units. The available values are:
None : No units are displayed, only the coordinates [eg. 1220, 3400].
Normal : Units are displayed with units after each value [eg. 1220mil, 3400mil].
Brackets : Units are displayed in brackets at the end of the coordinate [eg. 1220, 3400 (mil)].

Rotation

Real

Specifies the orientation of the coordinate object in degrees.

Selected

True, False, Toggle

Specifies the selected state of the object

DRCError

True, False, Toggle

Specifies whether this object has a DRC Error status or not.

Locked

True, False, Toggle

Specifies whether this object is locked from editing or not.

Layer

Current, Top, Bottom, Topoverlay, Multilayer, Bottomoverlay, Connect, Bottompaste, Bottomsolder, Drilldrawing, Drillguide, Keepout, Mechanical1..32, Mid1..30, Bottompaste, Bottomsolder, Drilldrawing, Drillguide, Plane1..16, Toppaste, Topsolder

Specifies the layer the coordinate object will be on.

Example
Process: PCB: PlaceCoordinate
Parameters : Location.X = 3000 | Location.Y = 4000 | Size = 15 | Rotation = 45 | Layer = Top

PlaceDimension process

Description
The PlaceDimension process is used to place dimension objects onto the current PCB and library editor document. Dimensions are used for documentation and mechanical purposes to describe the physical dimensions of the PCB design. The dimension consists of arrows and lines made up of tracks and a string describing the actual distance measured between any two user-specified points. There are different types of dimension objects.

Parameters

Parameter

Value

Description

DimensionKind

Original, Linear, Angular, Radial, Leader, Datum, Baseline, Center, LinearDiameter, RadialDiameter

Specirfies the dimension type.

Location.X

Real

The X location of the dimension object.

Location.Y

Real

The Y location of the dimension object.

Size

Real

The length of the marker of the dimension object.

LineWidth

Real

The current line width used to draw the extension dimension lines.
Set a value in internal coordinates.

TextHeight

Real

The current height of the characters in the dimension object. The character width used to display or print the text is automatically proportioned to the height. A minimum height of 36mil (0.9mm) will allow the string to be legibly photoplotted.
Set a value in internal coordinates

TextWidth

Real

The current text stroke width
- the "thickness" of the lines used to produce the lettering. Set a value in internal coordinates for the text stroke width (range between 0.001 to 255mil).

Font

Serif, SansSerif, Default

The Default style is a simple vector font which supports pen plotting and vector
photoplotting. The Sans Serif and Serif fonts are more complex and will slow down vector output generation, such as Gerber. Stroke-based fonts are built into the software and cannot be changed. All three fonts have the full IBM extended ASCII character set that supports English and other European languages.

Style

None, Normal, Brackets

The current setting for the display style of dimension units. The available values are:
None : No units are displayed, only the coordinates [eg. 1220, 3400].
Normal : Units are displayed with units after each value [eg. 1220mil, 3400mil].
Brackets : Units are displayed in brackets at the end of the coordinate [eg. 1220, 3400 (mil)].

Rotation

Real

Specifies the orientation of the dimension object in degrees.

Selected

True, False, Toggle

Specifies the selected state of the object

DRCError

True, False, Toggle

Specifies whether this object has a DRC Error status or not.

Locked

True, False, Toggle

Specifies whether this object is locked from editing or not.

Layer

Current, Top, Bottom, Topoverlay, Multilayer, Bottomoverlay, Connect, Bottompaste,Bottomsolder,Drilldrawing,Drillguide,Keepout,Mechanical1..32,Mid1..30,Bottompaste,Bottomsolder,Drilldrawing,Drillguide,Plane1..16,Toppaste,Topsolder

Specifies the layer the dimension object will be on.

Example
Process: PCB: PlaceDimension
Parameters : DimensionKind = Radial

PlaceFill process

Description
The PlaceFill process is used to place a rectangular solid fill area onto PCB or library editor documents.

Parameters

Parameter

Value

Description

Location1.X

Real

The X location of the fill object from left bottom

Location1.Y

Real

The Y location of the fill object from left bottom

Location2.X

Real

The X location of the fill object from top right

Location2.Y

Real

The Y location of the fill object from top right

Rotation

Real

Specifies the orientation of the fill object in degrees.

Selected

True, False,Toggle

Specifies the selected state of the object

Keepout

True, False

Specifies whether this object is used as a keep out object or not.

DRCError

True, False,Toggle

Specifies whether this object has a DRC Error status or not.

Locked

True, False,Toggle

Specifies whether this object is locked from editing or not.

Layer

Current, Top, Bottom, Topoverlay, Multilayer, Bottomoverlay, Connect, Bottompaste,
Bottomsolder,
Drilldrawing,
Drillguide,
Keepout,
Mechanical1..32,
Mid1..30,
Bottompaste,
Bottomsolder,
Drilldrawing,
Drillguide,
Plane1..16,
Toppaste,
Topsolder

Specifies the layer the fill object will be on.

Example
Process: PCB: PlaceFill
Parameters : Location1.X = 1000 | Location1.Y = 1000 | Location2.X = 2000 | Location2.Y = 2000 | Layer = Top | Rotation = 20

PlacePad process

Description
The PlacePad process will create a free pad to place on the current PCB.

Parameters

Parameter

Value

Description

Location.X

Real

The X location of the pad object from left bottom

Location.Y

Real

The Y location of the pad object from left bottom

Layer

Current, Top, Bottom, Topoverlay, Multilayer, Bottomoverlay, Connect, Bottompaste,
Bottomsolder,
Drilldrawing,
Drillguide,
Keepout,
Mechanical1..32,
Mid1..30,
Bottompaste,
Bottomsolder,
Drilldrawing,
Drillguide,
Plane1..16,
Toppaste,
Topsolder

Specifies the layer the pad object will be on

Locked

True, False

Whether or not the pad should be locked

Name

String

The designator for the pad

XSize

Real

The X size of the pad (for simple stackups)

YSize

Real

The Y size of the pad (for simple stackups)

Shape

Round, Octagonal, Rectangle, RoundedRectangle

The shape of the pad (for simple stackups)

TopXSize

Real

The X Size of the pad on the top layer (for a top-middle-bottom stackup)

TopYSize

Real

The Y Size of the pad on the top layer (for a top-middle-bottom stackup)

MidXSize

Real

The X Size of the pad on the mid layers (for a top-middle-bottom stackup)

MidYSize

Real

The Y Size of the pad on the mid layers (for a top-middle-bottom stackup)

BotXSize

Real

The X Size of the pad on the bottom layer (for a top-middle-bottom stackup)

BotYSize

Real

The Y Size of the pad on the bottom layer (for a top-middle-bottom stackup)

Rotation

Real

Rotation of the pad (in degrees)

HoleSize

Real

Size of the pad hole

HoleType

0, 1, 2

Type of hole - 0 for Round, 1 for Square, and 2 for slotted

HoleWidth

Real

Width of the hole (for slotted holes)

HoleRotation

Real

Rotation of the hole (in degrees)

Daisychain

Source, Load, Terminator

Specifies the electrical type of the pad

Plated

True, False

Whether or not the pad is plated

PlacePolygonPlane process

Description
The PlacePolygonPlane process is used to create polygon objects on the current document window. Polygon planes (or copper pours) are similar to area fills, except that they can fill irregularly shaped areas of a board and can connect to a specified net as they are poured.

Parameters

Parameter

Value

Description

PourOver

Integer

0 = None 1 = SameNet 2 = SameNetPolygons

RemoveDead

True, False,Toggle

Set it to true to remove any regions of "dead" copper within the polygon. Dead copper is created when an area of the polygon can not be connected to the selected net.

GridSize

Real

Specifies grid size used when pouring polygon

TrackWidth

Real

Specifies track width used when pouring polygon

MinPrimLength

Real

The current minimum allowable primitive length for the polygon pour. Polygons pours can contain many small primitives to create smooth edges around existing objects on the board. A larger value will give faster pour times, screen redraws and output generation, at the expense of the smoothness of curved polygon edges.

HatchStyle

90Degree, 45Degree, Vertical, Horizontal, None

Specifies the hatching style of the polygon pour.

Netname

String

Specifies the netname of the net that the polygon is connected to.

UseOctagons

True, False,Toggle

Set the UseOctagon parameter true to surround enclosed pads with octagons when pouring the polygon. This results in smaller Gerber files and faster photoplotting. Set it to false to use arcs instead.

PolygonType

Polygon, Split Plane

Set the Polygon type to Polygon or split plane.

Kind(n)

0, 1

Segment kind, 0 specifies track segment, 1 specifies arc segment

Vx(n)

Real

Starting point of vertex (n)

Vy(n)

Real

End point of vertex (n)

Cx(n)

Real

X center point of arc segment (n)

Cy(n)

Real

Y center point of arc segment (n)

SA(n)

Real

Starting Angle of arc segment (n)

EA(n)

Real

End Angle of arc segment (n)

R(n)

Real

Radius of arc segment (n)

Selected

True, False,Toggle

Specifies the selected state of the object

DRCError

True, False,Toggle)

Specifies whether this object has a DRC Error status or not.

Locked

True, False,Toggle

Specifies whether this object is locked from editing or not.

PrimitiveLock

True, False,Toggle

Set this to true to allow all tracks that form the polygon pour to be treated as a single object. If you want to individually edit the tracks that make up the polygon, set the value to false.

Layer

Current, Top, Bottom, Topoverlay, Multilayer, Bottomoverlay, Connect, Bottompaste, Bottomsolder, Drilldrawing, Drillguide, Keepout, Mechanical1..32, Mid1..30, Bottompaste, Bottomsolder, Drilldrawing, Drillguide, Plane1..16, Toppaste, Topsolder

Specifies the layer the polygon object will be on.

Example
Process: PCB: PlacePolygonPlane
Parameters :
See also
PlaceSplitPlane process

PlaceRoom process

Description
Places a room object on the PCB document where specified objects are grouped together inside this room. This room often represents a channel from a schematic project.

Parameters

Parameter

Value

Description

ModeFit

Polygonal_room, Create_Centers, Create_NonOrtho, Create_Ortho, Create_Rectangle, Fit_Centers, Fit_NonOrtho, Fit_Ortho, Fit_Rectangle

Create_Centers: Creates a Room from Component Centers
Create_NonOrtho: Create Non-Orthogonal Room from Components
Create_Ortho: Create Orthogonal Room from Components
Create_Rectangle: Create Rectangular Room from Components
Fit_Centers: Wrap Room Around Member Component Centers
FIt_NonOrtho: Wrap Non-Orthogonal Room Around Member Components
Fit_Ortho: Wrap Orthogonal Room Around Member Components
Fit_Rectangle Wrap Rectangular Room Around Member Components

ContextObject

Room

 

Example
Process: PCB: PlaceRoom
Parameters :ModeFit = Fit_Rectangle

PlaceSplitPlane process

Description
Place a split power/ground plane on the current PCB document. This process is used to "split" internal power planes so that they can be shared between multiple power rails. You need to have internal planes set up in your PCB document first before you can place split planes.

Parameters

Parameter

Value

Description

PourOver

Integer

0 = None 1 = SameNet 2 = SameNetPolygons

RemoveDead

True, False,Toggle

Set it to true to remove any regions of "dead" copper within the polygon. Dead copper is created when an area of the polygon can not be connected to the selected net.

GridSize

Real

Specifies grid size used when pouring polygon

TrackWidth

Real

Specifies track width used when pouring polygon

MinPrimLength

Real

The current minimum allowable primitive length for the polygon pour. Polygons pours can contain many small primitives to create smooth edges around existing objects on the board. A larger value will give faster pour times, screen redraws and output generation, at the expense of the smoothness of curved polygon edges.

HatchStyle

90Degree, 45Degree, Vertical, Horizontal, None

Specifies the hatching style of the polygon pour.

Netname

String

Specifies the netname of the net that the polygon is connected to.

UseOctagons

True, False,Toggle

Set the UseOctagon parameter true to surround enclosed pads with octagons when pouring the polygon. This results in smaller Gerber files and faster photoplotting. Set it to false to use arcs instead.

PolygonType

Polygon, Split Plane

Set the Polygon type to Polygon or split plane.

Kind(n)

0, 1

Segment kind, 0 specifies track segment, 1 specifies arc segment

Vx(n)

Real

Starting point of vertex (n)

Vy(n)

Real

End point of vertex (n)

Cx(n)

Real

X center point of arc segment (n)

Cy(n)

Real

Y center point of arc segment (n)

SA(n)

Real

Starting Angle of arc segment (n)

EA(n)

Real

End Angle of arc segment (n)

R(n)

Real

Radius of arc segment (n)

Selected

True, False,Toggle

Specifies the selected state of the object

DRCError

True, False,Toggle)

Specifies whether this object has a DRC Error status or not.

Locked

True, False,Toggle

Specifies whether this object is locked from editing or not.

PrimitiveLock

True, False,Toggle

Set this to true to allow all tracks that form the polygon pour to be treated as a single object. If you want to individually edit the tracks that make up the polygon, set the value to false.

Layer

Current, Top, Bottom, Topoverlay, Multilayer, Bottomoverlay, Connect, Bottompaste, Bottomsolder, Drilldrawing, Drillguide, Keepout, Mechanical1..32, Mid1..30, Bottompaste, Bottomsolder, Drilldrawing, Drillguide, Plane1..16, Toppaste, Topsolder

Specifies the layer the split plane object will be on.

Example
Process: PCB: PlaceSplitPlane
Parameters :

PlaceString process

Description
The PlaceString process is used to place a line of text onto PCB or library editor documents. Special strings allow the designer to place generic, non specific text which is interpreted when printing.

Parameters

Parameter

Value

Description

Height

Real

The height of the string. Defaults to 60mils

Width

Real

The width of the letters in a string. Defaults to 10mils

Font

String: Default, SansSerif, Serif

The type of font for the string object.

Rotation

Real: 0-360

Specifies the orientation of the string object in degrees.

Mirror

True, False

Specifies the mirrored status of the string. If Mirror is set to true, the text string is flipped across the vertical axis.

Text

String

Upto 255 characters. Special strings can be used. See footnote for more information on special strings.

Location.X

Real

The X location of the string object from left bottom

Location.Y

Real

The Y location of the string object from left bottom

Selected

True, False,Toggle

Specifies the selected state of the object

DRCError

True, False,Toggle

Specifies whether this object has a DRC Error status or not.

Locked

True, False,Toggle

Specifies whether this object is locked from editing or not.

Layer

Current, Top, Bottom, Topoverlay, Multilayer, Bottomoverlay, Connect, Bottompaste,Bottomsolder,Drilldrawing,Drillguide,Keepout,Mechanical1..32,Mid1..30,Bottompaste,Bottomsolder,Drilldrawing,Drillguide,Plane1..16,,Toppaste,Topsolder

Specifies the layer the string object will be on.

Notes
The available special strings for the Text field of the text object:

  • .Application_BuildNumber - the version of Altium Designer that the PCB is currently loaded in. When generating
  • .Gerber output, this string will record the software build that the design was created on
  • .Arc_Count - the number of arcs on the PCB
  • .Comment - the comment string for a component (used in designing component footprints)
  • .Component_Count - the number of components on the PCB
  • .ComputerName - The name of the machine that the PCB is currently loaded in
  • .Designator - the designator string for a component (used in designing component footprints)
  • .Fill_Count - the number of fills on the PCB
  • .Hole_Count - the number of drill holes on the PCB
  • .Layer_Name - the name of the layer the string is placed on
  • .Legend - a symbol legend for mechanical drill plots. This string is only valid when placed on the Drill Drawing layer
  • .Net_Count - the total number of different nets on the PCB
  • .Net_Names_On_Layer - the names of all nets on the specific layer. This string is only valid when placed on an internal plane layer
  • .Pad_Count - the number of pads on the PCB
  • .Pattern - the names of the component footprints used on the PCB
  • .Pcb_File_Name - the path and file name of the PCB document
  • .Pcb_File_Name_No_Path - the file name of the PCB document
  • .Plot_File_Name - When generating Gerber output, this string identifies the file name of the Gerber plot file. When generating printed output, this string identifies the layer depicted within the output. When generating ODB++ output, this string identifies the name of the parent folder in which the files are stored
  • .Poly_Count - the number of polygons on the PCB (consisting of polygon pours, internal planes and split planes)
  • .Print_Date - the date of printing/plotting
  • .Print_Scale - the printing/plot scale factor
  • .Print_Time - the time of printing/plotting
  • .Printout_Name - the name of the printout
  • .SlotHole_Count - the number of slotted holes on the PCB
  • .SquareHole_Count - the number of square holes on the PCB
  • .String_Count - the number of strings on the PCB
  • .Track_Count - the number of tracks on the PCB
  • .VersionControl_RevNumber - the current revision number of the document. Version control must be used for this string to contain any information
  • .Via_Count - the number of vias on the PCB.

The .DESIGNATOR and .COMMENT special strings are added to the component in the library. Use these if you need to control the location of these attributes on a component. They can be placed on any layer. The standard designator and comment can be hidden if desired.

Example
Process: PCB: PlaceString
Parameters : Location.X = 3000 | Location.Y = 3000 | Layer = Top | Height = 50 | Width = 10 | Font = Default | Text = Testing | Rotation = 45

PlaceTrack process

Description
The PlaceTrack process places a free track on a current PCB document.
Parameters

Parameter

Value

Description

Width

Real

The Width of the track object

Location1.X

Real

The X location of the track object from left bottom

Location1.Y

Real

The Y location of the track object from left bottom

Location2.X

Real

The X location of the track object from top right

Location2.Y

Real

The Y location of the track object from top right

UserRouted

True, False,Toggle

Specifies whether this object has been manually routed or not.

TearDrop

True, False,Toggle

Specifies whether this object has been used for teardrop

Selected

True, False.Toggle

Specifies the selected state of the object

DRCError

True, False,Toggle

Specifies whether this object has a DRC Error status or not.

Locked

True, False,Toggle

Specifies whether this object is locked from editing or not.

Layer

Current, Top, Bottom, Topoverlay, Multilayer, Bottomoverlay, Connect, Bottompaste, Bottomsolder, Drilldrawing, Drillguide, Keepout, Mechanical1..32, Mid1..30, Bottompaste, Bottomsolder, Drilldrawing, Drillguide, Plane1..16, Toppaste, Topsolder

Specifies the layer the track object will be on.

Example
Process: PCB: PlaceTrack
Parameters : Location1.X = 1000 | Location1.Y = 1000 | Location2.X = 2000 | Location2.Y = 2000 | Layer = Top | Width = 20

PlaceVia process

Description
The PlaceVia process is used to place a free via onto the current PCB or library editor document.

Parameters

Parameter

Value

Description

Diameter

Real

Specifies the diameter of the via

HoleSize

Real

Specifies the holesize of the via

Location.X

Real

The X location of the via object from the center of this via

Location.Y

Real

The Y location of the track object from the center of this via

UserRouted

True, False,Toggle

Specifies whether this object has been manually routed or not.

StartLayer

Top, Mid1..Mid30, Bottom

Specifies the top layer the via object will be on.

EndLayer

Top, Mid1..Mid30,Bottom

Specifies the bottom layer the via object will be on.

Example
Process: PCB: PlaceVia
Parameters : Diameter = 40 | HoleSize = 28 | Location.X = 1000 | Location.Y = 1000 | StartLayer = Top | EndLayer = Bottom

PreviousComponent process

Description
Go to the previous component within the currently open PCB library.
Parameters
N/A
Example
Process: PCB: PreviousComponent

ReAnnotate process

Description
Reannotate components to update the designators on the PCB document. You can also reverse the component designators.
Parameters
Action (ReverseDesignators, '')
Example
Process: PCB:ReAnnotate
Parameters : Action = ReverseDesignators

Redo process

Description
Redoes the previous operation in Altium Designer.
Parameters
N/A
Example
Process: PCB:Redo

ReportBoardSpecs process

Description
The ReportBoardSpecs process is used to generate an ASCII report file of a library or a component.
Parameters
ReportKind (Component, Library)
Example
Process: PCB : ReportBoardSpecs
Parameters : ReportKind = Component

ReportNetlistStatus process

Description
Generates a report outlining the status of the netlist for a PCB document.
Parameters
N/A
Example
Process: PCB:ReportNetlistStatus

ResetAllErrorMarkers process

Description
Reset all error markers on the PCB document.
Parameters
N/A
Example
Process: PCB:ResetAllErrorMarkers

ResetOrigin process

Description
Resets the origin of the PCB board.
Parameters
N/A

RotateSelectedObjects process

Description
Rotate selected objects by 90 degree increments.
Parameters
N/A
Example
Process: PCB : RotateSelectedObjects process.

RunQuery process

Description
Execute a query statement to affect a group of objects on a PCB document.

Parameters

Parameter

Value

Description

Expr

string

The Expr refers to the valid expression statement or statements (with OR and AND keywords in the expression) that the Query engine parses first before taking action. Refer to the Query documentation for more details on numerous parameters for this RunQuery process.

Action

FindSimilar, FindSimilarUnderCursor

If Action is set to FindSimilar, you are prompted to choose a template PCB design object before the Find Similar Object dialog appears.
If Action is set to FindSimilarUnderCursor, those objects that appear under the cursor

Zoom

True,False

If true, and the query expression is valid, the objects affected by the query are zoomed into.

Mask

True,False

If true, and the query expression
is valid, the objects affected by the query are masked.

Select

True,False

If true, and the query expression
is valid, the objects affected by the query are selected.

Clear

True,False

If true, the current query is cleared.

Source

Favorite, History, Example

To choose a favorite query and use it for querying, set the Source to Favorite / History and specify the Index (indexed favorite), Apply, Zoom, Mask, Select, Clear parameters.

Apply

True, False

If true, the Query expression are processed immediately. If false or parameter not set, the Query expression is added to the PCB filter and you then can set the filter options and then press Apply button. You need to have the Expr, and other parameters set up first.

Example
Process: PCB:RunQuery
Parameters :Expr=IsDesignator And (Rotation <> 0) And (Rotation <> 360)|Select=True|Mask=True
Process: PCB:RunQuery
Parameters: Apply=True|Source=Example|Expr=IsComment And (Hide = True)|Zoom=True|Select=True'

There are existing query examples in the Expression Manager dialog from the PCB Filter panel.
An example of the PCB query can be found in the Examples\Scripts\Delphi Scripts\PCB examples folder of the Altium Designer installation.

RunQueryBuilder process

Description
Invokes a Query Builder dialog that simplify the process of building a query.

Parameters

Parameter

Value

Description

LaunchMode

UnderCursor

Defaults to blank. If UnderCursor, the QueryBuilder dialog appears with a query for the current state of selection of objects on a PCB document.

RunRuleWizard

True, False

If True, the Query Builder wizard appears and assist you with building a query.

Example
Process: PCB : RunQueryBuilder

RunScissors process

Description
Slice a polygon plane or a room on a PCB document.

Parameters

Parameter

Value

Description

Mode

Cut_Polygons, Cut_Rooms, SmartCut_Rooms

Cut_Polygons = slice polygons
Cut_Rooms =Slice a room object
SmartCut_Rooms = Slice a room object including those created by the Component Class Creation.

ContextObject

Room, Polygon

You need to provide the context for the Scissors process. Use Room or Polygon.

Example
Process: PCB : RunScissors
Parameters : Mode = Cut_Rooms

Select process

Description
Perform a selection on a specified group of objects within a specified boundary on a PCB document.

Parameters

Parameter

Value

Description

Scope

InsideArea, OutsideArea, All, Board, Net, ConnectedCopper, PhysicalConnection, Layer, Free,Locked, OffGridPads, RoomConnections, ComponentConnections, ComponentNets

If RoomConnections, ComponentConnections or ComponentNets then you might need to specify the ContextObject parameter where possible values are Room or Component.

Example
Process: PCB:Select
Parameters :Scope = All

SelectionMemory process

Description
Perform one of the many selection memory processes including displaying the Selection Memory dialog.

Parameters

Parameter

Value

Description

Action

ShowDialog, Store, Recall, StorePlus, RecallPlus, Clear, Apply

The action parameter specifies how the operation for the SelectionMemory is to be carried out. You will need to specify the Index parameter as well.

Index

1..8

Choose one of the 8 memory locations.

Notes
There are up to 9 Store and Recall memory states for the Selection Memory dialog.
Example
Process: PCB : SelectionMemory
Parameters : Action = ShowDialog | Index = 1

SetComponentReference process

Description
The SetComponentReference process sets the reference point of a component object, whether by the pin 1, center or the location. When a component is dragged or rotated, it is done by the reference point of this object.

Parameters

Parameter

Value

Description

Location

Pin, Center

Specify the location parameter to set the reference point of a component object.

Example
Process: PCB:SetComponentReference
Parameters: Location = Pin

SetCurrentLayer process

Description
Display next enabled signal layer, or an enabled layer from the current PCB document.

Parameters

Parameter

Value

Description

LayerName

NextSignal, Next, Previous, PreviousSignal

Specify the layername to the next signal layer, next available layer, previous layer or previous signal layer in respect to the current layer.

Example
Process: PCB:SetCurrentLayer
Parameters :LayerName =NextSignal

SetOrigin process

Description
The SetOrigin process sets the origin of the PCB board.

Parameters

Parameter

Value

Description

Location.X

Real

Specifies the X coordinate of the origin on the PCB document.

Location.Y

Real

Specifies the Y coordinate of the origin on the PCB document.

Example
Process: PCB:SetOrigin
Parameters : Location.X = 1000 | Location.Y = 1000

SetupPreferences process

Description
The SetupPreferences process configures system settings, display settings, single layer mode and routing mode etc. As therea re a large number of parameters for this process, so it is broken up into a number of tables according to their categories:

  • General Parameters
  • PCB Options Parameters
  • PCB Layer Colors Parameters
  • PCB Show/Hide Display Parameters

PCB General Parameters

Parameter

Value

Description

DefaultPrimitives

SAVE, LOAD

If the DefaultPrimitives parameter set to 'SAVE', the default primitives are saved to a default file, otherwise if the parameter is set to 'LOAD', the default primitives are loaded into the PCB Editor - Defaults page of the Preferences dialog. Note, the LOAD or SAVE values must be in Uppercase.

Tab

Display, Colors, SystemColors, PreferredWidths, PreferredVias, Show/Hide, Defaults, Board Insight Display, Board Insight Modes, Board Insight Lens, Interactive Routing, Truye Type Fonts, Mouse Wheel Configuration, Layer Colors, PCB Legacy 3D.

Defaults to running Preferences dialog with the Options page active if no parameters supplied. Otherwise the tab parameter sets the page of the preferences dialog active.

PCB Options Parameters Table

Parameter

Value

Description

SelectHidden

True, False, Toggle

Not Implemented.
Use the Toggle value to toggle from True to False or False to True.

SnapToCenter

True, False, Toggle

If SnapToCenter parameter is set to True, the cursor jumps automatically to a defined reference point on the object when you select it and be "held" by that point as you reposition it. For free pads or vias, the cursor will snap to the center of the object, with components, the cursor snaps to the reference point of the component. For tracks, the cursor snaps to the vertex point.
Otherwise if the parameter is set to False, objects will be "held" by the point at which you click on them.
Use the Toggle value to toggle from True to False or False to True.

SmartComponentSnap

True, False, Toggle

If the parameter is set to True, the cross hair cursor appears on the nearest pad of this associated component in respect to where the cursor is. When False, the cross hair cursor always appears on the pad reference point of this component when it is clicked on.
Use the Toggle value to toggle from True to False or False to True.

SmartDrag

True,False, Toggle

Set the SmartDrag parameter to true to preserve the angles of tracks and arcs when you are dragging them on the PCB document.

ClickClearsSelection

True,False, Toggle

Set the ClickClearsSelection parameter if you want to deselect all design objects by clicking any where on the PCB workspace.
Otherwise set it to false if you do not want to have this click anywhere to deselect all ability and you can click on a selected design object to deselect it without affecting other selected design objects and the selection process is cumulative.

ToggleMustHoldShiftToSelect

True,False, Toggle

Set the parameter to true so that single design objects can be selected by Shift and Click. Set it to false and objects can clicked to be selected.
See HoldShiftToSelect_<DesignObject> parameters for finer control.

MustHoldShiftToSelect

True,False, Toggle

Set the parameter to true so that single design objects can be selected by Shift and Click. Set it to false and objects can clicked to be selected.
See HoldShiftToSelect_<DesignObject> parameters for finer control.

NearestComponent

True,False, Toggle

Not implemented.

AutoPan

True,False, Toggle

If the parameter is set to True, the Auto panning of the PCB document can be carried out. When False, the PCB document cannot be auto panned..
Use the Toggle value to toggle from True to False or False to True.

RemoveDuplicates

True,False, Toggle

When this parameter to check for and remove duplicate primitives when the system is preparing data for output. Enable this option when outputting to a vector device, such as a pen plotter or a vector photo-plotter.

AutoVia

True,False, Toggle

Not implemented.

OnlineDRC

True,False, Toggle

When this parameter is set to true, Altium Designer monitors all PCB design rules interactively as you work and immediately highlight any rule violations. If this option is disabled, design rule violations will not be highlighted as you work.

LoopRemoval

True,False, Toggle

Set this parameter to true to automatically remove any redundant loops that are created during manual routing on the current PCB document. This allows you to re-route a connection without having to manually remove redundant tracks.

RoutingMode

'IGNORE', 'AVOID', 'PUSH', 'CYCLE'

When parameter is set to Ignore, Interactive Router allows the track to completely ignore obstacles while routing. If set to Push, the router moves existing tracks out of the way while routing. If set to Avoid, the Router traces around existing tracks, pads and vias while routing.
If set to cycle, the router cycles from a current routing mode to the next mode.

RestrictRoutingTo9045

True,False, Toggle

When the parameter is set to True, the changes of direction during interactive routing are restricted to using 45° or 90° angled tracks. When parameter is set to false, the full range of corner modes is available (any angle, 45°, 45° with arc, 90° and 90° with arc).

DuplicateDesignators

True,False, Toggle

If set to true, duplicate designators are allowed for the current PCB document.

ConfirmDelete

True,False, Toggle

Set the parameter to true to have a confirmation dialog appear before clearing a Selection Memory entry. Selection Memories can be used to store the selection state of a set of objects and are accessed via the Selection Memory dialog (open using the button to the left of the Mask Level button, lower right-hand corner of the main design window).

ConfirmGlobalEdit

True,False, Toggle

When the parameter is set to True, the confirmation dialog appears before you can commit or cancel a global editing action. If the parameter is set to False, global editing changes will be made as soon as you click the OK button in a global editing dialog.

ConfirmDragTracks

True,False, Toggle

When the parameter is set to True, the confirmation dialog appears before you can drag tracks.

RotationStep

A real value between 0-and 360 degrees.

The value is in real format. The Default value is 90.000. The Minimum angular resolution is 0.001degrees.

ComponentDrag

None,
ConnectedTracks

When the parameter is set to None, and you drag a component, only the component moves. Any attached tracks will be disconnected and left in place.
When the parameter is set to ConnectedTracks and you drag a component, any connected tracks will remain attached to the component.
This affects how connected tracks are handled when you drag a component.

CursorType

Large90
Small90
Small45

If Parameter set to Small90 - Small crosshair cursor like a cross (+). This is the default.
If set to Large90 - Cursor like a cross (+) spanning the width of the screen.
If set to Small45 - a small crosshair cursor and the lines are at a 45° (eg. X).

ShowInvisibleObjects

True,False, Toggle

This parameter corresponds to the Origin Marker. If parameter is set to True, the coordinate origin marker (bottom left corner) is displayed. All objects in the PCB design are positioned relative to the origin marker. Use the Toggle value to toggle from True to False or False to True.

ConvertSpecialStrings

True,False, Toggle

If parameter is set to True, the special strings are converted to their literal values. Special strings act as place holders for various system data, eg. layers names, hole counts and drawing legends. Normally, special strings are interpreted during printing or plotting.
Use the Toggle value to toggle from True to False or False to True.

HighlightInFull

True,False, Toggle

Set the parameter to true to have selected objects completely highlighted in the current selection color. Set this parameter to false and selected objects are only outlined in the current selection color.

UseNetColorForHighlight

True,False, Toggle

Set the parameter to true and the color is assigned to a particular net for highlighting when you select a net ( Edit » Select » Net in PCB ). Set this parameter to false and a selected net is highlighted in the default selection color.

CleanRedraw

True,False, Toggle

Set this parameter to true, the the document is refreshed with minimal corruption during redrawing but this option is computionally intensive. Turn this option off to use less computing resources.

RedrawLayers

True,False, Toggle

Set this parameter to true to redraw the screen each time you toggle to a different layer, with the current layer being redrawn last. Set this parameter to false and the screen is not redrawed when moving to a different layer.

SingleLayerMode

True,False, Toggle

Set the parameter to True/False the the current single layer mode is cycled. If Gray Scale Other layers were set then Not In Single layer Mode is set and vice versa.

TransparentLayers

True,False, Toggle

Set the parameter to true and when objects are masked, you can see through them to objects on layers underneath the mask.

UseColorDithering

True,False, Toggle

Set the parameter to true and the colors are dithered using least colors. Set it to false, and maximal colors offered by the PC are used.

HoldShiftToSelect_NoObject

True, False, Toggle

If the parameter is false, then all objects to be selected, you need to use the Shfit Click to select. If Parameter is true, you can select design objects nnormally.

HoldShiftToSelect_Arc

True,False, Toggle

If the parameter is true, you need to use the SHIFT key as well as clicking on a single arc object to select it. Set it to false and you can click on the object to select it.

HoldShiftToSelect_Pad

True,False, Toggle

If the parameter is true, you need to use the SHIFT key as well as clicking on a single pad object to select it. Set it to false and you can click on the object to select it.

HoldShiftToSelect_Via

True,False, Toggle

If the parameter is true, you need to use the SHIFT key as well as clicking on a single via object to select it. Set it to false and you can click on the object to select it.

HoldShiftToSelect_Track

True,
False, Toggle

If the parameter is true, you need to use the SHIFT key as well as clicking on a single track object to select it. Set it to false and you can click on the object to select it.

HoldShiftToSelect_Text

True,
False, Toggle

If the parameter is true, you need to use the SHIFT key as well as clicking on a single text object to select it. Set it to false and you can click on the object to select it.

HoldShiftToSelect_Fill

True,
False, Toggle

If the parameter is true, you need to use the SHIFT key as well as clicking on a single fill object to select it. Set it to false and you can click on the object to select it.

HoldShiftToSelect_Connection

True,
False, Toggle

If the parameter is true, you need to use the SHIFT key as well as clicking on a single connection object to select it. Set it to false and you can click on the object to select it.

HoldShiftToSelect_Net

True,
False, Toggle

If the parameter is true, you need to use the SHIFT key as well as clicking on a single net object to select it. Set it to false and you can click on the object to select it.

HoldShiftToSelect_Component

True,
False, Toggle

If the parameter is true, you need to use the SHIFT key as well as clicking on a single component object to select it. Set it to false and you can click on the object to select it.

HoldShiftToSelect_Poly

True,
False, Toggle

If the parameter is true, you need to use the SHIFT key as well as clicking on a single polygon object to select it. Set it to false and you can click on the object to select it.

HoldShiftToSelect_PolyRegion

True,
False, Toggle

If the parameter is true, you need to use the SHIFT key as well as clicking on a single region object to select it. Set it to false and you can click on the object to select it.

HoldShiftToSelect_ComponentBody

True,
False, Toggle

If the parameter is true, you need to use the SHIFT key as well as clicking on a single component body object to select it. Set it to false and you can click on the object to select it.

HoldShiftToSelect_Dimension

True,
False, Toggle

If the parameter is true, you need to use the SHIFT key as well as clicking on a single dimension object to select it. Set it to false and you can click on the object to select it.

HoldShiftToSelect_Coordinate

True,
False, Toggle

If the parameter is true, you need to use the SHIFT key as well as clicking on a single coordinate object to select it. Set it to false and you can click on the object to select it.

HoldShiftToSelect_Class

True,
False, Toggle

If the parameter is true, you need to use the SHIFT key as well as clicking on a single class object to select it. Set it to false and you can click on the object to select it.

HoldShiftToSelect_Rule

True,
False, Toggle

If the parameter is true, you need to use the SHIFT key as well as clicking on a single rule object to select it. Set it to false and you can click on the object to select it.

HoldShiftToSelect_FromTo

True,
False, Toggle

If the parameter is true, you need to use the SHIFT key as well as clicking on a single fromto object to select it. Set it to false and you can click on the object to select it.

HoldShiftToSelect_DifferentialPair

True,
False, Toggle

If the parameter is true, you need to use the SHIFT key as well as clicking on a single differential pair object to select it. Set it to false and you can click on the object to select it.

HoldShiftToSelect_Violation

True,
False, Toggle

If the parameter is true, you need to use the SHIFT key as well as clicking on a single violation object to select it. Set it to false and you can click on the object to select it.

HoldShiftToSelect_Embedded

True,
False, Toggle

If the parameter is true, you need to use the SHIFT key as well as clicking on a single embedded object to select it. Set it to false and you can click on the object to select it.

HoldShiftToSelect_EmbeddedBoard

True,
False, Toggle

If the parameter is true, you need to use the SHIFT key as well as clicking on a single embedded board object to select it. Set it to false and you can click on the object to select it.

HoldShiftToSelect_SplitPlane

True,
False, Toggle

If the parameter is true, you need to use the SHIFT key as well as clicking on a single split plane object to select it. Set it to false and you can click on the object to select it.

HoldShiftToSelect_Trace

True,
False, Toggle

If the parameter is true, you need to use the SHIFT key as well as clicking on a single trace object to select it. Set it to false and you can click on the object to select it.

HoldShiftToSelect_SpareVia

True,
False, Toggle

If the parameter is true, you need to use the SHIFT key as well as clicking on a single spare via object to select it. Set it to false and you can click on the object to select it.

HoldShiftToSelect_Board

True,
False, Toggle

If the parameter is true, you need to use the SHIFT key as well as clicking on a single board object to select it. Set it to false and you can click on the object to select it.

HoldShiftToSelect_BoardOutline

True,
False, Toggle

If the parameter is true, you need to use the SHIFT key as well as clicking on a single board outline object to select it. Set it to false and you can click on the object to select it.

PCB Layer Colors Parameters Table
Each layer color parameter sets the color of a PCB layer. The color value is specified by a RGB value converted from 6 digit hexadecimal number.
For example the color blue would be RGB:0,0,255 and Hex:FF0000 therefore the converted decimal value would be 16711680. The following formula may be used to calculate the required value:
R+256*(G+(256*B)).

Parameter

Value

Description

TopSignalColor

Integer

Set the parameter to a RGB integer value to set the color for this top signal layer.

Mid1Color-Mid30Color

Integer

Set the parameter to a RGB integer value to set the color for this middle layer.

BottomSignalColor

Integer

Set the parameter to a RGB integer value to set the color for this bottom signal layer.

TopOverlayColor,BottomOverlayColor

Integer

Set the parameter to a RGB integer value to set the color for this top/bottom overlay layer.

TopPasteColor, BottomPasteColor

Integer

Set the parameter to a RGB integer value to set the color for this top/bottom paste layer.

TopSolderColor, BottomSolderColor

Integer

Set the parameter to a RGB integer value to set the color for this top/bottom solder layer.

Plane1Color - Plane16Color

Integer

Set the parameter to a RGB integer value to set the color for this internal plane layer.

DrillGuideColor

Integer

Set the parameter to a RGB integer value to set the color for this drill guide layer.

KeepOutColor

Integer

Set the parameter to a RGB integer value to set the color for this keep out layer.

Mechanical1Color - Mechanical32Color

Integer

Set the parameter to a RGB integer value to set the color for this mechanical layer.

DrillDrawingColor

Integer

Set the parameter to a RGB integer value to set the color for this drill drawing layer.

MultiLayerColor

Integer

Set the parameter to a RGB integer value to set the color for this multi layer.

ConnectLayerColor

Integer

Set the parameter to a RGB integer value to set the color for this connect layer.

SelectionColor

Integer

Set the parameter to a RGB integer value to set the color for this selection layer.

DRCErrorColor

Integer

Set the parameter to a RGB integer value to set the color for this DRC Error layer.

BackgroundColor

Integer

Set the parameter to a RGB integer value to set the color for this background layer.

PadHoleColor

Integer

Set the parameter to a RGB integer value to set the color for this pad hole layer.

ViaHoleColor

Integer

Set the parameter to a RGB integer value to set the color for this via hole layer.

VisibleGrid1Color

Integer

Set the parameter to a RGB integer value to set the color for this visible grid 1 layer.

VisibleGrid2Color

Integer

Set the parameter to a RGB integer value to set the color for this visible grid 2 layer.

PCB Show/Hide Display Table

Parameter

Value

Description

ArcQuality

Full, Draft, Hidden

The parameter sets the display mode for arcs.

FillQuality

Full, Draft, Hidden

The parameter sets the display mode for fills.

PadQuality

Full, Draft, Hidden

The parameter sets the display mode for pads.

PolygonQuality

Full, Draft, Hidden

The parameter sets the display mode for polygons.

DimensionQuality

Full, Draft, Hidden

The parameter sets the display mode for dimensions.

StringQuality

Full, Draft, Hidden

The parameter sets the display mode for strings.

TrackQuality

Full, Draft, Hidden

The parameter sets the display mode for tracks.

ViaQuality

Full, Draft, Hidden

The parameter sets the display mode for vias.

ComponentQuality

Full, Draft, Hidden

The parameter sets the display mode for components.

AllQuality

Full, Draft, Hidden

The parameter sets the display mode for All primitives

DraftTrackThreshold

Real

This parameter shows the current minimum track width that determines whether or not tracks are displayed as single lines or outlines in Draft display mode. Tracks of the defined width, or narrower, will be displayed as a single line. Tracks of greater width will be displayed as an outline when displayed in Draft Mode.
Specify a value in Real type for the Parameter to change the width. The width is based on the current unit used by the PCB Editor.
Default units (metric or imperial) are determined by the Measurement Unit setting in the Board Options dialog ( Design » Board Options ).
When DirectX is being used this DraftTrackThreshold is ignored.

DraftStringThreshold

Integer

Set the parameter to the current minimum string height (in screen pixels) that determines whether or not the text on the document is displayed in full or as an outline box only. Strings equal to or greater than the set number of pixels in height at the current zoom level will be displayed as text. Otherwise the text is replaced by an outline box. The default is 4 pixels. When DirectX is being used this DraftStringThreshold is ignored.

ShowPadNumbers

True, False, Toggle

Set the parameter to true to display Pad Numbers for pad objects.

ShowPadNets

True, False, Toggle

Set the parameter to true to display Nets for pad objects.

ShowViaNets

True, False, Toggle

Set the parameter to true to display Nets for via objects.

ShowTextPoints

True, False, Toggle

Set the parameter to true to display Test Points on the PCB document. Notice the spelling "Text". ShowTextPoints parameter corresponds to the test points.

ShowStatusInfo

True, False, Toggle

Set the parameter to true and the status information for the current PCB object is displayed on the status bar of Altium Designer. The information displayed includes the location of this object on a PCB document, the layer it is on and the net it is connected to (showing the width and length of this net as well).

ShowComponentRefPoint

True, False, Toggle

Set the parameter to true to display the component reference point markers for components.

ShowComponentBodies

True, False, Toggle

Set the parameter to true to display extruded 3D bodies whenever the view configuration Show Simple 3D Bodies setting is set to Use System Settings.

ShowComponentStepModels

True, False, Toggle

Set the parameter to true to display 3D STEP models whenever the view configuration Show STEP Models setting is set to Use System Settings.

ShowComponentSnapMarkers

True, False, Toggle

Set the parameter to true to display Snap Markers for components when in 3D mode.

ShowBoardCore

True, False, Toggle

Set the parameter to true to display the board core when in 3D mode.

ShowBoardPrepreg

True, False, Toggle

Set the parameter to true to display the board prepreg when in 3D mode

ShowTopSilkScreen

True, False, Toggle

Set the parameter to true to display the top silk screen when in 3D mode

ShowBotSilkScreen

True, False, Toggle

Set the parameter to true to display the bottom silk screen when in 3D mode

PlaneDrawMode

0,1

If PlaneDrawMode parameter set to 0, outlined Layer Colored. If parameter is set to 1, Solid Net Colored.

DisplayNetNamesOnTracks

0,1,2

If DisplayNetNamesOnTracks parameter set to 0, Netnames are not displayed on tracks. If 1, Net names are Single
And
Centered and displayed on tracks. If 2, Net names are repeated on tracks.

OriginMarkerColor

Integer

Specifies the Origin Marker color with the RGB value converted from 6 digit hexidecimal number. For example the color blue would be RGB:0,0,255 and Hex:FF0000 therefore the converted decimal value would be 16711680. The following formula may be used to calculate the required value, R+256*(G+(256*B)). Examples: Color=0 is black Color=255 is red Color=65280 is green Color=16711680 is blue Color=16777215 is white.

ComponentRefPointColor

Integer

Specifies the Component Reference Point color with the RGB value converted from 6 digit hexidecimal number. For example the color blue would be RGB:0,0,255 and Hex:FF0000 therefore the converted decimal value would be 16711680. The following formula may be used to calculate the required value, R+256*(G+(256*B)). Examples: Color=0 is black Color=255 is red Color=65280 is green Color=16711680 is blue Color=16777215 is white.

PositiveTopSolderMask

True, False, Toggle

Set the PositiveTopSolderMask to true to display the top solder mask in positive. If False, this solder mask is in negative.

PositiveBottomSolderMask

True, False, Toggle

Set the PositiveBottomSolderMask to true to display the bottom solder mask in positive. If False, this solder mask is in negative.

FromTosDisplayMode

0,1,2

Set the parameter to 0, and the FromToDisplay Mode is set to automatic. If 1, the From To Display mode is hidden. If 2, the From To Display mode is shown.

PadTypesDisplayMode

0,1,2

Set the parameter to 0, and the Pad Types Display Mode is set to automatic. If 1, the Pad Types Display mode is hidden. If 2, the Pad Types Display mode is shown.

BoardThicknessScaling

Double

Define the board thickness in scale (0 to 100).

WorkspaceLuminanceVariation

Integer

Specifies the Workspace Luminance Variation color with the RGB value converted from 6 digit hexidecimal number. For example the color blue would be RGB:0,0,255 and Hex:FF0000 therefore the converted decimal value would be 16711680. The following formula may be used to calculate the required value, R+256*(G+(256*B)). Examples: Color=0 is black Color=255 is red Color=65280 is green Color=16711680 is blue Color=16777215 is white.

WorkspaceColor3D

Integer

Specifies the Workspace Color 3D color with the RGB value converted from 6 digit hexidecimal number. For example the color blue would be RGB:0,0,255 and Hex:FF0000 therefore the converted decimal value would be 16711680. The following formula may be used to calculate the required value, R+256*(G+(256*B)). Examples: Color=0 is black Color=255 is red Color=65280 is green Color=16711680 is blue Color=16777215 is white.

BoardCoreColor3D

Integer

Specifies the Board Core Color 3D color with the RGB value converted from 6 digit hexidecimal number. For example the color blue would be RGB:0,0,255 and Hex:FF0000 therefore the converted decimal value would be 16711680. The following formula may be used to calculate the required value, R+256*(G+(256*B)). Examples: Color=0 is black Color=255 is red Color=65280 is green Color=16711680 is blue Color=16777215 is white.

BoardPrepregColor3D

Integer

Specifies the Board Prepreg Color 3D color with the RGB value converted from 6 digit hexidecimal number. For example the color blue would be RGB:0,0,255 and Hex:FF0000 therefore the converted decimal value would be 16711680. The following formula may be used to calculate the required value, R+256*(G+(256*B)). Examples: Color=0 is black Color=255 is red Color=65280 is green Color=16711680 is blue Color=16777215 is white.

TopSolderMaskColor3D

Integer

Specifies the Top Solder Mask 3D color with the RGB value converted from 6 digit hexidecimal number. For example the color blue would be RGB:0,0,255 and Hex:FF0000 therefore the converted decimal value would be 16711680. The following formula may be used to calculate the required value, R+256*(G+(256*B)). Examples: Color=0 is black Color=255 is red Color=65280 is green Color=16711680 is blue Color=16777215 is white.

BotSolderMaskColor3D

Integer

Specifies the Bottom Solder Mask Color 3D color with the RGB value converted from 6 digit hexidecimal number. For example the color blue would be RGB:0,0,255 and Hex:FF0000 therefore the converted decimal value would be 16711680. The following formula may be used to calculate the required value, R+256*(G+(256*B)). Examples: Color=0 is black Color=255 is red Color=65280 is green Color=16711680 is blue Color=16777215 is white.

CopperColor3D

Integer

Specifies the Copper Color 3D color with the RGB value converted from 6 digit hexidecimal number. For example the color blue would be RGB:0,0,255 and Hex:FF0000 therefore the converted decimal value would be 16711680. The following formula may be used to calculate the required value, R+256*(G+(256*B)). Examples: Color=0 is black Color=255 is red Color=65280 is green Color=16711680 is blue Color=16777215 is white.

TopSilkScreenColor3D

Integer

Specifies the Top Silk Screen Color 3D color with the RGB value converted from 6 digit hexidecimal number. For example the color blue would be RGB:0,0,255 and Hex:FF0000 therefore the converted decimal value would be 16711680. The following formula may be used to calculate the required value, R+256*(G+(256*B)). Examples: Color=0 is black Color=255 is red Color=65280 is green Color=16711680 is blue Color=16777215 is white.

BotSilkScreenColor3D

Integer

Specifies the Bottom Silk Screen Color 3D color with the RGB value converted from 6 digit hexidecimal number. For example the color blue would be RGB:0,0,255 and Hex:FF0000 therefore the converted decimal value would be 16711680. The following formula may be used to calculate the required value, R+256*(G+(256*B)). Examples: Color=0 is black Color=255 is red Color=65280 is green Color=16711680 is blue Color=16777215 is white.

WorkspaceColor3D_Opacity

Single

Set opacity value between 0 and 1 to set the Workspace Color 3D.

BoardCoreColor3D_Opacity

Single

Set opacity value between 0 and 1 to set the Board Core Color 3D.

BoardPrepregColor3D_Opacity

Single

Set opacity value between 0 and 1 to set the Board Prepreg Color 3D.

TopSolderMaskColor3D_Opacity

Single

Set opacity value between 0 and 1 to set the Top Solder Mask Color 3D.

BotSolderMaskColor3D_Opacity

Single

Set opacity value between 0 and 1 to set the Bottom Solder Mask Color 3D.

CopperColor3D_Opacity

Single

Set opacity value between 0 and 1 to set the Copper Color 3D.

TopSilkScreenColor3D_Opacity

Single

Set opacity value between 0 and 1 to set the Top Silk Screen Color 3D.

BotSilkScreenColor3D_Opacity

Single

Set opacity value between 0 and 1 to set the Bottom Silk Screen Color 3D.

Note the Single type is the fastest floating point type in Delphi. It also has the lowest storage requirements - 32 bits (1 for the sign 8 for the exponent, and 23 for the mantissa). It supports approximately 7 digits of precision in a range from 1.18 x 10-38 to 3.4 x 1038.

Example
Process: PCB:SetupPreferences
Parameters : ShowComponentBodies = True
Example with DelphiScript

Procedure RefreshDisplay; Begin ResetParameters; AddStringParameter('Action','Redraw'); RunProcess('PCB:Zoom'); End; \{..............................................................................\} Procedure ShowComponentBodies(Enable : Boolean); Begin ResetParameters; If Enable Then AddStringParameter('ShowComponentBodies','True') Else AddStringParameter('ShowComponentBodies','False'); RunProcess ('Pcb:SetupPreferences'); End; \{..............................................................................\} Procedure TurnOnComponentBodiesIn3d; Begin ShowComponentBodies(True); RefreshDisplay; End; \{..............................................................................\} Procedure TurnOffComponentBodiesIn3d; Begin ShowComponentBodies(False); RefreshDisplay; End;

ShowApplicableRules process

Description
The ShowApplicableRules process is used to show which rules are applicable to this object if no parameter specified. If Binary = True, you are prompted to select two objects that the binary rules are applicable to. A report dialog is displayed showing which rules are applied to one object (or two objects).

Parameters

Parameter

Value

Description

Binary

True, False

Defaults to unary rule if no parameter is specified. If True, you are prompted to select two objects.

Example
Process: PCB : ShowApplicableRules
Parameters : Binary = True

ShoveComponents process

Description
Shove components and move the surrounding objects on the current PCB.

Parameters

Parameter

Value

Description

Method

SetShoveDepth

If Method = SetShoveDepth, you will be prompted with a Shove Depth dialog.

Example
Process: PCB:ShoveComponents
Parameters : Method = SetShoveDepth

ShowConnections process

Description
Make connections visible.

Parameters

Parameter

Value

Description

Show

Net, ComponentNets, All

If Net, then the specified net is shown only and you will be prompted to choose which net. If All, all connections are shown. If ComponentNets, only nets to components will be shown.

Example
Process: PCB:ShowConnections
Parameters: Show=Net
See also
HideConnections process

SnapGrid process

Description
Define the snap grid x and y simultaneously for the PCB document.

Parameters

Parameter

Value

Description

Size

1Mil, 5Mil, 10Mil, 20MIl, 25Mil, 50MIl, 100Mil, 0.025MM, 0.100MM, 0.250MM, 0.500MM, 1.000MM, 2.500MM

If Size not specified, you are prompted to define a snap grid.

Example
Process: PCB:SnapGrid
Parameters : Size = 5Mil
SeeAlso
SnapGridXY process

SnapGridXY

Description
Define the snap grid for the x axis or y axis for the current PCB document.

Parameters

Parameter

Value

Description

Axis

X,Y

When Axis = X or Y, you are required to also specify a value in current Units for the X or Y. If the Value is not specified for either X or Y, you will be prompted to enter a value for either X or Y.

Value

String

Possible values for the X or Y axis are: 1Mil, 5Mil, 10Mil, 20MIl, 25Mil, 50MIl, 100Mil, 0.025MM, 0.100MM, 0.250MM, 0.500MM, 1.000MM, 2.500MM. If Value not specified, you are prompted to define a snap grid.

Example
Process: PCB:SnapGridXY
Parameters : Axis = X | Value = 100Mil
See Also
SnapGrid process

TearDropSelectedPads process

Description
Add tear drops to selected pads on the PCB board for better electrical properties.
Parameters
N/A
Example
Process: PCB:TearDropSelectedPads

ToggleSelection process

Description
The ToggleSelection process toggles the selection state of PCB objects.

Parameters

Parameter

Value

Description

Object

Arc, Component, Fill, Pad, Track, Via, String, Coordinate, Dimension, Polygon, Net

The process prompts for a object to be selected depending on which object is targeted. If Object is not specified, the process selects any object you click on.If the Click Clears Selection
option is enabled in the PCB Editor - General page then it clears previous seletions first.

Example
Process: PCB:ToggleSelection
Parameters : Object=Track

Undo process

Description
Undoes the current operation.
Parameters
N/A
Example
Process: PCB:Undo

Unroute process

Description
Unroutes all nets, a specific net, room or a component on a current PCB document.

Parameters

Parameter

Value

Description

Object

All, Net, Room, SingleRoom, Connection, Component, SingleComponent

When Object = SingleRoom or SingleComponent, you need to specify the value for the ContextObject (Room or Component respectively)

ContextObject

Room, Component

Specify the ContextObject if you wish to specify the Object parameter as a single room or single component.

Example
Process: PCB:Unroute
Parameters : Object=All

UpdateFootprints process

Description
Updates footprints on a PCBfrom a library based on the PCB components in a current PCB document.

Parameters

Parameter

Value

Description

Mode

All

If mode is set to All, all PCB footprints from the PCB library are updated. If mode is set to empty, the current PCB footprint from the PCB library is updated.

Example
Process: PCB : UpdateFootprints
Parameters : Mode = All

UpdateRotationOnSelectedComponents process

Description
Used to update selected components rotation field values, based upon the orientation of the component in the library and the pad positions in the placed component. Otherwise, components are assumed to have a 0 rotation value, whatever their placed orientation.

Zoom process

Description
The Zoom process is used to set the zoom level of the current PCB document. Depending upon the parameters, a number of zoom actions can be performed from refreshing the screen to displaying a specified region of the PCB document.

Parameters

Parameter

Value

Description

ZoomLevel

Real

Prompts for a zoom value if not specified.

Action

In, Out, All, Filtered, Board, Last, MicroIn, MicroOut, Pan, Point, Redraw, RedrawCurrent,Selected, Sheet, Window

If Action is set to area, then the four following parameters will be used (Location1.x, Location1.Y, Location2.X and Location2.Y)

Example

Process: PCB:Zoom
Parameters : ZoomLevel = 4.0

Common Example used in DelphiScript

Procedure RefreshDisplay; Begin ResetParameters; AddStringParameter('Action','Redraw'); RunProcess('PCB:Zoom'); End;
You are reporting an issue with the following selected text and/or image within the active document: