What is the EAGLE Control Panel?
The EAGLE Control Panel is the main window that appears when you launch the EAGLE software. It provides access to various tools, settings, and resources that you will use throughout your PCB design process. The Control Panel is divided into several sections, each serving a specific purpose:
- Trees: This section displays a hierarchical view of your projects, libraries, and design files.
- Information: This area shows relevant information about the selected item in the Trees section, such as file size, date modified, and description.
- Menu: The menu bar at the top of the Control Panel provides access to various commands and settings.
- Buttons: The buttons at the bottom of the Control Panel allow you to perform common actions, such as creating a new project, opening an existing project, or launching the Board or Schematic Editor.
Navigating the EAGLE Control Panel
Projects
In the Trees section of the Control Panel, you will find the “Projects” folder. This is where you can create, organize, and manage your PCB design projects. Each project typically consists of a schematic file (.sch) and a board file (.brd), along with any additional files, such as libraries or scripts.
To create a new project:
- Right-click on the “Projects” folder.
- Select “New Project” from the context menu.
- Choose a location and name for your project.
- Click “OK” to create the project.
To open an existing project:
- Locate the project in the “Projects” folder.
- Double-click on the project name to open it.
Libraries
EAGLE libraries contain pre-designed components, symbols, and footprints that you can use in your PCB designs. The Control Panel provides access to both the default libraries that come with EAGLE and any custom libraries you may have created.
To browse the available libraries:
- Expand the “Libraries” folder in the Trees section.
- Click on a library to view its contents in the Information section.
To create a new library:
- Right-click on the “Libraries” folder.
- Select “New Library” from the context menu.
- Choose a location and name for your library.
- Click “OK” to create the library.
Design Rules
Design rules are a set of constraints and guidelines that help ensure your PCB design meets manufacturing and performance requirements. EAGLE provides a comprehensive set of design rules that you can customize to suit your specific needs.
To access the Design Rules:
- Click on the “Options” menu in the Control Panel.
- Select “Design Rules” from the menu.
- The Design Rules window will appear, allowing you to modify various settings, such as minimum clearance, trace width, and via size.
User Interface Settings
The EAGLE Control Panel allows you to customize various aspects of the user interface to suit your preferences. These settings include display colors, grid size, and keyboard shortcuts.
To access the User Interface settings:
- Click on the “Options” menu in the Control Panel.
- Select “User Interface” from the menu.
- The User Interface window will appear, allowing you to modify various settings.
Working with the EAGLE Control Panel
Creating a New Schematic
To create a new schematic in EAGLE:
- Right-click on your project in the “Projects” folder.
- Select “New” > “Schematic” from the context menu.
- A new schematic file will be created and added to your project.
- Double-click on the schematic file to open it in the Schematic Editor.
Creating a New Board
To create a new board in EAGLE:
- Open the schematic file for which you want to create a board.
- Click on the “Board” button at the bottom of the Control Panel.
- The Board Editor will open, and a new board file will be created and added to your project.
Running Design Rule Checks (DRC)
Design Rule Checks (DRC) help identify any violations of the design rules you have set for your PCB design. To run a DRC:
- Open the board file in the Board Editor.
- Click on the “Tools” menu in the Board Editor.
- Select “DRC” from the menu.
- The DRC window will appear, allowing you to select which rules to check and start the DRC process.
Generating Manufacturing Files
Once your PCB design is complete and has passed the DRC, you can generate manufacturing files, such as Gerber files and drill files, for production. To generate manufacturing files:
- Open the board file in the Board Editor.
- Click on the “File” menu in the Board Editor.
- Select “CAM Processor” from the menu.
- The CAM Processor window will appear, allowing you to select which layers and file formats to generate.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I use the same EAGLE Control Panel interface in both version 6 and 7?
Yes, the EAGLE Control Panel interface is largely the same in both version 6 and 7. However, version 7 introduced some new features and enhancements, such as the “Projects” folder and the ability to create custom libraries directly from the Control Panel.
2. How do I update my libraries in EAGLE?
To update your libraries in EAGLE:
1. Click on the “Help” menu in the Control Panel.
2. Select “Check for Updates” from the menu.
3. The update manager will check for any available updates for your libraries and allow you to download and install them.
3. Can I create custom design rules in EAGLE?
Yes, EAGLE allows you to create custom design rules to suit your specific requirements. To create a custom design rule:
1. Open the Design Rules window from the “Options” menu in the Control Panel.
2. Click on the “New” button to create a new rule.
3. Define the rule parameters and constraints.
4. Click “OK” to save the custom rule.
4. How can I share my EAGLE projects with others?
To share your EAGLE projects with others:
1. Locate the project folder in your file system.
2. Compress the folder into a ZIP archive.
3. Send the ZIP archive to the intended recipient via email or a file-sharing service.
4. The recipient can then extract the ZIP archive and open the project in their own EAGLE installation.
5. Can I customize the keyboard shortcuts in EAGLE?
Yes, EAGLE allows you to customize the keyboard shortcuts to suit your preferences. To customize the keyboard shortcuts:
1. Click on the “Options” menu in the Control Panel.
2. Select “Assign” > “Shortcuts” from the menu.
3. The Assign Shortcuts window will appear, allowing you to modify the keyboard shortcuts for various commands and actions.
Conclusion
The EAGLE Control Panel is a powerful and intuitive interface that serves as the central hub for managing your PCB design projects in EAGLE version 6 and 7. By understanding the various sections, features, and settings available in the Control Panel, you can streamline your design process, organize your projects efficiently, and ensure that your PCB designs meet the required manufacturing and performance standards.
As you continue to work with EAGLE, you will discover more advanced features and techniques that can help you create complex and professional-grade PCB designs. By leveraging the full potential of the EAGLE Control Panel and the software’s extensive capabilities, you can bring your electronic projects to life and achieve your design goals with ease.