KLayout: GDS and OASIS Layout Editor 0.29.7

GDS and OASIS formats are among the most widely used for representing electronic patterns in integrated circuits and chipsets, containing planar geometric shapes, text labels, and other pertinent information.

KLayout is user-friendly software designed specifically to simplify viewing GDS and OASIS files, as well as editing them or creating layout designs from scratch.

After a straightforward installation, launching the app reveals a clean and thoughtfully designed user interface, where nearly all key features are readily accessible.

One important aspect to note is that the utility can handle multiple layouts simultaneously within the same window. A closer look shows that it offers a robust array of tools for viewing and editing layout files.

Thanks to its integrated layer configurator, you can view fill patterns and colors, customize animations, adjust transparency levels, manage group layer properties, and rename, copy, paste, or remove layer attributes.

KLayout also includes flexible rulers, shape and instance browsers, various zoom modes, screenshot capabilities, and bookmark support.

Additionally, you can utilize image overlay features to load and position PNG, JPG, and GIF files over your projects.

On the editing side, you’ll be pleased to find a comprehensive selection of smart drawing tools, with support for hierarchical and advanced layer operations.

Overall, KLayout is a reliable and effective tool for editing and viewing GDS and OASIS files.

With its broad range of features, it should meet the needs of most users working with integrated circuit layouts. However, if you require more functionality, you can significantly enhance the app with custom Ruby scripts. Both installer and portable versions are available for download on this page.

Features and Highlights

• Fast and Accurate: The software is designed for quick loading and drawing of layouts, ensuring that users can view and interact with their designs without delays, which enhances productivity.
• Full Support of Properties: It accommodates a comprehensive range of properties for various elements within the layout, enabling users to utilize detailed attributes effectively in their designs.
• Extensible and Configurable: Users can significantly enhance the software’s functionality by implementing custom scripts in Ruby or Python. This flexibility allows for tailored features that meet specific project requirements.
• Integrated Development Environment (IDE): The software includes a built-in IDE specifically for Ruby and Python scripting. This feature provides users with tools to write, debug, and execute scripts directly within the application, streamlining the development process.
• Overlay Features: Users can load multiple layouts into a single window, facilitating easy comparison and management of different designs. This capability is particularly useful for complex projects where visual context is essential.
• Flexible Layer Configuration: The application offers a wide variety of display options for layers, including choices of fill patterns and different frame and fill colors. Users can customize animations, adjust transparency levels, and apply dimming or highlighting effects to enhance visibility and focus on specific design elements.
• Layer Grouping Functionality: Users can change the display properties of a group of layers simultaneously. This feature simplifies the management of related layers, allowing for quicker adjustments and modifications.
• Advanced Layer Display Attributes: Each layer can be assigned a name, which aids in organization. Additionally, layers can include extra transformations, select certain hierarchy levels, or filter shapes based on specific properties, enhancing the user’s ability to manage complex designs.
• Copy and Paste Layer Attributes: Users can easily transfer layer attributes to other panels, allowing for consistency across multiple designs and saving time during the editing process.
• Control Over Drawing Order: Users can select which layer appears on top, providing control over the visual hierarchy of elements in the layout.
• Descend into a Hierarchy: The software enables users to view a cell within its context, allowing for a better understanding of how individual components fit into the overall design.
• Flexible Rulers: Users can utilize an unlimited number of rulers with adjustable display styles. Multiple templates can be configured, and rulers can be edited (moved, deleted, copied, and pasted) to fit the user’s specific layout needs.
• Shape and Instance Browsers: These tools facilitate easy navigation through shapes and instances, making it simpler to manage complex layouts.
• Bookmarks and Zoom Modes: The application includes bookmarking capabilities for quick navigation, various zoom modes for detailed inspections, and mouse wheel support for convenient scrolling through layouts. A screenshot function allows users to capture specific views of their work.
• Comprehensive Undo/Redo Options: Users can revert or reapply changes to layer properties and ruler configurations, enhancing flexibility during the editing process.
• Saving Capabilities: Users can save the entire layout or specific components (cells, layers) in different formats, with options for scaling or altering database units to suit their project specifications.
• Image Overlay Features: Users can load image files (e.g., JPG, PNG, GIF) and position them arbitrarily within the layout. This feature is useful for adding visual references or annotations to designs.
• Marker Browser Tool: Users can load specific error report files into the software, providing a dedicated tool to navigate and address issues directly related to their designs.
• Global Transformations: Users can apply transformations such as flipping or rotating images, allowing for versatile design adjustments.
• Smart Drawing Functions: The software includes a variety of advanced drawing tools with options for angle constraints and grid alignment, assisting users in maintaining precision during the design process.
• True In-Place Editing: Users can perform edits directly in subcells, enabling a more intuitive and immediate editing experience. The variant building function allows users to create different design variations efficiently.
• Numerous Advanced Editing Functions: The software supports a wide range of editing operations, including hierarchical manipulations, boolean operations, clipping, corner rounding, sizing, alignment adjustments, and various layer operations.
• Support for External Libraries: The software can dynamically bind external libraries to a layout, enhancing its capabilities and allowing for integration with other tools or systems.
• Parameterized Cells (PCells): Users can create parametrized cells, allowing for flexible designs that can be easily modified by changing parameters, making the design process more efficient.

FAQ’s

What are GDS and OASIS formats, and why are they important?

GDS (Graphic Data System) and OASIS (Open Artwork System Interchange Standard) are file formats used in the semiconductor industry to represent integrated circuit layouts. These formats contain detailed geometric shapes, text labels, and metadata essential for chip design. They are crucial for ensuring that designs are accurately fabricated in semiconductor manufacturing processes.

What is KLayout, and how does it help with GDS and OASIS files?

KLayout is a user-friendly software application designed specifically for viewing, editing, and creating layouts in GDS and OASIS formats. It simplifies the process of handling these files by providing an intuitive interface and a comprehensive set of tools that allow users to interact with complex layouts effectively.

How easy is it to install KLayout?

Installing KLayout is straightforward. After downloading the installer, users can follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation process quickly. Once installed, the application launches with a clean, organized user interface, making it easy to access its features.

Can KLayout handle multiple layouts at the same time?

Yes, one of KLayout’s key features is its ability to manage multiple layouts simultaneously within a single window. This functionality allows users to compare designs side by side, making it particularly useful for complex projects that require context and visual reference.

What editing capabilities does KLayout offer?

KLayout provides a robust set of editing tools, including options for customizing layer properties, adjusting transparency, and creating animations. Users can rename, copy, paste, or remove layer attributes, and they can also perform advanced operations such as hierarchical manipulations and boolean operations.

Are there options for customization in KLayout?

Absolutely! KLayout is highly extensible and configurable. Users can implement custom Ruby or Python scripts to enhance functionality, tailoring the application to meet specific project requirements. This flexibility makes it suitable for a wide range of tasks within electronic design automation.

What tools does KLayout provide for viewing layouts?

KLayout includes several viewing tools, such as shape and instance browsers for easy navigation through complex designs. It also offers flexible rulers, various zoom modes, and bookmarking capabilities, allowing users to inspect and navigate their layouts efficiently.

How does KLayout handle layer configurations?

The software features an integrated layer configurator that allows users to customize various aspects of their layers. Users can choose fill patterns, frame and fill colors, manage group layer properties, and apply advanced display attributes like animations and transparency adjustments.

Can I overlay images in KLayout?

Yes, KLayout allows users to load image files (like PNG, JPG, and GIF) and position them within their layouts. This feature is great for adding visual references or annotations, which can enhance the clarity of design presentations.

What should I do if I encounter issues while using KLayout?

If you face any issues while using KLayout, the software includes a marker browser tool that can load specific error report files. This tool helps you navigate and address problems effectively. Additionally, you can consult the KLayout user community or documentation for support and troubleshooting tips.

Is KLayout suitable for both beginners and advanced users?

Yes, KLayout is designed to be user-friendly, making it accessible for beginners. At the same time, its extensive feature set and customization options cater to advanced users who need more specialized functionalities for their projects. This versatility makes it a great choice for anyone working with integrated circuit layouts.

Can I save my work in different formats with KLayout?

Yes, KLayout allows you to save your entire layout or specific components, such as cells and layers, in various formats. You can also scale or change database units to suit your project’s needs, ensuring flexibility in how you manage and export your designs.

Conclusion

KLayout stands out as an essential tool for professionals and enthusiasts working with GDS and OASIS formats in integrated circuit design. Its user-friendly interface, combined with powerful features like multi-layout handling, flexible layer configurations, and extensive editing capabilities, makes it an effective solution for managing complex designs. The ability to extend functionality through custom scripts further enhances its versatility, catering to a wide range of project requirements. Whether you are a beginner exploring electronic design automation or an experienced user seeking advanced editing tools, KLayout provides a reliable platform to streamline your workflow and improve productivity. With its comprehensive suite of features, KLayout is well-equipped to meet the diverse needs of users in the semiconductor industry.