Get started with ALcad
Open ALcad inside Digital Design Studio and find the documentation for the CAD workspace supported by your release.
ALcad is included in Digital Design Studio and keeps its own CAD interface. See the ALcad overview and use the shared Downloads page for available installers. In Digital Design Studio, open the workspace selector and choose a workspace from the ALcad group. Available actions depend on the host and released version; check the ALcad guide for the current scope.
Before opening a design, keep a backup of its original files. Check the documentation at https://docs.altifigence.com/ for supported project and interchange formats. A file extension alone does not guarantee that every object or feature in that format is supported.
When evaluating a workflow, start with a small design. Confirm that it opens as expected and that any saved or exported result can be reopened in the intended tool. Review warnings and the documented limits for the specific operation before relying on its output.
If an import or export fails, send support the Digital Design Studio version, ALcad workspace, operating system, format, and exact error. Include a small example only if you have permission to share it, and remove private design data. Use https://www.altifigence.com/en/contact/ for private support.
Start in the right workbench
Open ALcad inside Digital Design Studio and choose the workbench shown for your design task. ALcad is in Beta, and schematic, digital circuit, PCB, 3D and SI/PI workflows do not necessarily have identical availability in every release.
For a first digital circuit draft, select a component from the library, place it on the drawing canvas, and inspect its properties. Check the active document before editing. A component visible on the canvas is a design draft, not evidence that simulation or electrical checks passed.
Saving, imports and Cloud limitations
Use the save or project workflow provided by the active workbench. An unsaved draft can be lost when closing or reloading its tab. Keep the original file before importing or converting a design, and check the documentation for supported formats.
If Cloud says CAD file editing is not connected, treat that message as the boundary for that session. Other draft workbenches may still open, but their availability does not mean a disconnected file backend is ready.
Report a CAD problem
Include the DDS version, ALcad workbench name, input format and the exact operation that failed. Describe expected connectivity or geometry using a small shareable example. Remove proprietary board data before posting publicly.