[Discuss] CAD software: where does OSHWA stand?

[Javier Serrano]

On 03/19/2017 04:19 PM, Chris Church wrote:
> Altium can export to a fully documented, open, and standardized format:
> IPC 2581. I'm not sure it can import from it, and smaller tools like
> Eagle do not yet support it. 
> 
> See: http://techdocs.altium.com/display/ADOH/IPC-2581+Support
> 
> IPC 2581 was created specifically to provide an unencumbered, open, and
> standardized format to replace the closed ODB++ format commonly used in
> manufacturing. It captures everything needed for a circuit board, from
> pcb lay out, to assembly, netlist, and bill of materials.  When it comes
> to the printed circuits side, IPC is an org who is fighting hard for
> interoperability and open standards.

Thanks Chris. I had heard of IPC 2581, but somehow thought is was
limited to manufacturing files. Does IPC 2581 also cover schematics and
layout? I.e. could I conceivably export a complete Altium project to IPC
2581 and then import into another tool to edit schematics and layout?
Same thing for Altium libraries of symbols and footprints?

Thanks,

Javier