PCBDOC File Extension

What is PCBDOC file?

Files with .PCBDOC extension store PCB (Printed Circuit Board) documentation. This special file format was developed by Protel to meet the needs of board designers that use Protel DXP software. This format is used by PCB Altium Designer, the successor to Protel for DOS and Windows. PCBDOC is one of the many format support by this software application.

Contents of .PCBDOC files

PCBDOC files hold all the necessary PCB project information, including the following:

• paths - signal paths,
• pads - solder points,
• layers.

Additionally, the project can also contain information specific to given project. PCBDOC files can also hold project templates adhering to certain standards (Eurocircuits, for example).

Opening PCBDOC files - viewing and editing

PCBDOC files are created and edited using Altium Designer, a commercial software tool for designing PCBs. Free PCBDOC file browsers are also available, including online, that allow user to view PCBDOC files, but not edit them. PCBDOC files can be converted into other PCB project formats.

Programs which support PCBDOC file extension

Programs that can handle PCBDOC files are as follows. Files with PCBDOC suffix can be copied to any mobile device or system platform, but it may not be possible to open them properly on target system.

Updated: 05/08/2023

How to open file with PCBDOC extension?

There can be multiple causes why you have problems with opening PCBDOC files on given system. On the bright side, the most encountered issues pertaining to Printed Circuit Board Description files aren’t complex. In most cases they can be addressed swiftly and effectively without assistance from a specialist. We have prepared a listing of which will help you resolve your problems with PCBDOC files.

Step 1. Download and install Altium Designer

The main and most frequent cause precluding users form opening PCBDOC files is that no program that can handle PCBDOC files is installed on user’s system. The solution is straightforward, just download and install Altium Designer. The full list of programs grouped by operating systems can be found above. If you want to download Altium Designer installer in the most secured manner, we suggest you visit Altium Limited. website and download from their official repositories.

Step 2. Check the version of Altium Designer and update if needed

You still cannot access PCBDOC files although Altium Designer is installed on your system? Make sure that the software is up to date. Sometimes software developers introduce new formats in place of that already supports along with newer versions of their applications. The reason that Altium Designer cannot handle files with PCBDOC may be that the software is outdated. The most recent version of Altium Designer is backward compatible and can handle file formats supported by older versions of the software.

Step 3. Set the default application to open PCBDOC files to Altium Designer

If the issue has not been solved in the previous step, you should associate PCBDOC files with latest version of Altium Designer you have installed on your device. The process of associating file formats with default application may differ in details depending on platform, but the basic procedure is very similar.

Selecting the first-choice application in Windows

• Clicking the PCBDOC with right mouse button will bring a menu from which you should select the Open with option
• Click Choose another app and then select More apps option
• The last step is to select Look for another app on this PC option supply the directory path to the folder where Altium Designer is installed. Now all that is left is to confirm your choice by selecting Always use this app to open PCBDOC files and clicking OK.

Selecting the first-choice application in Mac OS

• From the drop-down menu, accessed by clicking the file with PCBDOC extension, select Information
• Proceed to the Open with section. If its closed, click the title to access available options
• Select the appropriate software and save your settings by clicking Change all
• If you followed the previous steps a message should appear: This change will be applied to all files with PCBDOC extension. Next, click the Continue button to finalize the process.

Step 4. Verify that the PCBDOC is not faulty

Should the problem still occur after following steps 1-3, check if the PCBDOC file is valid. Being unable to access the file can be related to various issues.

1. Check the PCBDOC file for viruses or malware

If the file is infected, the malware that resides in the PCBDOC file hinders attempts to open it. It is advised to scan the system for viruses and malware as soon as possible or use an online antivirus scanner. PCBDOC file is infected with malware? Follow the steps suggested by your antivirus software.

2. Ensure the file with PCBDOC extension is complete and error-free

Did you receive the PCBDOC file in question from a different person? Ask him/her to send it one more time. The file might have been copied erroneously and the data lost integrity, which precludes from accessing the file. It could happen the the download process of file with PCBDOC extension was interrupted and the file data is defective. Download the file again from the same source.

3. Verify whether your account has administrative rights

Sometimes in order to access files user need to have administrative privileges. Log out of your current account and log in to an account with sufficient access privileges. Then open the Printed Circuit Board Description file.

4. Make sure that the system has sufficient resources to run Altium Designer

If the systems has insufficient resources to open PCBDOC files, try closing all currently running applications and try again.

5. Ensure that you have the latest drivers and system updates and patches installed

Regularly updated system, drivers, and programs keep your computer secure. This may also prevent problems with Printed Circuit Board Description files. Outdated drivers or software may have caused the inability to use a peripheral device needed to handle PCBDOC files.

Do you want to help?

If you have additional information about the PCBDOC file, we will be grateful if you share it with our users. To do this, use the form here and send us your information on PCBDOC file.