SCH File Extension

What is SCH file?

SCH files are used by Shematic Capture Editor, a tool included in KiCAD software package for designing PCBs. SCH files store complete electronic schematics created with saing tool.

SCH – electronic schematics format

Schematics in SCH file can be used to visualize given device. Schematics consist of standardized symbols and connections between elements of given circuit. Finished schematics can be then used in printed circuit board production process.

Programs which support SCH file extension

Below you will find an index of software programs that can be used to open SCH files divided into 3 categories according to system platform supported. SCH files can be encountered on all system platforms, including mobile, yet there is no guarantee each will properly support such files.

Updated: 10/26/2022

How to open file with SCH extension?

Problems with accessing SCH may be due to various reasons. On the bright side, the most encountered issues pertaining to CAD Schematics Format 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 SCH files.

Step 1. Download and install EAGLE

Problems with opening and working with SCH files are most probably having to do with no proper software compatible with SCH files being present on your machine. The most obvious solution is to download and install EAGLE or one to the listed programs: OrCAD PCB Designer, EAGLE Layout Editor, CIRDCAD. Above you will find a complete listing of programs that support SCH files, classified according to system platforms for which they are available. If you want to download EAGLE installer in the most secured manner, we suggest you visit website and download from their official repositories.

Step 2. Check the version of EAGLE and update if needed

If you already have EAGLE installed on your systems and SCH files are still not opened properly, check if you have the latest version of the software. Software developers may implement support for more modern file formats in updated versions of their products. If you have an older version of EAGLE installed, it may not support SCH format. The latest version of EAGLE should support all file formats that where compatible with older versions of the software.

Step 3. Set the default application to open SCH files to EAGLE

If you have the latest version of EAGLE installed and the problem persists, select it as the default program to be used to manage SCH on your device. The method is quite simple and varies little across operating systems.

Change the default application in Windows

• Right-click the SCH file and choose Open with option
• Select Choose another app → More apps
• To finalize the process, select Look for another app on this PC entry and using the file explorer select the EAGLE installation folder. Confirm by checking Always use this app to open SCH files box and clicking OK button.

Change the default application in Mac OS

• From the drop-down menu, accessed by clicking the file with SCH extension, select Information
• Find the Open with option – click the title if its hidden
• 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 SCH extension. Next, click the Continue button to finalize the process.

Step 4. Ensure that the SCH file is complete and free of errors

Should the problem still occur after following steps 1-3, check if the SCH file is valid. It is probable that the file is corrupted and thus cannot be accessed.

1. Verify that the SCH in question is not infected with a computer virus

If the file is infected, the malware that resides in the SCH file hinders attempts to open it. Immediately scan the file using an antivirus tool or scan the whole system to ensure the whole system is safe. If the SCH file is indeed infected follow the instructions below.

2. Check whether the file is corrupted or damaged

If the SCH file was sent to you by someone else, ask this person to resend the file to you. During the copy process of the file errors may occurred rendering the file incomplete or corrupted. This could be the source of encountered problems with the file. When downloading the file with SCH extension from the internet an error may occurred resulting in incomplete file. Try downloading the file again.

3. Check if the user that you are logged as has administrative privileges.

Sometimes in order to access files user need to have administrative privileges. Switch to an account that has required privileges and try opening the CAD Schematics Format file again.

4. Check whether your system can handle EAGLE

If the system is under havy load, it may not be able to handle the program that you use to open files with SCH extension. In this case close the other applications.

5. Verify that your operating system and drivers are up to date

Up-to-date system and drivers not only makes your computer more secure, but also may solve problems with CAD Schematics Format file. It may be the case that the SCH files work properly with updated software that addresses some system bugs.

Do you want to help?

If you have additional information about the SCH 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 SCH file.