Printed Circuit Board Design Software Market - Growth Drivers and Challenges
Growth Drivers
- Increasing Demand for HDI PCBs: High-density interconnects (HDI) PCBs are smaller and lightweight than other PCBs and offer high-speed and reliable signals. Furthermore, they have improved wiring density and lower trace widths. This feature enables fewer layers in the PCB stack and high-speed signal transmission, reducing production expenses. In September 2020, Meiko Electronics Co. Japan purchased multiple ESI® Geode™ systems from MKS Instruments, Inc. to enhance its high-volume HDI PCB manufacturing capabilities in Asia.
- Next-generation solutions with cloud PCB design software: The cloud-based PCB design software makes the work of PCB designers further accurate and reliable. For instance, in April 2022, Frontline Cloud Services, a software solution, launched by KLA Corporation, accelerates design for manufacturing (DFM) analysis and time-to-market (TTM) for complex printed circuit boards (PCBs). Designing exceedingly complicated PCBs is addressed by the new cloud-based SaaS service. As industries demand faster innovation and greater scalability, these tools are becoming essential for enhancing efficiency and reducing costs.
Challenges
- Wide presence of open-source PCB design software: Open-source PCB design software can pose several significant challenges, from unexpected costs and steep learning curves to complex compatibility issues. The majority of open-source vulnerabilities are caused by erroneously designed code that has gaps in it that an attacker might exploit to commit crimes like stealing confidential information or breaking a system.
- Use of pirated software and a lack of skilled personnel: Widespread software piracy leads to revenue losses for vendors and security risks for users. Additionally, the growing complexity of PCB design demands highly skilled professionals. Addressing challenges related to AI-driven automation and high-density PCB layouts requires stronger IP protection measures, industry-driven training programs, and increased adoption of user-friendly AI-assisted design tools.
Printed Circuit Board Design Software Market Size and Forecast:
|
Base Year |
2025 |
|
Forecast Year |
2026-2035 |
|
CAGR |
13.7% |
|
Base Year Market Size (2025) |
USD 4.12 billion |
|
Forecast Year Market Size (2035) |
USD 14.88 billion |
|
Regional Scope |
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Browse key industry insights with market data tables & charts from the report:
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
In the year 2026, the industry size of PCB design software is estimated at USD 4.63 billion.
The global PCB design software market size was worth over USD 4.12 billion in 2025 and is poised to grow at a CAGR of around 13.7%, reaching USD 14.88 billion revenue by 2035.
By 2035, North America is anticipated to secure a 34.7% share of the printed circuit board design software market, propelled by the region’s expanding telecommunications sector and rising semiconductor demand.
Key players in the market include Cadence Design Systems, Inc., Siemens EDA, Mentor (A Siemens Business), Zuken Inc., Altium Limited, WestDev Ltd. (Pulsonix), Novarm Limited (DipTrace), Autodesk Inc., Synopsys, Inc., KiCad.
