Estimated reading time: 4 minutes
Ultiboard is a simple tool for PCB design. You draw the board outline, place parts, and set the board size. You need the right size so your board works and so factories can make it. This guide shows easy steps to change the board size in Ultiboard.
What is the PCB board size?
PCB size means its width and height in millimeters or inches. These numbers set the shape and edges of your board. Size affects where parts sit, how traces run, where holes go, and how the factory groups boards on panels. Good size meets your tool limits and factory rules.
You must use the correct size. If the board is too small, parts or holes can fall outside the edge. If it is too big, you waste material and add cost. A good rule is to leave about 0.5 inch (12 mm) between each part and the edge. That gap makes routing and drilling easier and avoids cut-off parts.
Importance of Correct PCB Dimensions
If the board is too small, parts or holes can sit outside the edge. If it is too big, you waste material and add cost. Aim for about 0.5 in (12 mm) space between parts and the edge. This gap helps routing and drilling and avoids cut-off parts.
Common PCB Board Sizes
Some common sizes are 68 × 53 mm for an Arduino Uno. A smartphone board is about 50 × 120 mm. An ATX motherboard measures 305 × 244 mm. A Mini-ITX board is 170 × 170 mm.You can choose one of these or enter any size you need.
Step-by-Step Guide to Change PCB Board Size in Ultiboard
To change the board size, open your PCB file in Ultiboard. Then click Board > Board Properties. You will see fields for width, height, and unit (mm or inch). Type the new width and height. Switch units if you need. For odd shapes, choose Custom Shape and draw or enter the points. Next, set the origin (0,0) at a corner you know, so parts line up right in your case.
Tip： If you shrink the board, Ultiboard will warn you about parts that fall outside the new outline. Move those parts back inside before you go on.
Before you finish, make sure all holes, power areas, and silkscreen markings stay inside the outline and that no trace crosses the edge. Then view your board in 3D by clicking View > 3D Preview. This view shows the board in real size. Keep in mind that if you change size after placing parts, you may need to reroute some traces.
If you see parts outside the outline, Ultiboard marks them in red. Move those parts back inside. If traces break, use Routing > Rebuild Connections to fix them. If the board size resets, save your file and unlock the size fields in Board Settings before you try again.
Conclusion
In summary, to change the board size in Ultiboard, open the properties. Then set the new width and height. Next, fix any overlaps. After that, run the rule check. Finally, do a last 3D review.This way your design fits and is ready for manufacturing. With practice, you will make size changes quickly and without errors.
FAQ
Run a design rule check. Click on “Design Rule Check” in “Tools”. It will indicate clearance problems close to the edge. You can also press Ctrl + M to measure the distance.
Open the 3D view. Click “View > 3D Preview.” Check that all holes, the power area, and the silkscreen sit inside the board outline. Make sure no traces cross the edge. Now the file is ready to send to the manufacturer.
Open your PCB file. Click on “Board” in the top menu, then “Board Properties”. There are fields for width, height, and units. You enter the new values there.
