EAGLE Version 6 and 7 – Introduction to the Control Panel

Overview of the EAGLE Control Panel

The EAGLE Control Panel is the first window that appears when you launch the software. It provides access to various tools, libraries, and settings that are essential for working with EAGLE. The Control Panel is divided into several sections, each serving a specific purpose:

• Tree view: Displays the directory structure and files related to your EAGLE projects.
• Preview window: Shows a preview of the selected file or library component.
• Description window: Provides additional information about the selected item.
• Menu bar: Contains drop-down menus for accessing various functions and settings.
• Toolbar: Offers quick access to frequently used tools and commands.

Navigating the Tree View

The tree view in the EAGLE Control Panel is the primary means of navigating through your directories and files. It is organized in a hierarchical structure, with the following main sections:

• Projects: Contains your EAGLE project folders and files.
• Libraries: Holds the libraries used for designing schematics and PCBs.
• Design Rules: Stores the design rule files that define the constraints for your PCB designs.
• User Language Programs: Contains custom scripts and programs written in EAGLE’s User Language.
• Scripts: Holds script files that automate various tasks in EAGLE.
• CAM Jobs: Contains the CAM (Computer-Aided Manufacturing) job files used for generating manufacturing data.

To navigate through the tree view, simply click on the arrows next to each folder to expand or collapse its contents. You can also right-click on an item to access context-specific options, such as opening, copying, or deleting files.

Using the Preview and Description Windows

The preview window in the EAGLE Control Panel provides a visual representation of the selected file or library component. This is particularly useful when browsing through libraries, as it allows you to quickly identify the component you need without having to open each library individually.

The description window, located below the preview window, offers additional information about the selected item. This can include details such as the file type, size, and creation date for files, or the package and symbol information for library components.

Accessing Tools and Settings

The menu bar and toolbar in the EAGLE Control Panel provide access to various tools and settings. The menu bar contains drop-down menus for file management, view options, tools, and help resources. The toolbar, on the other hand, offers quick access to frequently used commands, such as opening and saving files, undoing and redoing actions, and launching the schematic or board editor.

Managing Libraries

One of the key functions of the EAGLE Control Panel is managing libraries. EAGLE libraries contain the components and devices used in your designs, such as resistors, capacitors, and integrated circuits. The Control Panel allows you to easily browse, add, and manage these libraries.

Adding Libraries

To add a new library to your EAGLE installation, follow these steps:

1. In the Control Panel, right-click on the “Libraries” folder and select “Open.” This will open the file explorer at the location where EAGLE libraries are stored.
2. Copy the desired library file (with a .lbr extension) into the “lbr” directory.
3. Right-click on the “Libraries”