The most frustrating software I use.
March 07, 2024
The most frustrating software I use.
Score 6 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
Overall Satisfaction with Altium Designer
We use it for Schematics and Layout. The business problem it solves and the use case is designing boards.
- PCB placement
- In my opinion, frustrating users
- In my opinion, reducing usability over time
- Schematic design has many problems with schematic design GUI
- Libraries are excessively complex, particularly for low use count
- Reduction in usability over time. I have been using for 20 years, and like it less and less overtime
- In my opinion, seemingly continuing efforts to push users to use Altium's cloud features is obnoxious
- In my opinion, poor menu implementation is frustrating, such as menu items not being in alphabetical order
- Ongoing stabilities issues
- Seeming focus on fancy features vs. core functionality
- In my opinion, lack of online support for simple issues is frustrating
- Confusion on basic functions continue to slow design
- Frustration with tools makes it difficult to start and maintain engagements. I often throw up my hands and stop working due to frustration with tools
- Significant changes with prices, in my experience, with pushback resulting in drastic reductions in prices makes me trust your org less
- Reduction in usability over time
Poorly. As mentioned previously, in my experience, poor implementation of key functionality and bottom of the barrel library implementation results in significant schedule delays. Also reduced usability overtime.
In my opinion, it has hurt usability. Attempting to push 365 implementation over on prem negatively impacts core functionality and leads to confusion and frustration.
Altium Designer is overly complex, particularly for smaller organizations that don't have a dedicated library, schematic, and layout personnel. KiCAD is simple to use and free.
Do you think Altium Designer delivers good value for the price?
Not sure
Are you happy with Altium Designer's feature set?
No
Did Altium Designer live up to sales and marketing promises?
No
Did implementation of Altium Designer go as expected?
No
Would you buy Altium Designer again?
No
Using Altium Designer
Evaluating Altium Designer and Competitors
- Other
Provides more advanced features vs. KiCAD, cheap compared to other options, but would prefer for better alternatives.
Try and find better, less confusing and frustrating options to focus on core functionality over flashy features.
Altium Designer Implementation
- Implemented in-house
Yes - Focus on schematics and component implementation with, in my experience, extreme frustration
Placement
Design review
Routing
Placement
Design review
Routing
Change management was a minor issue with the implementation - Is not handled well within the tool, necessitating use of windows file explorer to use.
- See previous feedback
- High cliff for use for all phases of tool use
- Reduction in usability over time
- Only a good option because it is relatively cheap
Altium Designer Support
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
Problems get solved Kept well informed Support cares about my success | Slow Resolution Escalation required |
No. Shouldn't need to, given small size of my organization.
Yes - Sometimes
Using Altium Designer
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
Relatively simple Consistent Convenient | Do not like to use Difficult to use Requires technical support Not well integrated Slow to learn Feel nervous using Lots to learn |
- Basic placement
- Library
- Schematics
- Automated footprint tool
- Difficulty finding features
- The list goes on to the break of dawn