Fritzing
Berlin open-source hardware initiative with breadboard view and Fritzing Fab board service
Key data
| Company | Fritzing GmbH |
|---|---|
| Category | PCB Design Software |
| Headquarters | Berlin, Germany |
| Founded | Not stated |
| EU Presence | Yes - Germany (EU) |
| Data Location | not stated on the pages we read |
| Open Source | Open source (licence not stated on the pages we read) |
| GDPR Compliant | Yes |
| Self-Hosting | Desktop installation |
| Main Features | Prototype documentation, schematic and PCB layout, parts library, community projects, Fritzing Fab manufacturing |
| Pricing | Not shown on the pages we read; Fritzing Fab prices not read |
| Best For | Makers, teachers and students who document prototypes and order simple boards |
| Replaces | Autodesk EAGLE, Altium Designer |
Review in detail
Fritzing is an open-source hardware initiative run by Fritzing GmbH, Zionskirchstrasse 20, 10119 Berlin. The imprint names Kjell Morgenstern as managing director and lists the register entry HRB 172704 B at Amtsgericht Berlin-Charlottenburg.
The initiative offers a software tool, a community website and services, in the spirit of Processing and Arduino. Version 1.0.8 was released on 12 August 2026.
What the Fritzing tool is meant for
Fritzing describes its aim as making electronics accessible as a creative material. Users document prototypes, share them, teach electronics in a classroom and lay out professional PCBs.
The community site hosts projects, parts and a forum.
Fritzing Fab and board production
Fritzing Fab turns a circuit into a custom-made PCB. The homepage calls it easy and inexpensive; we did not read prices.
Fritzing releases arrive about once or twice a year, based on the release list on the site.
Fritzing as a European alternative to Altium Designer
Fritzing fits Altium Designer users only for small, educational or prototype work. It runs on Windows, macOS and Linux.
The contracting entity is a German GmbH with published register data.
Known limits
Fritzing targets makers and teaching, and the pages we read describe no high-speed routing, rule-driven design or team workflow. Software price and licence text were not on the pages we read. For professional layout see Pulsonix.
Is Fritzing right for you?
Teachers, students and makers who want to document a prototype and send a simple board to production.
What works, what does not
Pros
- German GmbH with register data
- Windows, macOS and Linux
- Community projects and parts
- Board manufacturing service
- Regular releases
Cons
- Maker focus, not professional design
- Licence and price not on the pages read
- No high-speed features described
- Fritzing Fab prices not read
Pros and Cons
Pros
- German GmbH with register data
- Windows, macOS and Linux
- Community projects and parts
- Board manufacturing service
- Regular releases
Cons
- Maker focus, not professional design
- Licence and price not on the pages read
- No high-speed features described
- Fritzing Fab prices not read
Alternatives to Fritzing
More European pcb design software you can weigh against it:
See all European pcb design software or compare them directly against Autodesk EAGLE on our alternatives page.
Questions buyers ask
Fritzing GmbH in Berlin, registered as HRB 172704 B at Amtsgericht Berlin-Charlottenburg.
Windows, macOS and Linux.
Only for small or educational projects. The pages we read describe a maker-oriented tool, not high-speed or team design.