Altium 365 introduces several paradigm-shifting features that differentiate it from traditional file-based workflows.
One of the biggest headaches in product development is the "silo" between electrical engineers (ECAD) and mechanical engineers (MCAD). Typically, an engineer exports a STEP file, emails it to the mechanical team, and waits for feedback on whether the board fits the enclosure.
Altium 365 integrates directly with mechanical CAD tools like SOLIDWORKS, Autodesk Inventor, and PTC Creo. Mechanical engineers can pull the PCB shape and component heights directly from the cloud, design the enclosure, and push the board outline back to the electrical engineer. This bi-directional workflow eliminates file translation errors and ensures the board fits the case on the first try.
The true power of Altium 365 is visible in how it changes the traditional workflow.
Not everyone in a company needs—or knows how to use—expensive PCB design software. Altium 365 solves this by offering a powerful web-based viewer. Project managers, procurement officers, and executives can view schematics, inspect the 3D PCB layout, and comment on specific nets or components directly in their web browser. They can even run design rule checks (DRC) without installing a single piece of software.
In the modern electronics industry, the Printed Circuit Board (PCB) is the silent, intricate heartbeat of virtually every device, from smartphones to medical implants. Yet, for decades, the process of designing these critical components has remained paradoxically isolated. Engineers have labored on local workstations, wrestling with version control issues, siloed data, and cumbersome file-based collaboration. Altium 365 emerges as a definitive answer to this challenge. More than just a software update or a cloud storage locker, Altium 365 is a transformative cloud-based platform that redefines the entire electronics design ecosystem, unifying PCB design, data management, and real-time collaboration into a single, secure environment.
Enter , a cloud-based platform designed to solve these age-old problems. But what exactly is it, and why has it become a central pillar in the Altium ecosystem?
Altium 365 is a cloud-based platform developed by Altium, a leading provider of electronic design automation (EDA) software. Launched in 2020, Altium 365 aims to revolutionize the way electronics designers and manufacturers work together by providing a secure, scalable, and intuitive platform for collaboration and data management.
Furthermore, Altium 365 acts as a powerful supply chain intelligence hub. In an era of unprecedented component shortages, this feature is not a luxury but a necessity. The platform integrates real-time pricing and availability data from major distributors directly into the design environment. As an engineer selects a resistor or a microcontroller, Altium 365 can instantly flag long lead times, end-of-life (EOL) notices, or cost-effective alternatives. This capability shifts supply chain management from a post-design crisis to a proactive, design-stage discipline, preventing costly redesigns when a critical part becomes unobtainable. The ability to share "design projects" with manufacturers also extends to Bill of Materials (BOM) management, allowing fabrication houses to confirm parts availability before a single board is produced.
What is Altium 365? The Cloud Bridge for PCB Design In the world of electronics development, the "silo" is the enemy of progress. Engineers design in one tool, procurement uses another, and manufacturers wait for a ZIP file of Gerbers that might already be outdated. Altium 365 is the world’s first cloud-based platform for PCB design and realization. It acts as a digital bridge, connecting everyone involved in the electronics product development lifecycle—from designers and mechanical engineers to procurement and manufacturing partners. Altium +2 Key Pillars of Altium 365 Altium 365 isn't just a "storage folder" in the cloud; it’s a living infrastructure that integrates directly into the software you already use. Integrated Version Control
When a designer places a component, Altium 365 automatically links to live supply chain data. It can tell you instantly if a part is obsolete, if there is a shortage, or what the current pricing is. This prevents "designing in" parts that cannot be purchased.