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If you aren't careful, your Macro list can become a disorganized mess.
Sprint-Layout 6.0 ships with a pre-installed library, but it is somewhat basic. The real power comes from the community and your own builds.
The "Sprint-Layout 6.0" Community Repositories One of the reasons this version remains so popular is the massive dump of user-created macros available online. Enthusiasts have created macros for almost every common component:
If you are still using 6.0, search for "Sprint Layout 6 Macro Library download." You will find .lay6 files or .lmk files that contain hundreds of pre-made parts.
Macros in Sprint Layout 6.0 may seem simple, but they are one of the most powerful productivity features in the software. Whether you are a hobbyist building one-off boards or a professional handling multiple variants of a design, learning to create, organize, and insert macros will transform your workflow.
Next step: Spend 30 minutes creating macros for every custom component you’ve used in the past year. You’ll thank yourself on your next project.
Sprint Layout 6.0 is available from Abacom (Germany). Macros are supported in all versions 4.0 and later.
In Sprint-Layout 6.0, macros are essentially pre-designed templates for electronic components (like resistors, transistors, or ICs) that you can drag and drop onto your PCB layout. These small binary files act as a library of reusable "footprints," saving you from having to draw every pad and silk screen outline from scratch. Key Features of Macros Macros Sprint Layout 6.0
Vast Libraries: Standard versions often include over 3,000 to 4,600 macros.
Structured Tree-View: Components are organized by type (e.g., Capacitors, Connectors) in a panel on the right side of the interface for quick access.
Interactive Placement: You can drag macros directly from the preview pane onto your board. Once placed, you can easily flip them to the top or bottom side of the board.
Component Definition: In version 6.0, macros can be defined as "components," allowing you to assign properties like names and values for better project management. How to Use and Manage Macros
Opening the Library: Click the library icon on the right toolbar to toggle the macro panel.
Adding Downloaded Macros: If you find community collections on sites like GitHub, simply extract the files into a new folder within the "Makros" directory of your Sprint-Layout installation. Creating Custom Macros:
Draw the component's footprint using standard pads and lines. If you aren't careful, your Macro list can
Use copper layers (C1/C2) for the pads and silk screen layers (S1/S2) for the outline.
Highlight all elements, then select File > Save as macro... to add it to your library. Common Community Sources Sprint-Layout 6.0
Sprint-Layout 6.0 are the building blocks of your PCB design, functioning as a library of pre-defined footprints for components like ICs, resistors, and transistors. They allow for rapid layout creation by dragging and dropping recurring elements directly onto your board. Instructables Managing the Macro Library
The macro library is located on the right side of the workspace and can be toggled on or off via the toolbar. www.vthoroe.dk Navigation
: Uses a structured tree-view where you can expand or collapse groups (like "SMD" or "Through-hole").
: Selecting a macro displays a footprint preview at the bottom of the library. drag-and-drop a macro from the preview window onto your design board. Component Data
: Double-clicking a macro in the library opens a dialog to pre-define identifiers and values, which are automatically applied whenever that macro is used. www.vthoroe.dk Creating Custom Macros If you are still using 6
If a specific component is missing, you can create your own custom footprint: www.vthoroe.dk Draw the Footprint
: Use the standard drawing tools (pads, tracks, silk screen) to create the component's geometry on the board. Select Elements
: Switch to edit mode and draw a frame around all the elements you just created. Group and Save Right-click and select to treat the elements as a single entity. Save as Macro button in the library panel or select
Unlike Eagle or KiCad, Sprint Layout does not have a "macro editor." To edit a macro, you must import it, modify it, and overwrite it.
To edit an existing macro:
Warning: If you change the reference point, previously placed instances on existing PCBs will not update. Only use this for new designs.
The Macros Sprint Layout 6.0 is designed to optimize workflow and enhance productivity within agile development environments. This layout offers a structured framework that teams can use to organize their sprints effectively, ensuring that all necessary components of a project are addressed within a set timeframe.