Upon launching Circuit Maker 2000 for the first time, a dialog box displayed a unique (usually a 10- to 12-digit numeric string generated based on your hard drive's volume ID or system clock). You were required to call a toll-free number (or fax a form) with that Installation Number. In return, Protel would provide the Access Code that unlocked the software.
This article is for educational and historical purposes only. Always respect software licensing. Circuit Maker 2000 is considered abandonware, but Altium holds the rights. If you need to use the software commercially, contact Altium to inquire about legacy licensing. Circuit Maker 2000 Access Code
| Software | Cost | Key Feature | Learning Curve | | -------- | --------- | ------------------------------------------ | -------------- | | | Free (GPL) | Professional PCB layouts, 3D viewer, no limits | Moderate | | EasyEDA | Free (online) | Integrated with JLCPCB, huge user library | Beginner | | LTspice | Free | Best-in-class analog simulation (from ADI) | Moderate | | Altium Designer | $$$ (subscription) | Professional, direct descendant of Circuit Maker | Steep | Upon launching Circuit Maker 2000 for the first
In the late 1990s and early 2000s, the landscape of electronic design automation (EDA) was vastly different from today. Before cloud-based tools like EasyEDA or open-source giants like KiCad dominated the hobbyist space, there was Circuit Maker 2000 . This article is for educational and historical purposes only
For a generation of students, hobbyists, and entry-level engineers, Circuit Maker 2000 (often abbreviated as CM2000) was the gateway into PCB design and schematic capture. It was powerful, intuitive, and—most importantly for many—accessible. However, one hurdle stood between a fresh installation and a fully functional workspace: .