Create presentation images from selected OrCAD 3D Canvas views.
Begin with one clean PNG or JPEG captured from the selected 3D Canvas view. Page media shows general RENDERCAD examples and an Onshape motion example, not OrCAD footage, board data, interface screens, or native output.
Cadence now markets the familiar PCB Editor interface as OrCAD X PCB Layout Expert. In 3D Canvas, a board can be viewed with assigned package models and surrounding mechanical geometry. The resulting angle can clarify outline, part profiles, edge connectors, fastener locations, shields, and rigid-flex bends. What is available varies with software version, product tier, licensing, libraries, and model coverage.
Use this workflow after the board view is ready to explain one physical point to someone who will not open the design database. A top view can show placement and board shape. An angled view can reveal connector access, component height, shielding, or mounting features. A close view can focus on an enclosure interface or crowded mechanical area.
RENDERCAD can give that capture a cleaner background, stronger hierarchy, more deliberate lighting, or a product-oriented finish. Use the result in a hardware review, supplier presentation, product brief, documentation cover, training page, or stakeholder update. Keep layout, component mapping, constraints, clearances, and manufacturing decisions in the Cadence workflow.
Open the relevant design in OrCAD X PCB Layout Expert and prepare 3D Canvas around one question. Confirm the important packages have suitable models and orientations. Set the camera, board or enclosure visibility, and, where supported, the rigid-flex position so connectors, mounting points, tall parts, shields, or mechanical interfaces remain easy to recognize.
Remove selection highlighting, panels, measurements, and temporary review marks that distract from the image. Capture a clean PNG or JPEG, then upload that flat image with one presentation goal. Compare each result with the original capture. Return to Cadence tools for changes to layout, models, constraints, clearances, electrical design, documentation, or fabrication data.
This general RENDERCAD motion example uses an Onshape model, not OrCAD PCB Editor. Generated motion begins with one image and does not use the board database, package models, constraints, 3D Canvas camera, or enclosure data.
Mark part of the presentation image and request a change to its color, finish, lighting, background, or emphasis. This edits pixels rather than PCB objects, package models, layers, nets, constraints, or clearances.
Try another image model for a neutral technical view, polished product image, supplier slide, or documentation style. Compare each result with the 3D Canvas capture because component shapes, labels, traces, and mechanical relationships can drift.
| Feature | RENDERCAD | OrCAD X PCB Layout Expert (existing PCB Editor interface) |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | Generative image models | PCB layout and interactive 3D board review using available package and mechanical models |
| Output | Presentation images + optional generated video | Board design data, reports, and fabrication or assembly deliverables according to the configured Cadence workflow |
| Resolution | HD / 4K | The presentation handoff is set by the prepared viewport and capture dimensions |
| Image Speed | About 60 seconds | Interactive 3D view performance depends on board complexity, loaded models, display settings, and workstation |
| Optional motion | Generated image-to-video | 3D Canvas navigation is interactive; RENDERCAD motion is a separate flat-image workflow |
| Scene Set Up | Flat PNG or JPEG + prompt | Board design with footprints, stackup, available 3D models, mechanical context, visibility choices, and camera state |
| Input | One PNG or JPEG | OrCAD PCB Editor design data, libraries, and available component or mechanical models |
| Hardware | Cloud processing | 64-bit Windows desktop systems supported by the installed OrCAD X release |
| Install | Web app | Local OrCAD X installation with the required tier, licenses, libraries, and graphics support |
| Cost | From $9/mo | Cadence licensing and included capabilities depend on the purchased OrCAD X tier and options |
OrCAD X holds the board, loaded models, constraints, and engineering state. RENDERCAD interprets one flattened PNG or JPEG and creates separate presentation imagery.
Choose a top, angled, or close view around one hardware question. Show enough board and enclosure context to explain the relationship, then remove interface panels, selections, measurements, and temporary display clutter.
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RENDERCAD™
Capture the selected 3D Canvas region with the desktop app or upload an existing PNG or JPEG in the browser. RENDERCAD receives visible pixels rather than OrCAD design data or component models.
Get StartedOrCAD X PCB Layout Expert naming, 3D Canvas, and image workflow
Cadence currently calls the established interface OrCAD X PCB Layout Expert and distinguishes it from the newer OrCAD X PCB Layout interface. PCB Editor remains useful context for people familiar with the earlier naming.
No. Cadence offers Standard, Professional, and Professional Plus tiers. Advanced automation, rigid-flex, high-speed, collision, and clearance capabilities vary by tier, license, and release. Those features are not enabled for every user.
Cadence describes 3D Canvas, or 3DX, as a way to move between 2D and 3D board views. Depending on licenses and loaded model data, it can support visual collision, clearance, and rigid-flex review.
Confirm the visible board outline, component placement, connector orientation, and loaded 3D models against the design. If enclosure context is shown, verify that it is current. Then choose one view that communicates the physical point clearly.
Use a top view for placement and board shape, an angled view for height and connector access, or a close view for a mechanical interface. Choose one angle that answers the review question without hiding important context.
No. Use it to communicate the selected visual state. Confirm package placement, enclosure fit, rigid-flex behavior, spacing, design rules, electrical behavior, fabrication details, and manufacturing readiness in the appropriate engineering workflow.
No. It receives one flat PNG or JPEG. The board database, nets, rules, stackup, footprints, component metadata, loaded models, clearances, DRC or DFM results, NC data, ODB++, and IPC-2581 files do not transfer.
No. RENDERCAD motion starts from one flat image and has no board structure, package models, hidden geometry, constraints, or saved camera path. Review newly revealed details carefully between frames.