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Hardware: Tools & Software

Starting a hardware project can feel overwhelming. There's unfamiliar terminology, tools you've never used, and decisions you don't know how to make yet. That's normal. This page covers what software to use and how to pick between your options.

Search it up

The single most important skill in hardware: search it up. If you are stuck, there is almost certainly a forum post, tutorial, or datasheet that answers your question. Get comfortable searching before asking.

AI usage is allowed, but keep it polished

HC AI and other AI tools are fine for help. They are not fine for dumping a generated design on us. Your submission must be a project you understand, with obvious polish, testing, and your own iteration on top. Heavy unpolished AI usage will be rejected. That includes unreviewed generated schematics or CAD, copy-pasted output, and AI-written journals. When in doubt, rework it in your own words. Journals must always be written by you, never by AI.

Online vs. Desktop: Which should I pick?

For both CAD and PCB design, you have a choice between browser-based tools and desktop apps. Neither is wrong. Here's how to decide:

Use browser-based tools if:

  • Your computer is older or low on storage
  • You're on a Chromebook or shared computer
  • You want to start immediately without installing anything
  • You're just getting started and want the easiest option

Use desktop apps if:

  • Your computer can handle it (8GB+ RAM, decent CPU)
  • You want more powerful features and better performance
  • You're planning to do this long-term
  • You want professional-grade tools used in industry

Desktop apps are generally more capable, but browser tools are perfectly fine for most projects. Don't let your computer hold you back from starting.

3D Modeling / CAD Software

If your project involves designing a physical enclosure, case, or any 3D-printed parts, you need CAD software.

Onshape Browser-based
Runs entirely in the browser, so it works on any computer, even a Chromebook. Easier to learn, has great sharing features, and is free for hobbyists and students. A good place to start if you've never done CAD before.
Autodesk Fusion Desktop app
A desktop app that handles complex models better and runs smoother for large projects. Heavier on your computer (needs a decent GPU and RAM). Free for students. If your computer can handle it, Fusion is the more powerful option.

PCB Design Software

If your project involves a custom circuit board, you'll need PCB design software.

EasyEDA Browser-based
Runs in the browser, beginner-friendly, and great for getting started. Integrated with LCSC/JLCPCB for ordering parts and boards. Can be limiting for more complex projects, but perfectly fine for your first few PCBs. Our USB Hub guide uses EasyEDA.
KiCad Desktop app
Open source, professional-grade, and used in industry. Works for intro projects all the way up to complex multi-layer boards. Steeper learning curve, but no limits on what you can design. If your computer has the space and you're willing to invest the time to learn, KiCad is the better long-term choice. Free.

Finding Inspiration

If you're not sure what to build, start with our own guided projects. They walk you through a real build end-to-end, so you can follow along and then remix it into your own thing.

Check out the Guides
→

Step-by-step walkthroughs for HTML websites, USB hub PCBs, hosting, and more. Start with one, then build your own twist.

Still stuck? These outside resources are full of creative hardware builds:

  • Adafruit Learn has incredible guides for all skill levels. Their tutorials walk you through entire projects step by step.
  • Hackaday showcases creative hardware projects from around the world, including some by Hack Clubbers.
  • Instructables has a huge range of DIY projects across electronics, 3D printing, woodworking, and more.
  • Printables has 3D models you can use as a starting point for your own designs.

Actually Building It

Once you've designed your project, you need to actually build it. A few resources:

  • Ask in #macondo on the Hack Club Slack. People there have built all kinds of stuff.
  • Check out hwdocs.hackclub.dev for hardware-specific documentation written by Hack Clubbers.
Tip

When you get stuck, search it up first. Datasheets, forum posts, YouTube teardowns. If that does not answer it, ask on Slack. Nobody expects you to know everything already.

Next up: Now that you have your tools, learn how to write good journals to document your progress. Then check out the guided projects to start building.

←What to BuildGood Journaling→