Configuring PCB Fill Object Properties in Altium Designer

Now reading version 19.1. For the latest, read: Configuring PCB Fill Object Properties in Altium Designer for version 21
 

Parent page: Fill

PCB Editor object properties are definable options that specify the visual style, content and behavior of the placed object. The property settings for each type of object are defined in two different ways:

  • Pre-placement settings – most Fill object properties, or those that can logically be pre-defined, are available as editable default settings on the PCB Editor - Defaults page of the Preferences dialog (access from the  button at the top-right of the workspace). Select the object in the Primitive List to reveal its options on the right.
  • Post-placement settings – all Fill object properties are available for editing in the Properties panel when a placed Fill is selected in the workspace.

The Fill default settings in the Preferences dialog and the Fill mode of the Properties panel    The Fill default settings in the Preferences dialog and the Fill mode of the Properties panel

In the below properties listing, options that are not available as default settings in the Preferences dialog are noted as "Properties panel only".

Net (Properties panel only)

  • Net - if the fill is a copper object, choose a Net for the fill. All Nets in the current project are listed in the drop-down list.
  • Net Class - displays the net class. This field is dependent upon the net selected in the Net field and is not editable.
  • Net Length - displays the net length. This field is dependent upon the net selected in the Net field and is not editable.

Location (Properties panel only)

The  icon to the right of this region must be displayed as  (unlocked) in order to access the below fields. Toggle the lock/unlock icon to change its lock status. 
  • (X/Y) 
    • X (first field) - the current X (horizontal) coordinate of the reference point of the fill, relative to the current workspace origin. Edit to change the X position of the fill. The value can be entered in either metric or imperial, include the units when entering a value whose units are not the current default. 
    • Y (second field) - The current Y (vertical) coordinate of the reference point of the fill, relative to the current origin. Edit to change the Y position of the fill. The value can be entered in either metric or imperial, include the units when entering a value whose units are not the current default. 
  • Rotation - the fill's angle of rotation (in degrees), measured counterclockwise from zero (the 3 o'clock horizontal). Edit to change the rotation of the fill. Minimum angular resolution is 0.001°.

Properties

  • Layer - the layer on which the fill is placed. Fills can be placed on any layer other than the system layers. Use the drop-down to select a different layer.
  • Length - displays the length.
  • Width - displays the width.
  • Paste Mask Expansion
    • Rule/Manual - select the desired paste mask expansion configuration. When Manual is selected, you can enable and enter the desired measurement.
  • Solder Mask Expansion
    • Rule/Manual - select the desired solder mask expansion configuration. When Manual is selected, you can enable and enter the desired measurement.
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Note

The features available depend on your Altium product access level. Compare features included in the various levels of Altium Designer Software Subscription and functionality delivered through applications provided by the Altium 365 platform.

If you don’t see a discussed feature in your software, contact Altium Sales to find out more.

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