PCB Layout Query Functions in Altium Designer

Now reading version 23. For the latest, read: PCB Layout Query Functions in Altium Designer for version 25

PCB query functions shown in the Query Helper dialog
PCB query functions shown in the Query Helper dialog

Underlying Altium Designer's schematic and PCB editors is a powerful query engine. By entering queries into this engine, you can logically scope precisely those objects you require.

A query is a string you enter using specific keywords and syntax, which will return the targeted objects. There are many keywords available, allowing you to target objects by their type, their properties, or both.

For a detailed overview of using the query language, see Working with the Query Language.

The reference pages listed below detail the query language keywords available in PCB and PCB library documents in Altium Designer.

  • For help on a specific query keyword, you can highlight (or click inside) any given keyword - in the Query Helper, a Filter panel, or the Query field of a PCB design rule - and press F1 to access its section right away.
  • Learn more about the schematic editor query language keywords.
If you find an issue, select the text/image and pressCtrl + Enterto send us your feedback.
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.